Tourist information about the city of Nablus

Nablus, also known as "Little Damascus" and "Mount of Fire," is one of the oldest and most beautiful cities in the Levant (Bilad al-Sham). It is a significant cultural, commercial, and scientific center in the State of Palestine. The city of Nablus is home to the prestigious An-Najah National University, one of the most important and largest universities in Palestine. Additionally, it houses the Palestine Stock Exchange, making it an important economic hub. Nablus is located about 50 kilometers north of Jerusalem, covering an area of approximately 28.6 square kilometers, with a population of over 214,903 people according to the 2016 census.

Name and History of Nablus:

Nablus is one of the oldest and most ancient human settlements in history. It is believed that the first human settlement in Nablus dates back over 5,600 years ago from today. The Canaanite Arabs settled in the city and founded a city they called "Shkem," which means the high place due to Nablus's elevated location. Shkem, now known as Nablus, became one of the most important and famous cities of the Canaanites. Throughout its history, Nablus endured wars and invasions. The ancient Egyptians occupied Nablus and included it in their kingdom. It witnessed significant conflicts between Jews and Canaanite Arabs, and the Jews succeeded in occupying Nablus and adding it to their kingdom of Judea. In the 3rd century BCE, Alexander the Great conducted a major campaign in the Levant, and Nablus came under his control. Later, the city was ruled by the Ptolemies and the Seleucids. When the Romans arrived, the city experienced a significant resurgence and was named for the first time "Neapolis," meaning the new city. The Romans began building facilities and landmarks throughout the city. With the beginning of the Islamic conquests, the army led by Amr ibn al-As captured the city, and its name was Arabized to Nablus, a name that has remained to this day. Subsequently, the Crusaders captured Nablus during their intensive campaigns, but Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi later recaptured the city, ushering in a new era of prosperity. In modern history, the Ottomans annexed Nablus to their empire along with other cities in Palestine before the British occupation seized the city from the Ottomans. Today, Nablus is one of the cities of the Palestinian Authority.

Climate of Nablus:

Nablus is known for its moderate Mediterranean climate, with most of the summer being hot and dry and winters being cold and rainy. The spring season is particularly delightful in the city, making it a recommended time to visit Nablus.

Tourist Attractions in Nablus:

• Old City of Nablus: Known for its distinctive architectural character, shaped by the various civilizations that have passed through it.
• Sama Nablus Park: A unique park located on Mount Ebal, offering stunning views of the entire Nablus province, and one of the best recreational places in Palestine.
• Jacob's Well: A 41-meter deep water well located within the Church of Jacob's Well, holding significant religious value and situated on the outskirts of Nablus.
• Church of Jacob's Well: Built on top of Jacob's Well by the order of Queen Helena, the mother of the Byzantine Emperor Constantine in the 4th century AD, the church carries the name of the same well for its religious importance.

These are some of the many places worth visiting in Nablus, showcasing the city's rich history, culture, and religious significance.