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Ramallah
Ramallah's twin-town, al-Bireh, was first built by the
Canaanites around 3500 BC. According to Christian tradition, Joseph
and Mary were resting in al-Bireh on their way from Jerusalem to
Galilee when they discovered that Jesus was missing. A Crusader church,
known as the Church of the Holy Family, marks the spot where they stopped.
Places To Visit
Al-Bireh
Ramallah's twin-town, al-Bireh, was first built by the Canaanites around
3500 BC. According to Christian tradition, Joseph and Mary were resting
in al-Bireh on their way from Jerusalem to Galilee when they discovered
that Jesus was missing. A Crusader church, known as the Church of the Holy
Family, marks the spot where they stopped.
Beitin
Beitin is an ancient village located on the outskirts of al-Bireh.
Human life in Beitin dates back to prehistoric times and excavations
have uncovered flint tools, pottery and animal bones dating back to the 5th century BC. An old tower, known as the
tower of Beitin is believed to be the site where Abraham, on his way from
Hebron to Nablus, built an altar. It is also believed to be the site where
Jacob dreamt of a ladder reaching up to Heaven.
Beitin was a prosperous town during the Hellenistic, roman and Byzantine
periods. The remains of a Hellenistic tower and a Byzantine monastery are still visible
Nabi Samwil
Located 12-km southwest of Ramallah, Nabi Samwil is traditionally held
as the site of Prophet Samuel's Tomb. Holy to Christians, Muslims, and Jews, the site consists of a large turreted
building and a cellar with the cloth-covered tomb of
Samuel. The mountain top village, also called Nabi Samwil, is built
around a mosque whose minaret offers an extensive view of the hills of Jerusalem
Gibeon (Al-Jib)
Located a few kilometers north of Nabi Samwil, the picturesque
village of al-Jib is the site of the Biblical City of Gibeon. In the seventh
century, Gibeon was a prosperous wine-producing city. Excavations in the
area have uncovered 63 wine cellars, each capable of storing 42 large barrels
of wine.Other interesting excavations include a well-preserved ancient
water system.
Tell al-Nasbah
Located at the southern entrance of al-Bireh, Tal al-Nasbah is an important
Bronze Age site. Visible ruins include a gate dating back to the ninth century BC, a massive wall, the remains of a Byzantine
church, and an Ottoman Khan. Tell al-Nasbah is believed to be the site where Saul was crowned king.
Birzeit
Located 20 km north of Ramallah, Birzeit's fame is due to Birzeit
University. Founded in 1924, Birzeit is the largest and most important university in the West Bank.
Jifna
Located near Birzeit, Jifna is a small scenic village near Birzeit
that was once an important Roman-Byzantine city. Previously known as Gophna of Josephus, Jifna was a regional capital during the
first century AD. Today, Jifna is a popular summer resort, offering a variety of fine out-door restaurants, bars and coffee
shops.
Ein Kenya Nature Reserve
A beautiful nature reserve 7-km northwest of Ramallah, Ein Kenya is
named after its natural springs. A variety of wild
plants, birds, and animals make Ein Kenya a great place for walks,
picnics and hiking. |
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PALESTINE 
