Tomb of Samuel Archaeological Site

Address: Tomb of Samuel (identified with Nabi Samwil), near Nabi Samwil / Nebi Samuel, West Bank (approx. 31.8327°N, 35.1801°E)

Hours: Daylight hours (site open informally)

Admission: Free (access to hill and site)

The Tomb of Samuel is a hilltop shrine at Nabi Samwil in the West Bank traditionally identified with the biblical prophet Samuel. The site sits on a fortified hill and contains archaeological remains from multiple periods alongside active religious structures.

Visitors encounter the remains of a Crusader-era church and later masonry, as well as a mosque and associated shrine that serve local worshippers. The compound is used by multiple communities and has been a place of pilgrimage and commemoration since the medieval period.

Historically, the hill has been fortified and rebuilt repeatedly; Crusader, Byzantine, and later Muslim elements are visible in the fabric of the site. The traditional identification with the prophet Samuel dates from the medieval period rather than from direct archaeological evidence.

Nabi Samwil is located about 7-9 kilometres northwest of Jerusalem’s Old City on a prominent hill within the West Bank and is reachable by road from Jerusalem and adjacent towns.

• Panoramic views: The hilltop location offers panoramic views over western Jerusalem and the surrounding plain; the site is a useful viewpoint for city panoramas.

What to See#

• Crusader-era church remains: Remains of a Crusader-period church and later structures that occupy the summit level and form the visible archaeological remains at the site.
• Mosque and shrine: A functioning mosque and shrine area used for local worship, located within the same compound and visited by pilgrims and tourists.

The site is approximately 9 km north-west of Jerusalem’s Old City. From Jerusalem, buses and taxis go toward Ramallah with stops near Nabi Samwil; a short uphill walk reaches the complex from the main road.

• Go at sunset for a sweeping view that many guidebooks miss - Jerusalem's skyline and the rolling West Bank hills change color rapidly in late afternoon.
• Wear sturdy shoes for the rocky ascent; the site sits on a prominent limestone outcrop with uneven steps.
• Respect prayer areas and local traditions; the site is significant to multiple faiths and is sometimes used for services.