Palace mosaic in Palestine

This item appears on page 31 of the January 2022 issue.

One of the world’s largest floor mosaics was unveiled on Oct. 29 at Qasr Hisham, or Hisham’s Palace, in Jericho, West Bank Palestine, after a 5-year restoration. The more than 1,000-year-old mosaic depicts animals such as lions and gazelles as well as repeating geometric patterns. 

Qasr Hisham was built during the Umayyad Caliphate as a winter lodge for caliphs. Its ruins were rediscovered in the 19th century. 

The palace is open daily, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Entry costs NIS10 (near $3).