The Center of the World and Peace
Jerusalem has something for everyone. It is a place where one can have fun, but it is more spiritual than spirited. It is a place of unparalleled mixture of the ancient and the modern, the secular and religious and is apparent at once, one can feel that something is different intellectually and spiritually. It is renowned for its good air and its unique ambience, its fragrance, colors and styles blend of the old and the new. By whichever route one approach Jerusalem, one is retracing the steps of pilgrims who have been making a journey for thousands of years.It gives one the feeling of the power of traveling that leads to a better understanding and respect the ways of life different from their own. It offers an opportunity to demonstrate the material rewards of peace and cooperation between nations, religions and peoples. For traveling in this part of the world it reflects customs, habits, beliefs, even modes of expressions and in that manner it creates a language we all can speak.
Jerusalem - The New City
The "new" city is the more modern part of Jerusalem that was mostly built after Jordan occupied the Old City and the rest of the eastern half of the city. The place where most of the government offices are, with beautiful parks and a lively downtown with clubs, shops and restaurants.The heart of the city is located around King George Street, Jaffa Road and Ben-Yehuda Street. A place where a bustling pedestrian mall filled with people from all over the world, restaurants, souvenir shops and street musicians and artists.The Jaffa Road is the main road that leads into the Old City.
Jerusalem - The Old City
The Old City covers roughly 220 acres (one square kilometer). It has a total of 11 gates, but only seven are open (Jaffa, Zion, Dung, Lions’ [St. Stephen's], Herod’s, Damascus [Shechem] and New). It is divided into four quarters, which are named according to ethnic affiliation. The quarters form a rectangular grid, but not equal in size. The dividing lines are the street that runs from Damascus Gate to the Zion Gate - which divides the city into east and west - and the street leading from the Jaffa Gate to Lion's gate - which bifurcates the city north and south. Entering through the Jaffa Gate and traveling to David Street places is the Christian Quarter on the left. On the right, down David Street, is the Armenian Quarter. To the left of Jews Street is the Muslim Quarter, and, to the right, is the Jewish Quarter. Just inside Jaffa Gate, on the left is the Tourist Information Office. On the opposite side is, the most striking landmark is the Citadel and the rampart walks.
The Old City covers roughly 220 acres (one square kilometer). It has a total of 11 gates, but only seven are open (Jaffa, Zion, Dung, Lions’ [St. Stephen's], Herod’s, Damascus [Shechem] and New). It is divided into four quarters, which are named according to ethnic affiliation. The quarters form a rectangular grid, but not equal in size. The dividing lines are the street that runs from Damascus Gate to the Zion Gate - which divides the city into east and west - and the street leading from the Jaffa Gate to Lion's gate - which bifurcates the city north and south. Entering through the Jaffa Gate and traveling to David Street places is the Christian Quarter on the left. On the right, down David Street, is the Armenian Quarter. To the left of Jews Street is the Muslim Quarter, and, to the right, is the Jewish Quarter. Just inside Jaffa Gate, on the left is the Tourist Information Office. On the opposite side is, the most striking landmark is the Citadel and the rampart walks.
Beyond the Walls of the Old City
Mt. of Olives
Mount of Olive’s mountainside of stones and stand on holy ground nearly 2,000 years ago. According to the Christian’s belief it is from this place Jesus will enters Jerusalem and foresees the future’s destruction, he rose to heaven and also in this mountain top he will return in the second coming. In the Jewish religion, the location in which the”SCHINA” ( the presence of the Lord) rested after the destruction of the second temple before rising to heaven. It is in here that the Messiah will appear, leading to the resurrection of the dead and the onset of the end of the days.
Gethsemane - Church of all Nations
Is a catholic church is a site where Jesus went to pray prior to his arrest and the betrayal of Judas. In here, he sat among the olive trees. The grove is within the walls of the Basilica of the Agony located on Jericho Road facing the Golden Gate.
Dominus Flevit “The Lord Wept”
After Jesus was arrested, he was taken to a short distance up the hill called the Dominus Flevit ( Our Lord Cried) where he cried for the destruction of Jerusalem. The place is a catholic church and was constructed like a teardrop form. A rich variety of archeological findings where discovered within the church compound. Christian symbols were found carved on the tombs of people with Jewish names. These are the oldest remains of Jews who became the first converts to Christianity.
Chapel of the Ascension
According to Christian tradition, after the crucifixion Jesus wandered 40 days on the Mount of Olives and ascended to heaven from a point on the hill. A small shrine inside the walls of the Greek Patriarchate contains stone stumps that mark the spot where the disciples watched the ascension.
Church of Mary Magdalene
The most impressive looking church in Jerusalem is probably the Church of Mary Magdalene. This is the building that looks like all the pictures you see of the Kremlin with golden onion domes rising from the trees.
Absalom's Tomb
Hundreds of tombs, elaborate and simple, were hewn into the slopes of the hills surrounding the city, mainly on the Mount of Olives and Mount Scopus. One is the Yad Avshalom (monument to Absalom, traditionally ascribed to the rebellious son of King David), is the most complete funerary monument. The 20 m.- high monument is composed of a lower rock-cut square structure containing a small burial chamber. Its four outer sides are decorated with Ionic columns supporting a Doric frieze. The upper part of the monument is round and built of stones supporting a concave conical roof. It contains eight burial chambers and has an elaborate facade decorated with a relief of vine leaves and bunches of grapes.
City of David
An archeological site outside and below the southern-most side of the Old City walls, believed to be the original capital of King David. During the ancient times, it located on a narrow ridge south of the present-day Old City. On the east it borders the deep Kidron Valley where the Gihon Spring, the city's water source, is located.
Mt. Zion
A short walk from Zion Gate, is a hill believed to be the site of King David's Tomb. It is bounded to the east by the Kidron Valley and to the north by the city wlls and to the south and by the west by Hinnom Valley. This makes it seem like an island outside the confines of the Old City.
King David’s Tomb
The ground-floor room beneath the Coenaculum is the "Tomb of King David". Although this place has been venerated as the site of David's burial, many believe the tomb would have been located in the ancient City of David, south of the present Old City.
Last Supper Room
The second floor above the King’s David’s Tomb is theCoenaculum, where Jesus sat with his disciples to celebrate the Passover Seder, the Last Supper.
Chamber of the Holocaust
The building near King David's Tomb is the Chamber of the Holocaust, an eerie room lit by candles and dedicated to the memory of the six million Jews slain by the Nazis
Dormition Abbey
According to tradition, Mary fell into sleep here before her burial and assumption into heaven. The church has an elaborate golden mosaic, a crypt containing interesting religious artwork.
