
As-Sura to Adh-Dhahiriya
The stage reveals impressive ruins of ancient monasteries, shrines, presses and cisterns.
After passing through the rural areas surrounding As-Sura, 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 Adh-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, Adh-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.
Meet The People:
Photos of Hebron Region
As-Sura To Adh-dhahriyia
- Distance: 13.5 km
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Stage Logistics
For the hike take:
at least 3 liters of water
snack
adh-dahiriya can be reached from Hebron with a shared taxi for 8 NIS.
Remember about sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses)