Suba, Jerusalem

Suba, located west of Jerusalem on a conical hill called Tel Tzova, is a site marked by its rich history spanning from the Middle Bronze Age to the 20th century CE. Notably, it contains the remnants of a Crusader-era castle known as Belmont, constructed by the Hospitallers in the 12th century CE. The site also bears traces of previous habitation, including Middle Bronze Age cairn-tombs. Later, Belmont Castle was captured by Saladin in 1187 CE. During the Ottoman period, Suba was a small village paying taxes on agricultural products. The site was depopulated and destroyed in 1948 during the Arab-Israeli conflict. Today, remnants of the Crusader walls, cisterns, and village ruins provide a glimpse into its historical significance.