Oskar Schindler Grave
One of the graves that is too popular, a Jewish factory owner who saved thousands of his Jewish employees during the World War II.
Mt. of Olives
Mount of Olive’s mountainside of stones and stand on holy ground nearly 2,000 years ago. According to the Christian’s belief it is from this place Jesus will enters Jerusalem and foresees the future’s destruction, he rose to heaven and also in this mountain top he will return in the second coming. In the Jewish religion, the location in which the”SCHINA” ( the presence of the Lord) rested after the destruction of the second temple before rising to heaven. It is in here that the Messiah will appear, leading to the resurrection of the dead and the onset of the end of the days.
Gethsemane - Church of all Nations
Is a catholic church is a site where Jesus went to pray prior to his arrest and the betrayal of Judas. In here, he sat among the olive trees. The grove is within the walls of the Basilica of the Agony located on Jericho Road facing the Golden Gate.
Dominus Flevit “The Lord Wept”
After Jesus was arrested, he was taken to a short distance up the hill called the Dominus Flevit ( Our Lord Cried) where he cried for the destruction of Jerusalem. The place is a catholic church and was constructed like a teardrop form. A rich variety of archeological findings where discovered within the church compound. Christian symbols were found carved on the tombs of people with Jewish names. These are the oldest remains of Jews who became the first converts to Christianity.
Chapel of the Ascension
According to Christian tradition, after the crucifixion Jesus wandered 40 days on the Mount of Olives and ascended to heaven from a point on the hill. A small shrine inside the walls of the Greek Patriarchate contains stone stumps that mark the spot where the disciples watched the ascension.
Church of Mary Magdalene
The most impressive looking church in Jerusalem is probably the Church of Mary Magdalene. This is the building that looks like all the pictures you see of the Kremlin with golden onion domes rising from the trees.
Absalom's Tomb
Hundreds of tombs, elaborate and simple, were hewn into the slopes of the hills surrounding the city, mainly on the Mount of Olives and Mount Scopus. One is the Yad Avshalom (monument to Absalom, traditionally ascribed to the rebellious son of King David), is the most complete funerary monument. The 20 m.- high monument is composed of a lower rock-cut square structure containing a small burial chamber. Its four outer sides are decorated with Ionic columns supporting a Doric frieze. The upper part of the monument is round and built of stones supporting a concave conical roof. It contains eight burial chambers and has an elaborate facade decorated with a relief of vine leaves and bunches of grapes.
City of David
An archeological site outside and below the southern-most side of the Old City walls, believed to be the original capital of King David. During the ancient times, it located on a narrow ridge south of the present-day Old City. On the east it borders the deep Kidron Valley where the Gihon Spring, the city's water source, is located.
Mt. Zion
A short walk from Zion Gate, is a hill believed to be the site of King David's Tomb. It is bounded to the east by the Kidron Valley and to the north by the city wlls and to the south and by the west by Hinnom Valley. This makes it seem like an island outside the confines of the Old City.
King David’s Tomb
The ground-floor room beneath the Coenaculum is the "Tomb of King David". Although this place has been venerated as the site of David's burial, many believe the tomb would have been located in the ancient City of David, south of the present Old City.
Last Supper Room
The second floor above the King’s David’s Tomb is theCoenaculum, where Jesus sat with his disciples to celebrate the Passover Seder, the Last Supper.
Chamber of the Holocaust
The building near King David's Tomb is the Chamber of the Holocaust, an eerie room lit by candles and dedicated to the memory of the six million Jews slain by the Nazis
Dormition Abbey
According to tradition, Mary fell into sleep here before her burial and assumption into heaven. The church has an elaborate golden mosaic, a crypt containing interesting religious artwork.
Oskar Schindler Grave
One of the graves that is too popular, a Jewish factory owner who saved thousands of his Jewish employees during the World War II.
Ein Gedi - Dead Sea
Ein Gedi ("spring of the goat") is a desert oasis with waterfalls, pools of water and large streams. It is a hiker's paradise with beautiful foliage, exotic birds and a range of wildlife. It served as a water source during biblical times where spring begins to flow 656 feet above the Dead Sea.
One of Israel's most important archaeological sites, the Qumran National Park. It is in the caves of this ancient settlement that the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Evidence shown that people inhabiting the caves as early as the 8th-7th centuries B.C.E. The Romans stormed the area and occupied it for 20 years and in 132-135 C.E. The community, known as the "Dead Sea Sect," to which the Dead Sea Scrolls apparently belonged lived in Qumran around 130 B.C.E. to 70 C.E.
Ein Gedi ("spring of the goat") is a desert oasis with waterfalls, pools of water and large streams. It is a hiker's paradise with beautiful foliage, exotic birds and a range of wildlife. It served as a water source during biblical times where spring begins to flow 656 feet above the Dead Sea.
One of Israel's most important archaeological sites, the Qumran National Park. It is in the caves of this ancient settlement that the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered. Evidence shown that people inhabiting the caves as early as the 8th-7th centuries B.C.E. The Romans stormed the area and occupied it for 20 years and in 132-135 C.E. The community, known as the "Dead Sea Sect," to which the Dead Sea Scrolls apparently belonged lived in Qumran around 130 B.C.E. to 70 C.E.
Beith She'an - "Garden of Eden"
Bet Shean (the Biblical Bethshan) lies on the river Harod 26km/16mi south of the Sea of Galilee, in the eastern part of the Jezreel plain, with a carefully regulated irrigation has made a fertile agricultural area. According to the Talmud "If the garden of Eden is in Israel, then its gate is in Bet Shean". The town of Bet She'an is the site of spectacular archaeological excavations and a rich history. It shows evidence of having been inhabited in the fourth millennium BC. The excavation has uncovered the remains of a Canaanite, a Hellenistic (renamed Scythopolis) and a Roman Byzantine Cities. The remains found date back to the Hellenistic times. The said city was predominantly Christian until the Arabs conquered it in 7th century and restored its ancient name.
Massive earthquakes has destroyed the city and archaeologists are still uncovering the remains of the ancient civilizations. Among the findings are a huge (1 1/2 acres) Byzantine bath house, a Roman temple and colonnaded streets paved with basalt stones. The most impressive of the ruins is the Roman Theater, which was built around the year 200.
Bet Shean (the Biblical Bethshan) lies on the river Harod 26km/16mi south of the Sea of Galilee, in the eastern part of the Jezreel plain, with a carefully regulated irrigation has made a fertile agricultural area. According to the Talmud "If the garden of Eden is in Israel, then its gate is in Bet Shean". The town of Bet She'an is the site of spectacular archaeological excavations and a rich history. It shows evidence of having been inhabited in the fourth millennium BC. The excavation has uncovered the remains of a Canaanite, a Hellenistic (renamed Scythopolis) and a Roman Byzantine Cities. The remains found date back to the Hellenistic times. The said city was predominantly Christian until the Arabs conquered it in 7th century and restored its ancient name.
