Dome

Located near Jericho in the Jordan Valley, Khirbat al-Mafjar remains one of the most highly sophisticated Umayyad palaces in the region for its elaborate mosaics, stucco carvings and overall sculptural magnificence. Built mainly of sandstone highlighted at times with baked brick, the complex encompasses three main areas including a two-storied palace, a mosque accompanied by a small courtyard, a bath including an audience hall (throne room), all of which are enclosed by an outer wall. To the east, bordering the length of the site extends a forecourt with a centrally featured fountain. The main gate of the compound is centrally located on the southern façade of the palace and is flanked by two buttress towers at either edge of the front of the structure. The palace itself features a central courtyard off of which one of two pathways guides a visitor to either the side forecourt to the east or to a small courtyard to the north. Off of this court to the north one finds the opulently decorated hammam and a small mosque to the east. Source: Archnetperspective drawing, with hammam to left