Sanur to Sabastiya

This demanding hike will take you through the most interesting places of the region. Sabastiya is a home to great archaeological and architectural treasures.

This demanding hike will take you through the most interesting places in the region. Sebastiya is home to great archaeological and architectural treasures. 

The hike between Sanur and Sebastiya involves a good deal of climbing and is more difficult than most other trails in the area. Nevertheless, the stunning views on the picturesque hilltops are an excellent reward for the climbs. 

Hikers in many parts of Palestine will quickly become familiar with the sight of maqams (Arabic plural: maqamat). These small buildings, perched on hilltops, are physical or symbolic tombs of Islamic holy men. Sometimes standing intact, sometimes lying in ruins, these structures have been sites of prayer and local pilgrimage throughout history. 

There are two ruined shrines on the Palestine Heritage Trail between Sanur and Sebastiya – one on Mt. Bayzeed and one on Mt. Hureish. Both are high and remote and provide long views and windy isolation as a reward to anyone who makes the trail. While few pilgrims still come to pray on these mountaintops, the walkers and shepherds who do visit can still find their ancient appeal. 

Towards the end of the hike, nestled among the hills just north of Nablus, the historic village of Sebastiya comes into view. The place offers visitors a quiet, quaint, and beautiful resting place, where they can meander through thousands of years of local history.