Jubb Yussef is mentioned in the middle of the 10th century but the current structure is of a later period. According to travellers, the well, which was 10 meters deep, held good drinking water up until the 19th century. Afterwards, due perhaps to the Galilee earthquake of 1837, the pit collapsed and was no longer cited as a water source. According to 19th-century visitors, the well and cupola were located in a quadrangle alongside a small mosque.