The Wonders of Jericho: Exploring the Oldest Continuously Inhabited City on Earth
- Sagi Haim Levy
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
Plunging nearly 260 meters below sea level into the sun-drenched expanses of the Jordan Valley lies Jericho, a legendary desert oasis with an identity that defies the boundaries of time. Widely recognized by archaeologists as the oldest continuously inhabited city on Earth, with roots stretching back over 11,000 years, Jericho is a place where human civilization truly took its very first steps.
Fed by abundant natural mountain springs, this fertile valley rises out of the surrounding wilderness as a lush canopy of date palms and banana plantations. For travelers based in Jerusalem, a journey down the winding Judean desert roads to Jericho offers a profound encounter with the dawn of human history, iconic biblical miracles, and breathtaking architectural masterpieces.
Visitor Info - Jericho
Opening Hours: Major archaeological parks such as Tel es-Sultan and Hisham’s Palace are open daily from 08:00 – 16:00 (hours can extend until 18:00 during the peak summer season). The famous Monastery of Temptation perched on the cliffside welcomes visitors Monday–Saturday from 09:00 – 16:00 (Closed Sundays).
Tickets: Entry to Tel es-Sultan is approximately 10 NIS, while admission to the beautifully restored Hisham's Palace complex is 20 NIS. For the ultimate experience, the panoramic Jericho Cable Car up to the cliffside monastery costs approximately 60 NIS for a round-trip ticket.
Top Tip: Always carry your passport! Jericho is situated within Area A of the West Bank and is managed by the Palestinian Authority, meaning you will pass through an official checkpoint when traveling from Jerusalem. The climate here is intensely hot and arid year-round; always dress in lightweight clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat, and carry a minimum of 2 liters of water. To fully experience the city's flavors, pick up a box of locally grown Medjool dates—they are globally renowned as the sweet, rich gold of the Jericho oasis!
Maps: Click here for more info and directions via Google Maps
Why Jericho Captivates Travelers: What Makes It So Special?
What makes Jericho an absolute magnet for adventurers, history buffs, and spiritual pilgrims is its staggering, unparalleled historical depth. Long before the pyramids of Egypt were conceived or the empires of Rome and Greece rose to power, prehistoric communities were already building stone defensive walls and monumental towers right here in this valley.
Beyond its prehistoric fame, Jericho operates as a major stage for some of the most dramatic events in biblical history. It is the very first city encountered by Joshua and the Israelites as they crossed the Jordan River, it is the backdrop for the prophetic miracles of Elijah and Elisha, and it is the sacred landscape where Jesus spent 40 days fasting in the wilderness. Coming to Jericho means standing at the geographic crossroads of the ancient world, experiencing a vibrant Levantine desert culture, and feeling the profound energy of a city that has watched the entire story of humanity unfold.
Places of Interest in Jericho
When uncovering the mysteries of this ancient valley, make sure these five spectacular sights are anchored in your private tour:
1. Tel es-Sultan (Ancient Jericho) This unassuming archaeological mound is the literal birthplace of the city and a newly designated UNESCO World Heritage site. Excavations here have uncovered more than 23 layers of ancient civilizations stacked directly on top of one another.
What to look for: Look deep into the excavation trenches to see the remains of the Stone Tower of Jericho, a monumental Neolithic structure dating back to 8000 BCE, making it one of the oldest man-made stone monuments in existence.
2. Hisham’s Palace (Khirbat al-Mafjar) Located just north of the city center, this architectural jewel showcases the peak of 8th-century Umayyad royal luxury. Originally built as a spectacular winter hunting retreat for the Caliph, the palace grounds feature sprawling columns, thermal bathhouses, and sophisticated pavilions.
Highlight: The palace houses the world-famous "Tree of Life" mosaic, an exquisite, completely intact masterpiece of early Islamic art depicting two deer grazing peacefully beneath a pomegranate tree while a lion attacks a third deer, symbolizing peace and war.
3. The Mount of Temptation and Monastery of Deir al-Quruntul Clinging precariously to the sheer rock face of a mountain overlooking the oasis is this Greek Orthodox monastery. Christian tradition marks this cliffside as the exact location where Jesus retreated into the desert to fast for 40 days and nights while resisting the temptations of Satan.
The Experience: Step into the cable car at the base of the mountain for a scenic ride over the valley, then walk up the final stone steps to explore the quiet, candle-lit chapels built directly into the natural mountain caves.
4. The Sycamore Tree of Zacchaeus Situated in the heart of modern Jericho is a magnificent, gnarled sycamore tree estimated to be roughly 2,000 years old. According to the Gospel of Luke, this is the traditional tree climbed by the wealthy chief tax collector, Zacchaeus, just to catch a glimpse of Jesus walking through the crowds.
Top Tip: The tree is beautifully preserved inside a peaceful garden complex, offering a perfect, shady spot to rest and reflect on the city's deep New Testament history.
5. Qasr al-Yahud (The Jordan River Baptism Site) Located just a short drive east of the city center where the desert meets the water, this sacred site on the Jordan River is recognized as the traditional spot where John the Baptist baptized Jesus. It is also historically linked to the location where the ancient Israelites finally crossed into the Promised Land.
The Custom: You can stand right at the water's edge to watch white-robed pilgrims from around the world submerge themselves in the muddy, historic currents of the holy river.
5 Fascinating Facts About Jericho
To deepen your appreciation for this timeless geographic marvel, here are 10 incredible facts about Jericho:
The Lowest City on Earth: Perched deep within the Great Rift Valley, Jericho holds the record as the lowest permanently inhabited city on the planet.
The City of Palms: Throughout the Bible, Jericho is repeatedly given the beautiful honorary title of "The City of Palm Trees" due to its lush green canopy standing out against the barren desert.
The Miracle Spring: The oasis owes its entire 11,000-year survival to a single, incredibly powerful natural spring known as Ein as-Sultan (Elisha's Spring), which pumps out thousands of liters of fresh water every single minute.
Joshua's Trumpets: According to the biblical Book of Joshua, the formidable early walls of Jericho collapsed miraculously after the Israelite priests marched around them seven times blowing ram's horns (Shofars).
The World's Longest Cable Car System: The Jericho Cable Car holds a distinct place in Guinness World Records as the longest cable car line built entirely below sea level.
Pair Your Visit: Expand the Discovery
The Old City of Jerusalem: Since Bethlehem sits right on its southern border, you can easily trace the footsteps of history by connecting your trip with a walk along the Via Dolorosa or the Western Wall.
Mount of Olives Viewpoint: To understand the geographic relationship between these two biblical cities, take in the panoramic skyline from Jerusalem's premier ridge before heading south.
Malha Mall: For a quick transition from the 1st century to the 21st century for lunch and shopping.
Kennedy Memorial: Drive up the mountain for a panoramic view of the Refaim Valley you just explored.
Are you ready to descend into the sun-drenched Jordan Valley, stand before the oldest stone monuments on Earth, and experience the timeless magic of the Jericho oasis like a local? Let's design a flawless, secure, and deeply enriching private itinerary tailored to your exact pacing.
Join the thousands of pilgrims and history lovers who have journeyed across these ancient desert roads to discover the soul of the Holy Land through its sacred sights and timeless traditions.
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