Could this unassuming hilltop be the final resting place of a prophet? We are standing before the Tomb of Samuel, a place steeped in history and reverence. The Tomb of Samuel, also known as Nebi Samwil, is believed to hold the remains of the prophet Samuel. Atop this lofty perch, the Tomb of Samuel has borne witness to centuries of conflict and devotion. The Byzantines erected a monastery here in the 6th century, replaced by a Crusader fortress in the 12th century. That, in turn, gave way to the mosque we see today, built by the Mamluks in the 14th century. Interestingly, the tomb itself lies in a chamber below, repurposed as a synagogue in 1967. Despite its turbulent past, the Tomb of Samuel remains a place of pilgrimage for Jews and Muslims alike. As you take in the panoramic views of Jerusalem from this vantage point, remember that you’re standing on ground walked by prophets, crusaders, and kings. Their stories echo through the ages, woven into the very fabric of this sacred place.
Yeusefiya Cemetery
Were these once vibrant lives, now commemorated beneath our feet? We stand before the Yeusefiya Cemetery, a place where history