Qana Valley
Wadi Qana is 4 km northwest of Deir Istiya, and 240 meters above sea level. The valley branches off the main road that connects Deir Istiya with Nablus towards the west, it runs from east to west for 6 km, and is linked with Wadi Al-Hamam from the western side, and with Wadi Al-Mughibeh from the eastern side. On both sides of the valley, it is surrounded by a group of ancient ruins and springs, the most famous of which are Khirbet Qana, and Khirbet Kafr Qara (ruins).
Wadi Qana is a nature reserve with a network of caves, the most famous one which dates back to the Yarmukian culture, is located to the south of the village of Kafr Laqif, It is a natural cave with stalagmites and stalactites. The site was surveyed in 1982, and excavations were carried out in 1986, It can be accessed through a small opening that leads to a narrow corridor leading to large, irregular empty spaces.
Three main stages were distinguished through the excavations of the cave; many finds and remains were found from the Yarmoukian culture that date back to the Neolithic era, dating back to the end of the sixth millennium, and the beginning of the fifth millennium BC.; and the Copper Stone age, and the first early Bronze Age; in addition to traces from the Hellenistic period in the entrance area only. These monuments consist of the decorated pottery utensils dating back to the early period, consisting of bowels, jars, cooking pots, Spindle, as well as flint tools and grinding tools, and many agriculture tools were found in the cave that was owned by the people who inhabited the cave.
The second Chalcolithic stage, is the period of the main use of the cave as a burial area. One of the most important discoveries at the site, are burial goods consisting of pottery, basalt and ivory vessels, beads and copper metal tools; In addition to copper tools and eight rings of gold and electrum found near one of the children's burials. The most distinctive find at the cave, is a collection of copper, electrum, and gold objects. Some were made of almost pure gold (eight pieces), and others of electrum. The gold and electrum of Wadi Qana represent the earliest production to date of this precious metal in Palestine.