Hisham's Palace Ruins

Address: Khirbat al-Mafjar (Hisham’s Palace), near Jericho

Hisham’s Palace, also known as Khirbat al-Mafjar, is an 8th-century Umayyad desert palace and archaeological site near Jericho in the Jordan Valley. It is noted for its elaborate mosaics, carved stucco decoration and extensive remains of residential and bathing buildings.

Visitors encounter mosaic pavements, the remains of a large bath complex and decorated audience areas, as well as fragments of painted and carved ornamentation. The site provides an example of Umayyad luxury architecture outside urban centres.

The palace was built in the early 8th century, traditionally associated with Caliph Hisham ibn Abd al-Malik, and was largely ruined by an earthquake in 749 CE. Excavations in the 20th century uncovered the mosaics and structural plan now visible at the open-air site.

The ruins sit in the Jordan Valley near the modern area of Jericho, set against the valley landscape.

• 8th-century Umayyad site: Constructed in the 8th century as an Umayyad desert palace complex and notable for its well-preserved mosaics and carved stucco.
• Earthquake damage: Severe earthquakes in the mid-8th century caused major destruction, preserving the site in a ruined but archaeologically rich state.

What to See#

• Bath complex: A large bath complex with underfloor heating and mosaic decoration that formed part of the palace’s private and public amenities.
• Audience hall and mosaics: Audience hall and adjacent rooms featuring mosaic floors including the celebrated ‘Tree of Life’ motif and decorative stucco fragments.
• Outer enclosure: Fortified outer enclosure with defensive towers and service structures that defined the palace precinct.

Hisham’s Palace is located in the Jordan Valley near Jericho; it is accessible by road from Jericho and on day trips from Jerusalem (allowing for border and access arrangements). Local taxis or organised tours commonly include the site in regional itineraries.

• Wear sun protection and bring water-Hisham's Palace is in an exposed valley and the site has limited shade.
• Look for the finely detailed Umayyad-era mosaic panels and the famous 'tree of life' palace plan-guidebooks and on-site signage help identify key fragments.
• Combine a visit with nearby Jericho sites to frame the early Islamic and Byzantine histories of the Jordan Valley.