Ramallah

Ramallah

Ramallah is the collective name for the two cities of "Ramallah" and "al-Bireh," towns in central Palestine that were formerly within Jordanian territory. Located near Jerusalem to the north and atop the Judaean Mountains at an elevation of 872 meters, Ramallah was established during the 12th century under occupation, while the city of al-Bireh has a history that dates back to the Canaanite era around 3500 BCE; it is mentioned multiple times in the Bible. Legend has it that the Virgin Mary rested here on her way back to Nazareth.

Ramallah features stone structures dating back to the time of Herod the Great, but no complete buildings predating the - period have survived. The Tell el-Mutesellim hill south of the city contains layered ancient settlement remains, possibly the site of biblical Mizpah. Some scholars believe that the Tell en-Nasbeh mound southwest of the city is the actual site of the ancient town. Ramallah is the economic, cultural, and commercial hub of Palestine. Surrounded by mountains and abundant springs, the area enjoys a cool and pleasant summer climate, with fertile lands in the surrounding region mainly producing olives and grapes. It is a renowned summer resort in the West Bank, often referred to as the "Bride of Palestine."