Burqin

Burqin is a village firmly on the tourist radar thanks to its fascinating Byzantine-era church, which claims to be the third oldest in the world. This beautiful building, now the Greek Orthodox Church of St George, is built over the cave in which Jesus is said to have performed a miracle in curing the ten lepers. Today, both Christians and Muslims come to worship at the church, symbolising the culture of diversity and tolerance in Burqin. There are also regular tourist groups as well.

Away from the church, Burqin itself is an attractive village, just 5km west of Jenin, and home to various other historical buildings. One of which, the Jarrar Palace, is in the process of being converted into a guesthouse. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is also funding a project to renovate an old building into a centre for tourists, where they can be offered lectures and film screenings before visiting the church and other historical sites.

The picturesque, winding streets of Burqin are home to several small shops, while the views across the northern West Bank from its lofty location are at times stunning. The village produces around 80 tons of olive oil per year thanks to its Fair Trade cooperative, with the oil sold through the website Canaan Fair Trade.

Population: 5,685 (2007)