Massive earthquakes has destroyed the city and archaeologists are still uncovering the remains of the ancient civilizations. Among the findings are a huge (1 1/2 acres) Byzantine bath house, a Roman temple and colonnaded streets paved with basalt stones. The most impressive of the ruins is the Roman Theater, which was built around the year 200.
Nazareth
Nazareth is the largest Arab city in Israel, once split nearly evenly between Christians and Muslims, but now nearly two-thirds are Muslims. The two groups have lived harmoniously, though a dispute erupted over the desire of Muslims to build a mosque near a church which was settled later. Nazareth was apparently never an important site in Jewish history. For Christians, it is important because, it is the place where Jesus spent much of his life. The site actually was abandoned for many years until Franciscans bought it in 1754 and set up a chapel dedicated to Joseph. The church there today was built above the ruins of a 13th century Crusader church.
Nazareth is the largest Arab city in Israel, once split nearly evenly between Christians and Muslims, but now nearly two-thirds are Muslims. The two groups have lived harmoniously, though a dispute erupted over the desire of Muslims to build a mosque near a church which was settled later. Nazareth was apparently never an important site in Jewish history. For Christians, it is important because, it is the place where Jesus spent much of his life. The site actually was abandoned for many years until Franciscans bought it in 1754 and set up a chapel dedicated to Joseph. The church there today was built above the ruins of a 13th century Crusader church.
Tiberias
Tiberias (Hebrew: Tverya; Arabic: abariyyah) is a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, Lower Galilee, Israel. It was named in honour of the emperor Tiberius. Tiberias was built at about AD 20 by Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great on the site of the destroyed village of Rakkat, and it became the capital of his realm in Galilee.
The city was built like a Hellenistic or Roman City with its streets crossing at right angles. Herod adorned it with many public buildings including a stadium on the seashore and a large synagogue. Herod also built the castle adjoining the city. Tiberias plays an important role in Jewish history. It was part of the land bequeathed to Naphtali. The Sanhedrin (the High Court of Israel during the period of the Second Temple) relocated to Tiberias from Sepphoris. In the Mishnaic and Talmudic Period Tiberias was an important spiritual center.
The Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee is Israel's largest freshwater lake, approximately 53 kilometers (33 miles) in circumference, about 21 km (13 miles) long, and 13 km (8 miles) wide; it has a total area of 166 km², and a maximum depth of approximately 43 meters. At 209 meters below sea level, it is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the second-lowest lake in the world after the Dead Sea, a saltwater lake, IT IS not a sea by any normal definition; it is called a sea by tradition. It is fed by underground springs, but its main source is the Jordan River, which flows through it from north to south. The lake is situated deep in the Jordan Great Rift Valley, the valley caused by the separation of the African Plate and Arabian Plates.
Beyond the Sea - Hammat
Just outside of Tiberias is the ancient town of Hammat, which boasts the hottest (140º) mineral springs in Israel and has, not surprisingly, become a popular spa. The town also has a synagogue built in 341, that has a magnificent mosaic floor. It is unusual, because it contains human figures that are nude. This is rare because synagogues rarely have human representations in them and, when they do, they are fully clothed.
The Roman Boat from the Sea of Galilee
An ancient fishing boat built sometime in the 1st century BCE was discovered during low water level in Lake Kinneret. The 8-meter-long boat had been preserved in the mud of the lake-bed, and was found to contain various implements, including an oil lamp and a cooking pot.The craft has been carefully preserved and is now on display at nearby Kibbutz Ginosar.
Tabgha - Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes
Tabgha, the traditional site of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes, is situated near the northeastern shore of Lake Kinneret (The Sea of Galilee), 2.5 kilometers south of Capernaum, and some 12 kilometers north of Tiberias. The name "Tabgha" is an Arabic contraction of the Greek Heptapegon (the place of seven springs). Several springs still flow in this area, which is also associated with the teaching of the Beatitudes and the confirmation of the primacy of Peter.
Capernaum (Capharnaum) [Kefar Nahum]
The archaeological site which is called at present Kefar Nahum is located on the NW shore of Lake Kinneret in Galilee some 210 metres below sea level and is 16 kilometres from Tiberias and 5 kilometers from the upper Jordan River. Its location on the sea road from Damascus to Ptolemaist gave it new strategic and economic importance when the kingdom of Herod was divided among his sons. Capernaum had up to 1500 residents. Known to be the site of the ancient fishing village of Capernaum
The Greek Orthodox Church of the Seven Apostles
The small, red-domed Greek Orthodox Church of the Seven Apostles marks the site to which the village of Capernaum was relocated following the earthquake in 746. The church is dedicated to the seven apostles (Simon called Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, "and two other disciples").
Ruins House of Saint Peter
One block of homes, called the sacra insula or "holy insula" ("insula" refers to a block of homes around a courtyard) was found to have a complex history. Located between the synagogue and the lakeshore, it was found near the front of a labyrinth of houses from many different periods. The excavators concluded that one house in the village was venerated as the house of Peter the fisherman as early as the mid-first century AD, with two churches having been constructed over it.
The Shrine of the Beatitudes
The place of the Beatitudes is on the hillside some 60 meters northeast of the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes, just above the road leading to Capernaum. A new shrine was selected later further up the hill which was designed in neo-Renaissance style. Built of contrasting black basalt and white limestone, it has arched porticos on each of the four sides. The one-storey building is surmounted by a buttressed octagonal drum and dome rising above the main chapel that commemorates the Eight Beatitudes.
Jordan River
The Jordan River also passes near Kibbutz Kinneret. It is more like a muddy stream that is only a few feet wide in places. The river (near Jericho), it has become traditional for Christian pilgrims to come to a special park along the river established as a baptism site.
The Great Ancient Synagogue at Capernaum
The ruins of a great synagogue was identified. It was built almost entirely of white blocks of calcareous stone brought from distant quarries.The building consists of four parts: the praying hall, the western patio, a southern balustrade and a small room at the northwest of the building. The praying hall with the southern face looking toward Jerusalem. Built of imported white limestone on basalt stone foundations, the floor plan is similar to the 4th-century synagogue at Chorazim (Korazim, 4 km to the north), and the 3rd-century synagogue at Bar’am (in the northern Galilee), but the architectural ornamentation is far more elaborate, with Corinthian capitals and intricately carved stonework reliefs. One relief carving of a cart may depict a portable Ark of the Covenant. The internal walls were covered with painted plaster and superbly well-done stucco work found during the excavations.
