Nabi Samuel. Ghneim mosque

High on a hill outside the city of Jerusalem adjacent to the small Palestinian village of Nabi Samwil, is the Nabi Samuel or Tomb of Samuel site. This location is believed by Christians, Muslims, and Jews alike to be the burial place of the Old Testament Prophet Samuel. Samuel was a significant figure, who anointed both King Saul and his successor King David during the time of Judges. According to Biblical tradition, Samuel was born and later buried in the village of “Ramah,” which is translated as a “high place,” lending support to the current Nabi Samuel site, which sits over 900 meters above sea level. The connection of the site with the Prophet Samuel dates back to the 6th century, when a Byzantine Monastery, referred to as Dir Samwil (Samuel Monastery) was built there in his memory. It is not known, however, whether at this time the location was believed to be his burial place or not. The adoption of the site as his burial location is more likely connected to Crusader settlement of the area. On June 7th, 1099 the Crusaders reached the top of Nabi Samuel and saw Jerusalem for the very first time. It is believed that at the site of the Holy City, the Crusaders fell to their knees and wept with joy, earning Nabi Samuel the name “Montjoie,” or Mount of Joy. It was on this spot that they went on to build a fortified church complex overtop a cave believed to be the tomb of the Prophet Samuel. In the 14th century, part of the Church was converted into a Mosque by the Mamluks and today the central building acts as both a Mosque and a Synagogue. Much of the Crusader Church structure still stands and the site has undergone extensive renovation to welcome both Muslim and Jewish worshippers. The Muslim worship area is located in the main building behind the vestibule and the Jewish worship area is downstairs inside the cave that houses the grave monument of the Prophet Samuel. The Nabi Samuel site is part of the Nebi Samuel National Park, administered by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority. Visitors are welcome year-round to tour the entire area, which includes not only the main structure housing the Tomb of Samuel, but also excavations and antiquities dating from the Byzantine, Crusader, and Mamluk periods all the way back to the 6th century BCE Persian era and the 2nd century BCE Hasmonean times. The view from the roof of the main building is not to be missed. Visitors can also spend time marveling at the beautiful landscape or enjoy a picnic.