Ancient Town Samaria (‏שומרון‎, ‏سبسطية‎)

Around 876 BC, the Israelite king Omri founded Samaria on a previously uninhabited mountain, replacing Tirza as the capital. It served as the residence for Omri's successors until its destruction by the Assyrians around 722/21 BC. Subsequently, the fortress became the center of the Assyrian, Babylonian, and later Persian province of Samerina. After another destruction by the Hasmoneans in 107 BC, it was rebuilt by Herod the Great, who named it Sebaste. However, with the founding of Flavia Neapolis by Emperor Vespasian in 72 AD, the city gradually lost its importance and was finally abandoned during the Byzantine era. Remains of a casemate wall, a palace building, and magazines from the Israelite period are preserved. Particularly impressive are the ruins of Roman structures, including a basilica and a theater. The former Crusader Cathedral of St. John from the 12th century is now used as a mosque and houses the revered tomb of John.

The ancient city of Samaria is located in Sebastia, in the Nablus district, within the Palestinian Territories of the West Bank, at an elevation of approximately 439 m above sea level.

Visitors can explore the extensive remains of the ancient city today and discover the various epochs of its history.

• Crusader Castle Qalansawe (Sacred building), approx. 19.5 km away
• Crusader Castle Caco (Fortress), approx. 20.5 km away
• Crusader Castle Hurvat Burgata (Fortress), approx. 23.2 km away
• Crusader Castle Mirabel (Fortress), approx. 30.9 km away