Tiberias (Hebrew: Tverya; Arabic: abariyyah) is a town on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, Lower Galilee, Israel. It was named in honour of the emperor Tiberius. Tiberias was built at about AD 20 by Herod Antipas, the son of Herod the Great on the site of the destroyed village of Rakkat, and it became the capital of his realm in Galilee.
The city was built like a Hellenistic or Roman City with its streets crossing at right angles. Herod adorned it with many public buildings including a stadium on the seashore and a large synagogue. Herod also built the castle adjoining the city. Tiberias plays an important role in Jewish history. It was part of the land bequeathed to Naphtali. The Sanhedrin (the High Court of Israel during the period of the Second Temple) relocated to Tiberias from Sepphoris. In the Mishnaic and Talmudic Period Tiberias was an important spiritual center.
The Sea of Galilee
The Sea of Galilee is Israel's largest freshwater lake, approximately 53 kilometers (33 miles) in circumference, about 21 km (13 miles) long, and 13 km (8 miles) wide; it has a total area of 166 km², and a maximum depth of approximately 43 meters. At 209 meters below sea level, it is the lowest freshwater lake on Earth and the second-lowest lake in the world after the Dead Sea, a saltwater lake, IT IS not a sea by any normal definition; it is called a sea by tradition. It is fed by underground springs, but its main source is the Jordan River, which flows through it from north to south. The lake is situated deep in the Jordan Great Rift Valley, the valley caused by the separation of the African Plate and Arabian Plates.
Beyond the Sea - Hammat
Just outside of Tiberias is the ancient town of Hammat, which boasts the hottest (140º) mineral springs in Israel and has, not surprisingly, become a popular spa. The town also has a synagogue built in 341, that has a magnificent mosaic floor. It is unusual, because it contains human figures that are nude. This is rare because synagogues rarely have human representations in them and, when they do, they are fully clothed.
The Roman Boat from the Sea of Galilee
An ancient fishing boat built sometime in the 1st century BCE was discovered during low water level in Lake Kinneret. The 8-meter-long boat had been preserved in the mud of the lake-bed, and was found to contain various implements, including an oil lamp and a cooking pot.The craft has been carefully preserved and is now on display at nearby Kibbutz Ginosar.
Tabgha - Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes
Tabgha, the traditional site of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes, is situated near the northeastern shore of Lake Kinneret (The Sea of Galilee), 2.5 kilometers south of Capernaum, and some 12 kilometers north of Tiberias. The name "Tabgha" is an Arabic contraction of the Greek Heptapegon (the place of seven springs). Several springs still flow in this area, which is also associated with the teaching of the Beatitudes and the confirmation of the primacy of Peter.
Capernaum (Capharnaum) [Kefar Nahum]
The archaeological site which is called at present Kefar Nahum is located on the NW shore of Lake Kinneret in Galilee some 210 metres below sea level and is 16 kilometres from Tiberias and 5 kilometers from the upper Jordan River. Its location on the sea road from Damascus to Ptolemaist gave it new strategic and economic importance when the kingdom of Herod was divided among his sons. Capernaum had up to 1500 residents. Known to be the site of the ancient fishing village of Capernaum
The Greek Orthodox Church of the Seven Apostles
The small, red-domed Greek Orthodox Church of the Seven Apostles marks the site to which the village of Capernaum was relocated following the earthquake in 746. The church is dedicated to the seven apostles (Simon called Peter, Thomas called Didymus, Nathanael from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, "and two other disciples").
Ruins House of Saint Peter
One block of homes, called the sacra insula or "holy insula" ("insula" refers to a block of homes around a courtyard) was found to have a complex history. Located between the synagogue and the lakeshore, it was found near the front of a labyrinth of houses from many different periods. The excavators concluded that one house in the village was venerated as the house of Peter the fisherman as early as the mid-first century AD, with two churches having been constructed over it.
The Shrine of the Beatitudes
The place of the Beatitudes is on the hillside some 60 meters northeast of the Church of the Multiplication of the Loaves and the Fishes, just above the road leading to Capernaum. A new shrine was selected later further up the hill which was designed in neo-Renaissance style. Built of contrasting black basalt and white limestone, it has arched porticos on each of the four sides. The one-storey building is surmounted by a buttressed octagonal drum and dome rising above the main chapel that commemorates the Eight Beatitudes.
Jordan River
The Jordan River also passes near Kibbutz Kinneret. It is more like a muddy stream that is only a few feet wide in places. The river (near Jericho), it has become traditional for Christian pilgrims to come to a special park along the river established as a baptism site.
The Great Ancient Synagogue at Capernaum
The ruins of a great synagogue was identified. It was built almost entirely of white blocks of calcareous stone brought from distant quarries.The building consists of four parts: the praying hall, the western patio, a southern balustrade and a small room at the northwest of the building. The praying hall with the southern face looking toward Jerusalem. Built of imported white limestone on basalt stone foundations, the floor plan is similar to the 4th-century synagogue at Chorazim (Korazim, 4 km to the north), and the 3rd-century synagogue at Bar’am (in the northern Galilee), but the architectural ornamentation is far more elaborate, with Corinthian capitals and intricately carved stonework reliefs. One relief carving of a cart may depict a portable Ark of the Covenant. The internal walls were covered with painted plaster and superbly well-done stucco work found during the excavations.
Haifa -the City of Beauty and of Co-Existence
Haifa is the main city of northern Israel and the third-largest city in the country. Haifa as a small town near Shikmona, the main Jewish town at the early time. When the city was conquered by the Persians, by the Arabs, and by the crusaders, the city was a part of the Principality of Galilee until the Muslim Mameluks attacked leaving the city ruined and mostly abandoned. The town was rebuilt in a new location, surrounding with a thin wall. That marked as the beginning of the town's modern era and remained under Ottoman rule
Haifa eemerged as an industrial port city and growing population center. And is now the home of a large Jewish and a small Arab population as well as some members of the Bahai community who come and worship at their shrine located in Haifa.
Stela Maris
The summit of the Carmel, or the Star of the Sea, has been held sacred since ancient times. The main site is the Carmelite Monastery, whose construction was started at the end of the 18th century. In the monastery's church there is a cave which Christian tradition identifies as the grave of Elija the Prophet, and which Jewish tradition identifies as the grave of Elisha the Prophet.
Dir el-Mukhraka Carmelite Monastery
The Carmelite monastery rises at the top of Mount Carmel. Next to it is a church and a vantage point with a marvelous view. The place is called "El-Mukhraka" (Place of the Fire) to commemorate Elija the Prophet's offering, that was consumed by fire.
