Tell Mar Elias

Located approximately 10 kilometers northwest of Ajlun, overlooking the land of Gilead, lies Tell Mar Elias. In Arabic, Mar Elias means Saint Elijah, and the site has long been identified as Tishbe, the birthplace of the Prophet Elijah.

Archaeological excavations at Tell Mar Elias uncovered one of the largest Byzantine churches in Jordan, dating to the 7th century AD, with 622 AD considered the most probable year of construction. What makes this church especially distinctive is its cross-shaped architectural design, a very rare style for the period.

Today, Tell Mar Elias remains a place of spiritual significance. Local Muslims and Christians continue to visit the site to practice their rituals—offering prayers, lighting candles, and tying ribbons to the surrounding trees—preserving its role as a living place of devotion.