With Israel and the Palestinian territories constantly littering the media with turmoil and conflict, there is one remaining aspect of stability: the region’s wealth of beauty is undisturbed by the tension and well worth a visit for historians and admirers of the aesthetic alike. To get a taste for Palestine’s undeniable splendor, check out the places listed below, and you surely won’t be disappointed.
* Hisham’s PalaceHisham’s Palace was built between the years 720 and 750 AD. It is also known as Hirbet al-Mafjar, which roughly translates to “flower water ruins.” This enticing palace lies nestled in the desert and, though it takes its name from Hisham bin Abdel Malek, many have argued that its decor and structure are more suited to Hisham’s nephew and successor, Al-Walid bin Yazid. Walid led quite the playboy lifestyle, and his palace suited it, being used predominantly for luxury. For lovers of beauty, the mosaics in the palace are truly unmissable.
* Khan al-UmdanThe Khan is an 18th-century construction settled in the port of Acre. When built by Ahmed Al-Jazzar, it was separated into two floors. The first floor was used for the unloading of goods by merchants fresh from the sea, while the top floor housed the merchants overnight. Despite being built for practical purposes, the architectural beauty of the structure is undeniable. With cave-like sections lining the two floors, resting on rows of granite pillars, the Khan of Acre is quite a remarkable sight.
* Abraham MosqueOne of the oldest holy sites in the world The Abraham mosque, or the Ibrahimi mosque, is one of the most influential holy sites in the world. It is believed to be the burial site of Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Rebecca, and Leah. As such, its influence reaches all three of the major religions, being sacred to Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. However, its religious influence isn’t its only asset; the intimidatingly large mosque has an overwhelming intensity that is truly unforgettable. The interior is grand, ornate, and an impressive sight to say the least.
* Haram al-Sharif The Haram al-Sharif is revered by Jews and Muslims alike. For the Jews, the compound is believed to have been built over the ancient temple of Herod. For the Muslims, the site is home to the golden dome, called The Dome of the Rock, one of their most valued mosques. It is believed to be the place at which the prophet Muhammed ascended to heaven. The dome’s beauty is profound. It is banked by the Wailing Wall, where crowds gather daily, and stands out as a lone golden dome in the hustle and bustle of Jerusalem.
* HerodionAtop a truncated, cone-shaped hill, Herod the Great left his mark. In the Judaean Desert, a palace, fortress, and small town can be found, built between 15 and 23 AD. Excavations of the artificial hill, which is the peak of the Judaean Desert, revealed some remarkable discoveries. The ruins of Herodyon still remain and, like the fictitious city of Atlantis, have an unearthly quality to them. Imagining the construction of this incredible site is amazing enough, but witnessing it is almost overwhelming. Visitors will surely find themselves aghast at the fascinating ruins of this unique fortress.