14 biblical sites

Biblical and archaeological sites of Israel

All our place guides on one map: biblical background, archaeology, GPS directions and visitor tips, grouped by major period.

2000–1500 BCE

The Patriarchs

Ruins of an ancient stone city at the foot of a mountain, evoking Shechem between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim

Nablus, Samarian hills ⏱ 90 min

Shechem (Tel Balata) – Abraham's First Altar in Canaan

Between Mount Ebal and Mount Gerizim, the place of God's first promise and Abraham's first altar in the Promised Land (Genesis 12:6-7).

Stone walls of an ancient hillside site among olive trees, overlooking a highland valley

Beitin, near Ramallah ⏱ 75 min

Bethel – Abraham's Altar Between Bethel and Ai

After Shechem, Abraham builds an altar "between Bethel and Ai" and calls on the name of the LORD, then returns there after his stay in Egypt (Genesis 12:8; 13:1-4).

Overall view of the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron and its stone enclosure

Hebron, Judaean Hills ⏱ 90 min

Tomb of the Patriarchs – Hebron

A sacred site venerated by the three monotheistic religions, the traditional burial place of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

Ancient pale stone gate with a large central arch flanked by two vaulted passages, under a blue sky

Upper Galilee, springs of the Jordan ⏱ 120 min

Tel Dan (Laish): On the Trail of Abraham's Pursuit

From Genesis 14 to the "House of David" stele: archaeology, nature and biblical history at the springs of the Jordan.

Desert valley with ochre cliffs sloping down to the turquoise waters of the Dead Sea, with ancient ruins in the foreground

Dead Sea, southern basin (Mount Sodom) ⏱ 180 min

Sodom and Gomorrah: the Cities of the Plain and the Valley of Siddim

From the Genesis narrative to the excavations at Bab edh-Dhra and Tall el-Hammam: what we know — and what we do not — about the cities destroyed near the Dead Sea.

Circular stone enclosure around the wellhead of an ancient well in a desert landscape

Negev, Beersheba ⏱ 150 min

Beersheba: the Well of the Oath and Abraham's Tamarisk

At Beersheba, Abraham seals a covenant with Abimelech over a well, plants a tamarisk and calls on the name of the Everlasting God.

Elevated view of the Western Wall plaza and the Dome of the Rock on top of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem

Old City of Jerusalem ⏱ 150 min

Mount Moriah: Abraham's Test, from the Biblical Story to the Temple Mount

Where tradition places Abraham's test now stands the Temple Mount, one of the holiest sites in Judaism and Islam.

Panorama of Jerusalem with the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount platform, the traditional Mount Moriah

Old City of Jerusalem ⏱ 120 min

The Binding of Isaac on Mount Moriah: the Silent Faith of the Son

On Mount Moriah, Isaac, the son of the promise, climbs with his father towards the altar: a story of trust, substitution and mercy.

Aerial view of concentric stone walls amid the desert expanses of the Negev

Beersheba, Negev ⏱ 90 min

Beersheba: Isaac's Home and the Renewal of the Promise

In the heart of the Negev, Beersheba becomes Isaac's main home, a symbol of stability and blessing.

Carved stone cenotaph topped with a purple cover decorated with calligraphy, beneath stone arches

Hebron, Judean Hills ⏱ 90 min

Hebron: Isaac, Rebecca and the Promise Carried On

The peaceful patriarch at rest in the cave of his ancestors, beside Rebecca, Abraham and Sarah.

Stone foundations of an ancient site among olive trees, with hills on the horizon, evoking Bethel

Beitin, near Ramallah ⏱ 60 min

Bethel: Jacob's Dream Between Heaven and Earth

At Bethel, Jacob has one of the Bible's greatest spiritual experiences: a dream in which a ladder joins earth to heaven.

A river winding through an arid valley between rocky cliffs, evoking the Jabbok Valley

Jabbok Valley, Jordan ⏱ 90 min

Peniel: Jacob Wrestling with the Angel

At the ford of the Jabbok, Jacob wrestles all night with a mysterious opponent. He comes away wounded, blessed and bearing a new name: Israel.

Aerial view of an ancient tell ringed by stone ramparts, evoking Shechem (Tel Balata)

Nablus, Samarian hills ⏱ 90 min

Shechem: Jacob Builds an Altar to the God of Israel

Back from Paddan-aram, Jacob camps before Shechem, buys a field and builds an altar there: a place of faith, covenant and transmission between generations.

Excavated earth and stone walls of an archaeological site on a hill overlooking a wide plain

Dothan Valley, Samaria ⏱ 60 min

Dothan: Joseph Sold by His Brothers

At Dothan, Joseph is thrown into a pit by his jealous brothers and then sold to a caravan bound for Egypt: a turning point in Genesis that seals his destiny.

How the sites are organised

Each page is linked to one of the great periods of biblical history, from the Patriarchs to the Second Temple, and the places are listed in the order of the narrative. Some sites appear more than once: Hebron, Bethel and Beersheba are connected with Abraham, then with Isaac or Jacob, and each page sheds light on a different episode. The collection grows over time; to place each site in context, start with the period of the Patriarchs.

On every page you will find the biblical account with its references, the current state of archaeological knowledge — separating what excavations show from what belongs to tradition — an FAQ and practical information: estimated visit time, access level and suggested routes.

Using the map and the planner

The map above shows every site: click a marker to open its page. In the "Getting there & GPS" section of each page, a button starts navigation in Waze, Google Maps or Apple Maps. The "Add to my tour" button lets you build your itinerary stop by stop. If you would rather have a ready-made suggestion, the Plan my tour planner selects sites in three questions, based on your time and interests.

Visiting respectfully and safely

Several places are active holy sites: dress modestly and respect silence and prayer times.
On tells and in national parks, stay on marked paths, do not climb on the remains and never pick anything up: antiquities are protected by law.
Bring water, a hat and closed shoes: many sites are very exposed to the sun.
Opening hours, fees and access conditions change: check them with the site's operator before you go. Some places are located in the West Bank or outside Israel; read your government's official travel advice.