The slopes of Mt. Gerizim afford a beautiful view of Nâbulus.  By the highest row of gardens we turn to the left (E.), and follow a terrace skirting the rocky slope. The large caverns here were probably once quarries. From the terrace we at length reach a platform, from which projects a triangular piece of rock, about 10 ft. in diameter. This spot accords better than any other with the narrative of Judges ix. 7-21, while the passage Joshua viii. 30-3S applies best to the amphitheatrical bays of Ebal and Gerizim to the E. of Nâbulus.

Two routes lead to the top of Mt. Gerizim (1 hr.); see the Plan, p. 253. One passes the Chapel of Rijâl el-'Amûd near the barraeks (p. 252). The other leads from the S.W. corner of the town and through the valley ascending thence towards the S., in which (10 min.) rises the copious spring Râs el-'Ain. A climb of 40 min.  brings us to a lofty plain, where the Samaritans pitch their tents at the feast of the Passover. Thence to the summit is a walk of 10 min. more.

Seven days before the feast the Samaritans repair hither and encamp in this basin. The scene of the sacrifice is a little nearer the top of the mount. The chief ceremony of the feast consists in the solemn slaughtering of seven white lambs in strict accordance with the Old Testament ritual. Visitors are seldom admitted to this most interesting spectacle.

Mt. Gerisim (2848 ft.) is composed almost entirely of nummulite limestone (tertiary formation). The summit consists of a large plateau, at the N. end of which are the ruins of a castle, probably erected in Justinian's time (533), although the walls, 5-10 ft. thick, consisting of drafted blocks, may possibly belong to a still older structure. The castle forms a large square and is flanked with towers. On the E. side are remains of several chambers, one of which has a Greek cross over the door. To the N.E. rises the weli of Shêkh Ghânim (magnificent view from the window, see below), and on the N. side of the castle is a large reservoir. Of the Church which once stood here the lowest foundations only are extant. It was an octagonal building with an apse towards the E., having its main entrance on the N., and chapels on five sides. It is said to have been erected in 474 (?533). To the S. of the castle are walls and cisterns, and there is a paved way running from N. to S. Some massive substructions a little below the castle, to the S., are shown as the stones of the altar which Joshua is said to have erected here (viii. 30-32) .  In the centre of the plateau the Samaritans point out a projecting rock as having once been the site of the altar of their temple. — Over the whole mountaintop are scattered numerous cisterns and smaller paved platforms resembling the places of prayer on the area of the Harâm at Jerusalem (p. 39). The whole surface bears traces of having once been covered with houses. Towards the E. are several paved terraces. At the S. E. corner the spot where Abraham was about to slay Isaac is pointed out. Near it, to the N.W., are some curious round steps. — The summit commands a noble Prospect: to the E. lies the plain of El-Makhna, bounded by gentle hills, with the village ot'Asker lying on the N. side, and that of Kafr Kallîn on the S.; farther to the E. are, in the direction from N. to S., 'Asmût, Sâlim (with Bêt Dejan behind), Rûjib, and 'Awerta. The valley to the S. is the Wâdi 'Awerta. To the E., in the distance, rise the mountains of Gilead , among which Jebel Osha' (p. 163) towers conspicuously. Towards the N. the Great Hermon is visible, but the greater part of the view in this direction is shut out by Mt. Ebal. Towards the N.W. Carmel is visible in clear weather. Towards the W. the valleys and hills slope away to the blue band of the distant Mediterranean; Cæsarea may sometimes be recognised (S.W.).