City Landmarks

Nabulsi Soap

Nabulsi soap or sabonnabulsi is a type of castile soap produced only in Nablus and made of three primary ingredients: olive oil, water, and a sodium compound. Since the 10th century, Nabulsi soap has enjoyed a reputation for being a fine product, and has been exported across the Arab world and Europe.

Efforts to preserve this important part of Palestinian and Nabulsi cultural heritage have continued as the number of soap factories continue to decline from thirty in the 19th century to only four today.

Jacob’s Well

The 35m deep well stands in the land which Jacob bought from Hanor for a “hundred pieces of silver” (Genesis 33:19). It is also the location where Jesus asked a Samaritan woman for water. The well has become an object of pilgrimages since then. The first church built on this site dates back to the end of the 4th century. The well inside the church, forms the centerpiece of the crypt beneath the high altar. In the 12th century, the Crusaders constructed a new church on the Byzantine foundations. Today, the existing church which lies six meters below ground level is owned by the Orthodox Church.

Mount Gerizim – The Samaritans

Mount Gerizim rises over 500 meters above the ancient city of Flavia Neapolis (Nablus). The mountain is a special place of sanctity for the only remaining Samaritan community, custodians of the most ancient religious tradition in Palestine and indeed the entire Middle East. Just beyond the plateau, a pathway leads to Tel Er-Ras, where a Samaritan temple was built during the Hellenistic period.

Sebastia Village

Around 12 km northwest of Nablus up on the scenic slopes of the Nablus hills stands the village of Sebastia, the site of the ancient city of Samaria. On top of the hill, the remains of an Iron Age City are found. Inside the village lies a 12th century Crusader’s Church, which was converted into a mosque with a chamber containing two tombs. The head of John the Baptist is believed to be buried here.

Tell Balata

The village of Balata, a suburb of Nablus lies on the Tell Balata hill. The houses of the village occupy nearly one third of the Hill. Excavations have uncovered an extensive collection of archeological remains indicating that it was first settled during the 5th century BC. The hill itself includes an abundance of architectural elements such as the city walls and several entrance complexes.

Old Market

In the heart of Nablus lies the old city, composed of six major quarters: Yasmina, Gharb, Qaryun, Aqaba, Qaysariyya and Habala. The area of the Old City is densely populated. There are two Turkish Baths (hamaams), souqs, pottery and textile workshops. There are also numerous historic monuments such as the Khan al-Tujjar and the Manara Clock Tower.

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