Haifa Funicular
Cable car takes visitors from the northwest edge of the Carmel at Stella Maris to the end of the Bat Galim promenade and back.
Bahai World Center
The Bahai World Center on Haifa's Mount Carmel consists of nineteen terraced gardens and structures. A central landmark to the Bahai faith, which is based upon a doctrine of tolerance and equality. The site is surrounded by carefully manicured gardens, and includes the golden-domed Bahai Shrine, the mausoleum erected in honor of the founder of the Bahai faith, an archive and the Universal House of Justice.
Haifa is the main city of northern Israel and the third-largest city in the country. Haifa as a small town near Shikmona, the main Jewish town at the early time. When the city was conquered by the Persians, by the Arabs, and by the crusaders, the city was a part of the Principality of Galilee until the Muslim Mameluks attacked leaving the city ruined and mostly abandoned. The town was rebuilt in a new location, surrounding with a thin wall. That marked as the beginning of the town's modern era and remained under Ottoman rule
Haifa eemerged as an industrial port city and growing population center. And is now the home of a large Jewish and a small Arab population as well as some members of the Bahai community who come and worship at their shrine located in Haifa.
Stela Maris
The summit of the Carmel, or the Star of the Sea, has been held sacred since ancient times. The main site is the Carmelite Monastery, whose construction was started at the end of the 18th century. In the monastery's church there is a cave which Christian tradition identifies as the grave of Elija the Prophet, and which Jewish tradition identifies as the grave of Elisha the Prophet.
Dir el-Mukhraka Carmelite Monastery
The Carmelite monastery rises at the top of Mount Carmel. Next to it is a church and a vantage point with a marvelous view. The place is called "El-Mukhraka" (Place of the Fire) to commemorate Elija the Prophet's offering, that was consumed by fire.
Haifa Funicular
Cable car takes visitors from the northwest edge of the Carmel at Stella Maris to the end of the Bat Galim promenade and back.
Bahai World Center
The Bahai World Center on Haifa's Mount Carmel consists of nineteen terraced gardens and structures. A central landmark to the Bahai faith, which is based upon a doctrine of tolerance and equality. The site is surrounded by carefully manicured gardens, and includes the golden-domed Bahai Shrine, the mausoleum erected in honor of the founder of the Bahai faith, an archive and the Universal House of Justice.
The Gigantic Miniature Park
Mini Israel is designed like a "Star of David" marked by a red brick path that allows to see model airplanes at Ben-Gurion Airport, the Dead Sea, the Old City of Jerusalem, Jaffa and Tel Aviv. Many of the sites have sound effects, such as the sound of a muezzin calling Muslims to prayer on the Temple Mount and lifeguards yelling at swimmers on the beach at Tel Aviv.
The Park displays hundreds of models that are exact copies of sites, buildings and landscapes from around the country. The models are built at a scale of 1:25, which means that every real meter is scaled down to 4 cm. The exhibited models are of architectural, historical, religious, archeological and social importance. They are surrounded by colorful flowers, miniature vegetation, bonsai trees and thousands of “Israeli” figures who are 7 cm tall.
The Mini Israel park encompasses 13 acres (60 dunams) and is suitable for visitors of all ages. It contains some 350 models, built at a scale of 1:25. The park includes 30,000 miniature residents, each 7.5 centimeters tall, as well as 3,500 cars, vans and trucks, some 100 boats, and about 20 planes. The park is arranged in the shape of a Magen David, with different sections devoted to Jerusalem, Haifa, Tel Aviv, the Negev, Galilee and the coastal plain. Mount Hermon is the tallest structure in the park, with tiny skiers making their way down the slopes and then back to the top on the animated ski lift. Live fish swim in a tank in the Eilat area. Particularly interesting is Mini Israel's reconstruction of Masada.
Alongside the models are some 50,000 real life plants, of which 20,000 are miniature trees consisting of 50 different species. Water and nutrients are supplied to each plant by drip irrigation, and many of the miniature trees.The sites represented include historical, cultural and religious landmarks, from the Bahai Gardens in Haifa to the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron.
Mini Israel is designed like a "Star of David" marked by a red brick path that allows to see model airplanes at Ben-Gurion Airport, the Dead Sea, the Old City of Jerusalem, Jaffa and Tel Aviv. Many of the sites have sound effects, such as the sound of a muezzin calling Muslims to prayer on the Temple Mount and lifeguards yelling at swimmers on the beach at Tel Aviv.
The Park displays hundreds of models that are exact copies of sites, buildings and landscapes from around the country. The models are built at a scale of 1:25, which means that every real meter is scaled down to 4 cm. The exhibited models are of architectural, historical, religious, archeological and social importance. They are surrounded by colorful flowers, miniature vegetation, bonsai trees and thousands of “Israeli” figures who are 7 cm tall.
The Mini Israel park encompasses 13 acres (60 dunams) and is suitable for visitors of all ages. It contains some 350 models, built at a scale of 1:25. The park includes 30,000 miniature residents, each 7.5 centimeters tall, as well as 3,500 cars, vans and trucks, some 100 boats, and about 20 planes. The park is arranged in the shape of a Magen David, with different sections devoted to Jerusalem, Haifa, Tel Aviv, the Negev, Galilee and the coastal plain. Mount Hermon is the tallest structure in the park, with tiny skiers making their way down the slopes and then back to the top on the animated ski lift. Live fish swim in a tank in the Eilat area. Particularly interesting is Mini Israel's reconstruction of Masada.
Alongside the models are some 50,000 real life plants, of which 20,000 are miniature trees consisting of 50 different species. Water and nutrients are supplied to each plant by drip irrigation, and many of the miniature trees.The sites represented include historical, cultural and religious landmarks, from the Bahai Gardens in Haifa to the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron.
Ashkelon
Israel has one of the world's most beautiful coastlines, with white sandy beaches and spectacular Mediterranean views. The coast stretches to the northern border with Lebanon at Rosh Hanikra and south to the Gaza Strip. It is a beautiful beach city in an area of citrus groves and cotton plantations. Situated between the desert and the sea, close to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Beer-Sheba. Ashkelon is strategically positioned on the coastal road linking Egypt to Syria. One of the oldest cities in the world, Ashkelon’s history dates back 4000 years. This was one of five Philistine city-states. The city also plays a role in biblical history as the place where Delilah cut Samson's hair to sap his strength Ashkelon was also a great trading center because it lay along the Via Maris, the route linking Egypt with Syria and Mesopotamia.
The modern city of Ashkelon was founded when Afridar, a town established by South African Jews, and Migdal, a former Arab town, were merged. A national park in Ashkelon includes Greek and Roman ruins and the remains of ancient synagogues. A Roman tomb decorated with frescoes, the ruins of a Byzantine church, and a wall built by Crusaders are also in the city.
