Mount Gerizim rises steeply above the southern edge of Nablus to 881 metres and has been sacred for three thousand years. The summit is home to the small but ancient Samaritan community — one of the world's smallest ethnic and religious minorities, numbering fewer than a thousand people, most of whom live either on Gerizim or in Holon near Tel Aviv. Their religion predates the split between the Israelites that produced Judaism, and they maintain practices — including animal sacrifice at Passover — that have not been observed by mainstream Jews for two millennia.
The road to the summit passes through the Samaritan village, where the community's museum explains their history and beliefs in some depth. The views from the top encompass Nablus, the surrounding mountains, and on clear days stretch toward the coast. The Samaritan Passover, when dozens of sheep are sacrificed on the summit, draws visitors from around the world; contact the Samaritan community in advance if you wish to attend.