Local limestone shaped the construction of the Old City of Hebron/Al-Khalil during the Mamluk period, from 1250 to 1517. The connection between local material and historical period offers a tangible way to explore the history of its architecture. The defining features of the Old City include the monumental Ibrahimi Mosque and Tomb of the Patriarchs complex, as well as souqs, khans, zawiyas, maqams, a takiyya, hammams, traditional quarters and hosh courtyards.

Routes to the Old City and Mosque

Established in 2018, the Al Emar Tourism Route takes visitors from the entrance to the Old City to the Ibrahimi Mosque. Hadiqat Al-Sadaqa (Friendship Garden) is part of the route, which ends at the mosque. The garden is therefore a stop along the way, not the final destination. Check local conditions before visiting.

A sightseeing tour of Hebron’s historic and architectural landmarks begins at Natsheh Press. The historic souq, also known as the Al-Kasbah quarter, is one of the stops on this tour. The routes can thus be distinguished by their different points of reference: the Al Emar Tourism Route identifies the Old City entrance and the mosque as its starting point and destination, while the sightseeing tour begins at Natsheh Press and includes the souq.

Old City Heritage and Religious Significance

The Ibrahimi Mosque and Tomb of the Patriarchs complex became a pilgrimage site for Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Alongside its architecture, its religious significance is another important way to explore Hebron’s heritage. However, the Old City is defined by more than this monumental complex: it also includes souqs, khans, zawiyas, maqams, a takiyya, hammams, traditional quarters and hosh courtyards.

Museums and Crafts

The Old Hebron Museum consists of five main rooms, each addressing a specific aspect of the city. The fifth room displays examples of traditional crafts from the Old City: pottery, glasswork, ceramics, weaving and embroidery. The layout offers a thematic way to explore the city’s history, while the fifth room brings together different forms of craftsmanship.

At Iqnaibi Press, products, antiques, traditional tools and Palestinian costumes make up a small folk museum. Its focus is on the objects on display and the way the press presents them. Unlike the five thematically organized rooms of the Old Hebron Museum, this offers a look at a specific collection of products and everyday objects.

The Hammam Ibrahim al-Khalil is located near the destination. It was extensively restored in 2015 and converted into a visitor center with a small museum. Antiquities collected at the site and in the surrounding area are displayed there. This adds another place to the Old City’s offerings, with a collection of antiquities from Hebron and its surroundings.

Glass workshops in Hebron also welcome visitors. Live demonstrations show how molten glass is transformed into intricate objects. This provides an insight into the production process alongside the exhibitions. Availability may vary between workshops.

Choose Your Stay’s Focus

If you are considering Hebron as an overnight destination, you can first decide what you would like to focus on: Old City heritage and the mosque complex, historic sites, or crafts and museum themes.

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