Ashkelon's industries process agricultural products and manufacture cement, plastics, electronic equipment, and watches. The city’s economic base is derived from agriculture, service industries, and tourism. Ashkelon is home to the world's largest water desalination plant.
The National Park
It is located on the southern coast of modern Ashkelon. From the entrance, the road passes through the 12th century Crusader city walls and the Canaanite earth ramparts. There are several ongoing excavation sites near the sea, which reveal the city's biblical roots. One of the most intriguing sections of the Park is the sculpture garden, in which many Roman statues stand. There are also several ruins of Byzantine and Crusader churches nestled within the Park.
Israel has one of the world's most beautiful coastlines, with white sandy beaches and spectacular Mediterranean views. The coast stretches to the northern border with Lebanon at Rosh Hanikra and south to the Gaza Strip. It is a beautiful beach city in an area of citrus groves and cotton plantations. Situated between the desert and the sea, close to Jerusalem, Tel Aviv and Beer-Sheba. Ashkelon is strategically positioned on the coastal road linking Egypt to Syria. One of the oldest cities in the world, Ashkelon’s history dates back 4000 years. This was one of five Philistine city-states. The city also plays a role in biblical history as the place where Delilah cut Samson's hair to sap his strength Ashkelon was also a great trading center because it lay along the Via Maris, the route linking Egypt with Syria and Mesopotamia.
The modern city of Ashkelon was founded when Afridar, a town established by South African Jews, and Migdal, a former Arab town, were merged. A national park in Ashkelon includes Greek and Roman ruins and the remains of ancient synagogues. A Roman tomb decorated with frescoes, the ruins of a Byzantine church, and a wall built by Crusaders are also in the city.
Ashkelon's industries process agricultural products and manufacture cement, plastics, electronic equipment, and watches. The city’s economic base is derived from agriculture, service industries, and tourism. Ashkelon is home to the world's largest water desalination plant.
The National Park
It is located on the southern coast of modern Ashkelon. From the entrance, the road passes through the 12th century Crusader city walls and the Canaanite earth ramparts. There are several ongoing excavation sites near the sea, which reveal the city's biblical roots. One of the most intriguing sections of the Park is the sculpture garden, in which many Roman statues stand. There are also several ruins of Byzantine and Crusader churches nestled within the Park.
Tel Aviv
A city of culture and entertainment, commerce and business, and a fabulous beach resort. It features wide beaches with golden sand, exotic markets and exclusive shopping centers - a unique combination and a source of pride for the city. It has large business districts with modern architecture, amidst old and intimate streets.There are also many parks, gardens, and boulevards and sculptures scattered throughout the city that all merit more than a passing glance. Tel Aviv's first Hebrew city named Ahuzat Bayit, it was founded in 1909 as a Jewish neighborhood. In 1910 its name was changed to Tel Aviv (the "hill of spring"). On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel declared its independence in Tel Aviv and became the temporary capital of the new State until 1949.
Tel Aviv Museum of Art
The Tel Aviv Museum of Art has boasted the country's leading exhibition of modern art.
Museum of the Jewish Diaspora (Beit Hatefutsot)
The focus of this museum is to convey the story of the Jewish people from the time of the expulsion of the Jews from Israel by the Romans 2,500 years ago to their subsequent return to Israel.
Andromeda's Rock
Just off Jaffa Port is the rock to which, according to Greek mythology, Andromeda was chained, to be snatched from certain death by Peruses on his winged horse.
Azrieli Observatory
The observatory is Tel Aviv's monument to geometry 101, with its triangular, rectangular and cylindrical glass and steel towers rising up 49 floors over the flat, sprawling city. On a clear day the view stretches far beyond the city: not only can the West Bank be seen, but also the East Bank of the river Jordan, all the way to Amman.
Ben Gurion House
Its a private house of former Prime Minister David Ben Gurion.The house has been preserved in the same condition as when it was lived in, and it presents a permanent exhibition on Ben Gurion's life and legacy.
Dizengoff Fountain
This fountain, entitled the Fire and Water sculpture is located on a raised roundabout that is painted in a bright, rainbow design. It has been dedicated to the friendship between the cities of Tel Aviv and Frankfurt.
Great Synagogue
The Great Synagogue located just east of the Shalom Tower, is still active. The synagogue is constructed with a huge dome and showcases arched and magnificent stained glass windows.
Clock Tower
The clock tower stands in the middle of what is now the traffic-heavy Yefet street, at the entrance, as it were, to Jaffa, the ancient city to which modern Tel Aviv is anchored.
Jaffa Port
As a port of entry, the Jaffa port has seen better days -it is rumored to be the oldest functioning port in the world. Today the massive dockside warehouses are run down, and largely vacant. On the ground floor of the abandoned warehouses are fish restaurants (most on the upscale side), one after the next.
Kikar Rabin (Rabin Square)
This square, formerly known as Melchai-Israel Square, was renamed after Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated here during a peace rally.
Neve Tzedek
This neighborhood was one of the first to be built (in 1887) in the sand dunes outside of Jaffa. The narrow winding lanes, colorful plaster walls and tile roofs recall a small Mediterranean village.
Ramses II's Gate Garden
On the slope of the green, carefully manicured hill in the park area of Old Jaffa is an interesting archeological site. A massive doorjamb, as it were, stands in front of partially excavated ruins. This is the reconstructed gateway to a building from the time of Egyptian ruler Ramses II (1400-1200 BCE).
Shalom Tower
Once the tallest building in Israel, the observatory on the 34th floor hosts a café, an interactive multimedia exhibition on the city's history, and the best view of Tel Aviv and the surrounding landscape. See as far as Jordan and Mount Carmel, not to mention a glimpse of the desert on a clear day.
A city of culture and entertainment, commerce and business, and a fabulous beach resort. It features wide beaches with golden sand, exotic markets and exclusive shopping centers - a unique combination and a source of pride for the city. It has large business districts with modern architecture, amidst old and intimate streets.There are also many parks, gardens, and boulevards and sculptures scattered throughout the city that all merit more than a passing glance. Tel Aviv's first Hebrew city named Ahuzat Bayit, it was founded in 1909 as a Jewish neighborhood. In 1910 its name was changed to Tel Aviv (the "hill of spring"). On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel declared its independence in Tel Aviv and became the temporary capital of the new State until 1949.
Tel Aviv Museum of Art
The Tel Aviv Museum of Art has boasted the country's leading exhibition of modern art.
