About Nablus (Ancient Shechem)

Shechem was an Israelite city in the tribal area of Ephraim and the first capital of the Kingdom of Israel. It later became an important centre in the life of Samaritans. Today, it is called Nablus, a Palestinian Authority city in the West Bank.

Tell Balata

Tell Balata is identified with biblical Shechem, an important city in Canaanite and Israelite times. In the Bible, Shechem was the first place where Abraham built an altar to God. Jacob also built an altar there and Joshua later erected a commemorative pillar known as the “stone of witness” (Joshua 24:26).

Jacob’s Well

Jacob’s Well lies within the monastery complex of the Eastern Orthodox Church. It is about 80m from the archaeological ruins of ancient Shechem. The Bible tells the story of Jesus talking with a Samaritan Woman at Jacob’s Well (John 4).

Joseph’s Tomb

The white-domed tomb is believed to be where the bones of Joseph were buried after being brought back from Egypt (Joshua 24:32). The tomb complex is of Ottoman style and consists of a courtyard with a central font and a domed inner room with a cenotaph.