A Visit to Hisham's Palace in Jericho

Courtyard of Hisham's Palace

Yesterday, we followed our outing in the Wilderness with a visit to Jericho for lunch and a long overdue exploration of Hisham's Palace.  Brenda had visited years ago, but I had never been.  If you have an extra forty-five minutes in the itinerary, the palace is worth the time and effort.

The palace was built between 743 - 744 A. D. only to be destroyed by an earthquake in 749.  The site is comprised of the palace with expansive courtyard, the bath complex and two mosques.  Two models will assist you in "seeing the palace in its splendor."  A video is also available (15 minutes).

Without overstatement, the "Tree of Life" mosaic in the Diwan is worth the price of admission.  This small guest room contains benches on the side which must have attracted both the caliph and his visitors.

The Tree of Life