Museum of the Jewish Diaspora (Beit Hatefutsot)
The focus of this museum is to convey the story of the Jewish people from the time of the expulsion of the Jews from Israel by the Romans 2,500 years ago to their subsequent return to Israel.
Andromeda's Rock
Just off Jaffa Port is the rock to which, according to Greek mythology, Andromeda was chained, to be snatched from certain death by Peruses on his winged horse.
Azrieli Observatory
The observatory is Tel Aviv's monument to geometry 101, with its triangular, rectangular and cylindrical glass and steel towers rising up 49 floors over the flat, sprawling city. On a clear day the view stretches far beyond the city: not only can the West Bank be seen, but also the East Bank of the river Jordan, all the way to Amman.
Ben Gurion House
Its a private house of former Prime Minister David Ben Gurion.The house has been preserved in the same condition as when it was lived in, and it presents a permanent exhibition on Ben Gurion's life and legacy.
Dizengoff Fountain
This fountain, entitled the Fire and Water sculpture is located on a raised roundabout that is painted in a bright, rainbow design. It has been dedicated to the friendship between the cities of Tel Aviv and Frankfurt.
Great Synagogue
The Great Synagogue located just east of the Shalom Tower, is still active. The synagogue is constructed with a huge dome and showcases arched and magnificent stained glass windows.
Clock Tower
The clock tower stands in the middle of what is now the traffic-heavy Yefet street, at the entrance, as it were, to Jaffa, the ancient city to which modern Tel Aviv is anchored.
Jaffa Port
As a port of entry, the Jaffa port has seen better days -it is rumored to be the oldest functioning port in the world. Today the massive dockside warehouses are run down, and largely vacant. On the ground floor of the abandoned warehouses are fish restaurants (most on the upscale side), one after the next.
Kikar Rabin (Rabin Square)
This square, formerly known as Melchai-Israel Square, was renamed after Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated here during a peace rally.
Neve Tzedek
This neighborhood was one of the first to be built (in 1887) in the sand dunes outside of Jaffa. The narrow winding lanes, colorful plaster walls and tile roofs recall a small Mediterranean village.
Ramses II's Gate Garden
On the slope of the green, carefully manicured hill in the park area of Old Jaffa is an interesting archeological site. A massive doorjamb, as it were, stands in front of partially excavated ruins. This is the reconstructed gateway to a building from the time of Egyptian ruler Ramses II (1400-1200 BCE).
Shalom Tower
Once the tallest building in Israel, the observatory on the 34th floor hosts a café, an interactive multimedia exhibition on the city's history, and the best view of Tel Aviv and the surrounding landscape. See as far as Jordan and Mount Carmel, not to mention a glimpse of the desert on a clear day.
Tour Portfolio
The Negev - Be'er Sheva
The Negev ("desert", "arid land"), is bounded on the west by the Egyptian-Israeli frontier and the Gaza Strip, on the east by the Arava depression and on the north approximately by a line running between Gaza and En Gedi. The largest town in this huge triangle is Beersheba (Be'er Sheva), situated on the boundary between the northern Negev and the arid Negev desert to the south. Six different areas can be distinguished in the Negev: the northwestern coastal plain, the Beersheba valley, the Negev Hills, a high plateau in the Wilderness of Paran, the Arava depression and the Elat Hills in the south. The northwestern coastal plain.
Avdat - The Site
An access road branches off the Beersheba-Elat road and ends at a parking lot (kiosk, rest-house) on the west side of the site of the ancient city of Avdat. From here there is a road to another parking lot immediately south of the ancient city.
Avdat - Byzantine fortress
After the Roman residential quarter at the Avdat site the path runs through the south gate into the rectangular Byzantine fortress. A vantage point in the southeast corner offers a view over the whole extent of the site with its (partly restored) walls and towers, a large cistern in the center of the courtyard and the remains of a Late Byzantine chapel against the north wall. A passage in the north wall gives access to the Roman military camp, which measures 90m/100yds each way.
Avdat - Roman houses
From the upper parking lot at the Avdat site a path leads north through a Roman residential quarter with a semicircular upper section and a rectangular lower section. Nearby is a stone with a Nabataean inscription.
Avdat - Sacred precinct
Adjoining the west side of the fortress at the Avdat site is another courtyard, the sacred precinct. This dates from Byzantine times and contains two churches, built on the sites of Nabataean and Roman temples.
The Negev ("desert", "arid land"), is bounded on the west by the Egyptian-Israeli frontier and the Gaza Strip, on the east by the Arava depression and on the north approximately by a line running between Gaza and En Gedi. The largest town in this huge triangle is Beersheba (Be'er Sheva), situated on the boundary between the northern Negev and the arid Negev desert to the south. Six different areas can be distinguished in the Negev: the northwestern coastal plain, the Beersheba valley, the Negev Hills, a high plateau in the Wilderness of Paran, the Arava depression and the Elat Hills in the south. The northwestern coastal plain.
Avdat - The Site
An access road branches off the Beersheba-Elat road and ends at a parking lot (kiosk, rest-house) on the west side of the site of the ancient city of Avdat. From here there is a road to another parking lot immediately south of the ancient city.
Avdat - Byzantine fortress
After the Roman residential quarter at the Avdat site the path runs through the south gate into the rectangular Byzantine fortress. A vantage point in the southeast corner offers a view over the whole extent of the site with its (partly restored) walls and towers, a large cistern in the center of the courtyard and the remains of a Late Byzantine chapel against the north wall. A passage in the north wall gives access to the Roman military camp, which measures 90m/100yds each way.
Avdat - Roman houses
From the upper parking lot at the Avdat site a path leads north through a Roman residential quarter with a semicircular upper section and a rectangular lower section. Nearby is a stone with a Nabataean inscription.
Avdat - Sacred precinct
Adjoining the west side of the fortress at the Avdat site is another courtyard, the sacred precinct. This dates from Byzantine times and contains two churches, built on the sites of Nabataean and Roman temples.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
Explore the mysteries of the Holy Land
Caesarea
Caesarea - Crusader City
Beyond the street of shops in Caesarea is the Crusader city, which was protected by stout walls and projecting bastions within a deep moat. These fortifications, enclosing a rectangular area with one side running along the sea, were built on a unified plan and completed in a very short time. The entrance is on the east side, through a gateway with 13th century groined vaulting. To the left can be seen the remains of houses containing cisterns with marble spouts. On the ground nearby are the shafts of columns, closely packed together, showing how the Crusaders used materials from ancient buildings. A passage roofed by pointed arches leads to the southeast corner of the site.
