Burqin to Arraba

Enjoy the olive harvest atmosphere and pass through the impressive Ottoman Palaces of Arraba. 

The hike from Burqin to Arraba connects two important landmarks. The trail starts from the beautifully restored ancient Church of Burqin. The chapel is believed to be built on the spot where Jesus, on his way from Nazareth to Jerusalem, cleansed ten lepers (Luke 17:11-19). 

Further on, the trail follows the narrow, crooked streets of Burqin which lead to the edge of the village and extend into the surrounding farmlands. In the springtime the fields are usually planted with cabbage, cauliflower, and fennel. You will be greeted by farmers plowing their fields. 

From there the path leads toward a high hill – Jabal Barid (the “cold mountain”) – dotted with cyclamens and overlooking small villages and the city of Nazareth. It is a great spot to enjoy the view and be refreshed with a cup of hot, sweet, fire-brewed herbal tea. 

This section is full of hills, and each of them has its own story. For example, a local legend holds that Jabel Musalah (Mountain of a Player), located just west of the village of Kufeirat, is a place where Prophet Ibrahim used to pray. 

Arraba, located 13 kilometers southwest of Jenin, is the final destination of this hike. During the Ottoman times (1517 – 1918) it was a strategically important place that served as headquarters of the Abdel Hadi family. Today, the complex of their palaces, located in the heart of the town, serves as a center for many community activities and events.