The Cluster of Ramallah
In the governorate of Ramallah and al-Bireh, there is a group of prestigious villages notable for their different vocations. They shed light on Palestinian reality and illustrate its great potentiality.
The elegant Aboud, with its precious antique monuments, bears witness to a pacific cohabitation across the ages of diverse communities. Aboud stands testimony to how Muslim, Christian Orthodox and Catholic relations have enriched the villages and the ways of living.
Deir Ammar, one of the villages composing the municipality of al-Ittihad, is committed to the recovery of the old traditions and buildings (i.e., palaces, districts, shrines) while continuously manifesting the beauty of the human and environmental landscape.
Bani Zeid shows a contrast between its agricultural vocation and the refinement of the palaces of two villages, namely Deir Ghassaneh and Beit Rima which compose the municipality.
ABOUD
THE PAINTED JEWEL OF CHRISTIAN AND ISLAMIC PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE
The elegant Ottoman town center and the astounding Aboud are the living expression of the peaceful and rich co-existence of the Muslim and Christian Orthodox and Catholic communities with their expressions of faith and spirituality that are different in the rites but similar in the spirit.
From the colonial impact exhibited in the façades of downtown houses, to the artistic ancient churches, Sufi and Hermit shrines and grottos, and imposing mosque of the high square, many elements contribute to the aura of this place. Aboud’s historic presence is highlighted by the charm and friendliness of its people who create a spirit of universality and enhance the sense of intercultural union.
Get to know ABOUDDEIR AMMAR
A DESTINATION WITH VARIED ATTRACTIONS
The village offers wide opportunities to curious and open visitors.
The shrines and the old mosque, the naturalistic points like the many springs, wells and fountains and the landscapes are all elements that make this a unique experience. The engagement is further accentuated with cooking activities and crafts lessons, mixed up with opportunities of gastronomic tastes.
This trip attracts visitors who are open to the rich local culture permeated by the traditional Palestinian spirit of welcoming.
Get to know DEIR AMMARBANI ZEID
DEIR GHASSANA AND BEIT RIMA: TWO FACES OF THE SAME HISTORY
These villages bring forth splendid experiences. Visitors will get the chance to walk through prestigious places and get a sense of what the downtown was like back in the Ottoman times. The al-Barghouti Palace is a notable architectural sight, as are the shrines and details in the overall setting. A storytelling guide will be there and share narratives with you that will help bring life to the spirit of the place and its people from bygone days.
Bani Zeid witnessed and endured much struggle across the centuries. There were various invasions and transformations that visitors will unravel during this trip, starting from the Canaanites, Israelites, and Egyptians, up until the Ottomans, the British, and to the current moment. Alas, this journey will bring with it a world of experiences, foods to taste, and stories to listen to; all of which will paint a lively picture of the enchanting village’s local culture.
Get to know BANI ZEID