Caesarea - Byzantine Street
200m/220yds past the Hippodrome in Caesarea, can be seen the remains of a Byzantine street of shops. A flight of steps on the north side leads up to a forecourt, with a mosaic containing a Greek inscription recording that the complex was built by Flavius Strategus. The entrance, flanked by columns, was later walled up. Behind this are two headless statues (second-third century), one of white marble and the other of porphyry; the latter at least, because of the "purple" material used, is likely to be the figure of an Emperor.
Roman Theater
The Crusader castle occupies a rectangular area measuring 200m/220yds by 450m/490yds on a rocky peninsula projecting westward into the sea. The entrance is at the east end and in front of it was an outlying settlement, partly excavated. The castle itself is defended by a ditch (cut through a Phoenician cemetery) and by a stout double wall. On the inner wall is the principal tower or keep, El-Karnifeh, built of massive square blocks with quoins of dressed stone.
Chapter House
Adjoining this tower is the chapterhouse, which is preserved to the springing of the vaulting, borne on consoles with saints' heads. At the west end of the castle, where steps run down to the landing-stage, can be seen the foundations of the octagonal Templar church.
Aqueduct
A relic of the Herodian period, at the northern tip of the site of Caesarea, is an aqueduct (now partly buried in drift sand) which brought water from a spring 6km/4mi north of the town. There are two water conduits, and it can be seen at the broken south end that the right-hand channel was constructed first and the left-hand one added later. A second aqueduct was built some farther inland.
Caesarea - Crusader City
Beyond the street of shops in Caesarea is the Crusader city, which was protected by stout walls and projecting bastions within a deep moat. These fortifications, enclosing a rectangular area with one side running along the sea, were built on a unified plan and completed in a very short time. The entrance is on the east side, through a gateway with 13th century groined vaulting. To the left can be seen the remains of houses containing cisterns with marble spouts. On the ground nearby are the shafts of columns, closely packed together, showing how the Crusaders used materials from ancient buildings. A passage roofed by pointed arches leads to the southeast corner of the site.
Caesarea - Byzantine Street
200m/220yds past the Hippodrome in Caesarea, can be seen the remains of a Byzantine street of shops. A flight of steps on the north side leads up to a forecourt, with a mosaic containing a Greek inscription recording that the complex was built by Flavius Strategus. The entrance, flanked by columns, was later walled up. Behind this are two headless statues (second-third century), one of white marble and the other of porphyry; the latter at least, because of the "purple" material used, is likely to be the figure of an Emperor.
Roman Theater
The Crusader castle occupies a rectangular area measuring 200m/220yds by 450m/490yds on a rocky peninsula projecting westward into the sea. The entrance is at the east end and in front of it was an outlying settlement, partly excavated. The castle itself is defended by a ditch (cut through a Phoenician cemetery) and by a stout double wall. On the inner wall is the principal tower or keep, El-Karnifeh, built of massive square blocks with quoins of dressed stone.
Chapter House
Adjoining this tower is the chapterhouse, which is preserved to the springing of the vaulting, borne on consoles with saints' heads. At the west end of the castle, where steps run down to the landing-stage, can be seen the foundations of the octagonal Templar church.
Aqueduct
A relic of the Herodian period, at the northern tip of the site of Caesarea, is an aqueduct (now partly buried in drift sand) which brought water from a spring 6km/4mi north of the town. There are two water conduits, and it can be seen at the broken south end that the right-hand channel was constructed first and the left-hand one added later. A second aqueduct was built some farther inland.
Akko
The city of Acre is in the Western Galilee district in northern Israel. It stands on a low promontory at the northern extremity of the Bay of Acre, 152 kilometers (95 miles) N.N.W. from Jerusalem. It was long regarded as the "Key of Palestine," on account of its commanding position on the shore of the broad coastal plain that joins the inland plain of Esdraelon, and so affords the easiest entrance to the interior of the country.
The walls
Daher El-Omar, the ruler of Acre, utilized the remnants of the Crusader walls as a foundation for his walls and were reinforced by Jezzar Pasha and survived Napoleon's siege. A heavy land defense wall was built north and east to the city by Jezzar Pasha (Al-Jezzar) and his Jewish advisor Haim Farkhi. It is a modern counter artillery fortification which includes a thick defensive wall, a dry moat, cannon outposts and three Burges (large defensive towers).
The Great Mosque
The Al Jezzar mosque was built by Jezzar Pasha from materials taken from Caesarea Maritima where his tomb is within.
Hamam al Basha
Hamam is a hot Turkish bath. Acre's Hamam is notable mainly because it was used by the Irgun as a bridge to break into the citadel's prison.
The Citadel
The current building which consists the citadel of Acre is an Ottoman fortification, built on the foundation of the Hospitallerian citadel. The citadel was part of the city's defensive formation, reinforcing the northern wall.The citadel was used mainly as a prison and as the site for a gallows were activists of Jewish Zionist resistance movements were held prisoner some were executed there.
The Knights' Halls
Archeological excavations revealed a complex of halls, which was built and used by the Hospitallers Knights. This complex was a part of the Hospitallers' citadel, which was combined in the northern wall of Acre.
The city of Acre is in the Western Galilee district in northern Israel. It stands on a low promontory at the northern extremity of the Bay of Acre, 152 kilometers (95 miles) N.N.W. from Jerusalem. It was long regarded as the "Key of Palestine," on account of its commanding position on the shore of the broad coastal plain that joins the inland plain of Esdraelon, and so affords the easiest entrance to the interior of the country.
The walls
Daher El-Omar, the ruler of Acre, utilized the remnants of the Crusader walls as a foundation for his walls and were reinforced by Jezzar Pasha and survived Napoleon's siege. A heavy land defense wall was built north and east to the city by Jezzar Pasha (Al-Jezzar) and his Jewish advisor Haim Farkhi. It is a modern counter artillery fortification which includes a thick defensive wall, a dry moat, cannon outposts and three Burges (large defensive towers).
The Great Mosque
The Al Jezzar mosque was built by Jezzar Pasha from materials taken from Caesarea Maritima where his tomb is within.
Hamam al Basha
Hamam is a hot Turkish bath. Acre's Hamam is notable mainly because it was used by the Irgun as a bridge to break into the citadel's prison.
The Citadel
The current building which consists the citadel of Acre is an Ottoman fortification, built on the foundation of the Hospitallerian citadel. The citadel was part of the city's defensive formation, reinforcing the northern wall.The citadel was used mainly as a prison and as the site for a gallows were activists of Jewish Zionist resistance movements were held prisoner some were executed there.
The Knights' Halls
Archeological excavations revealed a complex of halls, which was built and used by the Hospitallers Knights. This complex was a part of the Hospitallers' citadel, which was combined in the northern wall of Acre.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
For more information about tour package
Experience an exciting and amazing holiday.
Discover the secret of our History