Palestine

Hisham's Palace/ Khirbet al-Mafjar

WHS Score 0.8 Votes 6 Average 1.0
Hisham's Palace comprises the remains of an Umayyad desert castle. The complex held a palace, a thermal bath, mosque and monumental fountain. It has mosaic floors, notably at the bath house and the floor of the audience hall.
>

Site Info

Official Information
Full Name
Hisham’s Palace/ Khirbet al-Mafjar (ID: 6546)
Country
Palestine
Status
Nominated 2026 Site history
History of Hisham's Palace/ Khirbet al-Mafjar
Criteria
Links
UNESCO
whc.unesco.org
All Links
UNESCO.org

Community Information

  • Community Category
  • Archaeological site: Near Eastern
  • Human activity: Agriculture
Travel Information
No travel information
Recent Connections
No connections… yet. Propose a connection.
News

No news.

Recent Visitors
Reserved for members.

Community Reviews

Show full reviews
First published: 03/05/23.

Nan

Hisham's Palace/ Khirbet Al-Mafjar

Hisham's Palace/ Khirbet al-Mafjar (Nominated)

Hisham's Palace/ Khirbet al-Mafjar by Nan

The Umayyad dynasty was the 2nd Islamic dynasty, ruling from 661 to 750 AD. The dynasty was centred in Damascus, Syria, rather than Arabia. The Umayyad caliphs expanded their power throughout the Middle East, North Africa, and parts of Europe and Asia, becoming one of the most significant empires of their time. Hisham (724 to 743 AD) was one of the last Umayyad caliphs, and his reign saw the commissioning of some of the most impressive examples of Umayyad art and engineering, including Hisham's Palace in Jericho.

Hisham's Palace in Jericho is believed to have been a winter residence and features intricate mosaics, sophisticated hydraulic systems, and decorative frescoes. The palace was rediscovered by archaeologists in the early 20th century and has since undergone restoration, providing valuable insights into Umayyad culture. Today, the palace is open to visitors who can explore the ruins and appreciate the grandeur of Umayyad art and architecture.

One of the most remarkable features of Hisham's Palace is the "Tree of Life" mosaic, which is a symbol of spiritual growth and a testament to the cultural legacy of the Umayyad empire. The mosaic depicts a large tree with blooming flowers and birds perched on its branches, creating a stunning display of color and pattern. The other notable structure is a large stone rosette with a circular carving and intricate geometric and floral motifs. It is believed to be an authentic Umayyad-era element and is considered a significant example of Islamic art and architecture, symbolizing …

Keep reading 0 comments