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Jericho is considered to be the oldest city of the world still in existence. This ancient city with its mythical past holds therefore a special position among Israel’s popular destinations. It is said that after a long sojourn in the barren deserts the Israelites first conquered the city of Jericho. The city is situated in the West Bank with nestled in the natural background of mountains and the Dead Sea. A visit to Jericho was a little cumbersome due to the condition of the roads and not much of modern ways of conveyance available. But Palestinian authority on whom the city is bestowed as a part of the peace treaty between Israel and Palestine is taking up measures to promote the tourist attractiveness of the city. Now tourists can arrive at Jericho, Israel by the newly developed Highway that joins Jerusalem and Jericho. Many archaeological sites in Jericho trace their history back to the primeval period of human history. The major site of attraction in Jericho of Israel is Tel e-Sultan. 23 layers of human races have been unveiled as putting up settlements in this ancient site. Though there exist scanty remnants beyond some rocky formations those are thought to be no less than 9000 year old! The Spring of Elisha or Sultan's spring in the vicinity also has a mythical history. It is said that the Holy Prophet had sweetened the spring which is the only source of water in the desert. The Shalom Al Yisrael synagogue is situated to the north of the spring. The floor is mosaic and the architecture quite astonishing, with some exquisite engravings of animals like deer’s and lions on the walls of the synagogue. Caliph Hisham's Palace, two miles from Old Jericho is another place worth visiting. The establishment dates back to the 7th century when Jericho was ruled by the Muslim Empire. Capliph built the pleasure palace but could not use it as it was vanquished by an earthquake. Some remains of the building still exist and some have been sent to showcase in the Rockefeller Museum in Jerusalem. A new tourist complex is developed near Tel e-Sultan, which is a hub of restaurants and shops. Some of the most authentic Israeli dishes are available in the restaurants. A new luxury hotel is also under construction. Probably one of the major attractions of Jericho today is the Oasis Casino the only authorized outlet for gambling in the region and therefore acts as a cynosure to the tourists as well as the local Israelis.
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