SATURDAY 12TH OF MAY 2018 AL-SURA TO AD-DHAHIRIYA

After passing through the rural areas surrounding As-Sur, the path to Adh-Dhahriya, leads through evergreen pine forests. It continues towards Khirbet Rabud, the only major Late Bronze Age archaeological site in the mountains around Hebron. At the end of the 19th century the area was inhabited again. The inhabitants made use of the caves for protection, at first temporary and then permanent residences. However, the Ottoman village of Rabud has been left to decay since 1970’s. Yet the ruins  are some of the best preserved examples of vernacular  architecture in the mountains around Hebron. The new village of Raboud is built nearby.

Later, a long portion of the trail passes through the picturesque Wadi Nar to reach Ad-Dhahriya. According to local tradition, Ad-Dhahriya  was founded in thirteenth century by the Mamluk ruler Al-Malik al-Dhahir Baibars, after whom the village was named. However, archaeological findings confirm that the site was inhabited before this time.  A well-conserved fortress from the Hellenistic or early Roman period is can also be found in the village. Nevertheless, Dhahriya’s historic core, with its narrow streets and small domed stone houses, is a well-preserved example of an architectural complex that dates to Ottoman times in Palestine. Before the houses were constructed, probably during the sixteenth or seventeenth century, the villagers used to live in caves that currently can be found beneath the old town

 

Walking distance: 13.5 km
Walking time: 5 - 7 hours
Difficulty: Difficult

 

Recommendations:

  • Lightweight walking boots
  • Walking poles
  • At least 3-4 liters of water and snacks for the walk
  • Sunscreen and a hat
  • Your camera

Included:

  • An experienced local hiking guide
  • Transportation from Beit Sahour and back

Beit Sahour Meeting point: in front of Beit Sahour Municipality 

Meeting time : 08.00 AM

Route

  1. East Jerusalem