1,800 Years Old High-Level Aqueduct of Jerusalem Exposed Next to Jaffa Gate in the Old City

A beautiful aqueduct, standing 1.50 meters high and built of large stones, has been situated for almost two millennia right under one of the most familiar and traveled places in Jerusalem – beneath the road that leads from Jaffa Gate toward the David Citadel Museum and the shops on David Street.

The High-Level Aqueduct of Jerusalem, which dates from the second-third century CE, was exposed in excavations the Israel Antiquities Authority is conducting, with funding provided by the Jerusalem Development Authority for the purpose of replacing the infrastructure in the region.

According to Dr. Ofer Sion, excavation director on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, “The side of the aqueduct was discovered during the course of the excavation. When we removed the stones in its side and peeked into it we saw a splendidly built aqueduct covered with stone slabs where one can walk crouched down for a distance of approximately 40 meters. It is very exciting to think that no one has set foot there for many hundreds of years”. According to Sion, “The noted Land of Israel scholar, Dr. Conrad Schick, described a specific section of the aqueduct in a survey he conducted at the end of the nineteenth century. In 1898 a building was erected in this area which afterward became what we know of today as the Imperial Hotel. Schick’s documentation provided us with the clue that led to exposing this section of the aqueduct”.

The aqueduct is c. 60 centimeters wide and 1.5 meters high. Shafts were exposed at fifteen meter intervals or so that allowed the ancients to check the state of the aqueduct from what was the surface level in those days.

Up until the end of the Second Temple period, in the first century BCE, Jerusalem’s water supply was derived from the Gihon Spring; however, as the number of residents steadily increased, the city’s water resources proved insufficient. The shortage of water was the principal factor that led to the construction of Jerusalem’s magnificent waterworks during Herod’s reign.

Gravity and very sophisticated engineering were employed to carry water to the city from springs located in the Hebron Hills, which were sufficiently high enough to convey the water by way of aqueducts to Jerusalem. The water was brought dozens of kilometers on its way to Jerusalem until it reached Solomon’s Pools and was distributed from there via two main aqueducts: the Low-Level Aqueduct and the High-Level Aqueduct. The High-Level Aqueduct conveyed water to the high part of the city where King Herod’s palace and Hezekiah’s Pool were situated, the latter being the main source of water for all those arriving in the city; and the Low-Level Aqueduct carried water to the Temple Mount and the Temple.

According to Dr. Sion, “For now, we can date the section of the aqueduct that was exposed to the second century CE, to the time of the pagan city Aelia Capitolina, which was built on the ruins of Jerusalem following the Bar Kokhba Revolt in 135 CE. Presumably, however, the aqueduct was first constructed in the days of Herod, as we know from other places along its route, particularly in the Bethlehem area. Archaeological research has shown that the total length of the aqueduct, which begins at Solomon’s Pools, is about 13 kilometers.

Israel Antiquities Authority





You might also like to read:

Jerusalem

For the First Time the Main Road of Jerusalem, from 1,500 Years Ago, is Exposed.

Other locations you might like:

Galilee & Upper Galilee

West Galillee

Golan Heights & Hermon Mountain

Costal Plain

Netania in Pictures

Jerusalem

Tel Aviv - Jaffa

The Negev

Holy Sites For Christians

For the First Time the Main Road of Jerusalem, from 1,500 Years Ago, is Exposed

An IAA Archaeological Excavation in the Heart of the Old City Confirms a Description on an Ancient Map: For the First Time the Main Road of Jerusalem, from 1,500 Years Ago, is Exposed

The excavations are being carried out at the initiation of the Jerusalem Development Authority, prior to rehabilitating the infrastructure

Madaba Map – an ancient mosaic map in a church in Jordan from the sixth-seventh century CE, which depicted the Land of Israel in the Byzantine period, explicitly showed: the entrance to Jerusalem from the west was via a very large gate that led to a single, central thoroughfare on that side of the city.

Various evidence of the important buildings in Jerusalem that appear on the map has been uncovered over the years or has survived to this day – for example the Church of the Holy Sepulcher – but the large bustling street from the period when Jerusalem became a Christian city has not been discovered until now. The reason for this is that no archaeological excavations took place in the region due to the inconvenience it would cause in stopping traffic in such a busy central location.

Now, because of the need for a thorough treatment of the infrastructure in the region, the Jerusalem Development Authority has initiated rehabilitation work and is renewing the infrastructure in this area in general, and next to the entrance to David Street (known to tourists as the stepped-street with the shops) in particular. Thus it is possible for both archaeologists and the public to catch a rare glimpse of what is going on beneath the flagstone pavement that is so familiar to us all.

From his knowledge of the Madaba Map, Dr. Ofer Sion, excavation director on behalf of the Israel Antiquities Authority, surmised that the place where the infrastructure will be replaced is where a main road passes that is known from the map. “And indeed, after removing a number of archaeological strata, at a depth of c. 4.5 m below today’s street level, much to our excitement we discovered the large flagstones that paved the street”. The flagstones, more than a meter long, were found cracked from the burden of centuries. A foundation built of stone was unearthed alongside the street on which a sidewalk and a row of columns, which have not yet been revealed, were founded. According to Dr. Sion, “It is wonderful to see that David Street, which is teeming with so much life today, actually preserved the route of the noisy street from 1,500 years ago”.

During the Middle Ages a very large building that faced the street was constructed on the stone foundation of the Byzantine period. In a later phase, during the Mamluk period (thirteenth-fourteenth centuries CE) elongated rooms were built inside this structure, some of which are vaulted; these were apparently used as shops and storerooms. It turns out that beneath this building – right below the street that runs between David’s Citadel and David Street and leads to the Armenian Quarter – is an enormous cistern, 8 x 12 meters and 5 meters deep, which supplied water to its occupants.

The Madaba Map is an 8 x 16 meter mosaic map that was built in a church in Madaba, Jordan and described the Land of Israel through the intimate knowledge the mosaic’s builder had of the country. The map depicts schematically all of the Land of Israel, with an emphasis on the Christian sites in it. Among other things that appear on the map are many of the churches they began to erect at this time when the city underwent a religious change from paganism to Christianity. The churches can be identified by the red roofs that are portrayed on the map.

The artifacts that were discovered in the excavations include an abundance of pottery vessels and coins and five small square bronze weights that the shopkeepers used for weighing precious metals.

Israel Antiquities Authority





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Jerusalem

1,800 Years Old High-Level Aqueduct of Jerusalem Exposed Next to Jaffa Gate in the Old City.

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http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-galilee-upper-galilee.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-golan-heights-hermon.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-coastal-plain.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-netanya-in-picture.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-jerusalem.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-west-galilee.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-tel-aviv-jaffa.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israel-tourism-negev.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/holy-sites-for-christians-in-israel.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/1800-years-old-high-level-aqueduct-of.html

Holy Sites For Christians in Israel

Churches In Israel

Christian Pilgrims have been visiting Israel for centuries. No wonder: the land where Jesus and the disciples lived is filled with historical sites and ancient churches that hold a tremendous importance for Christian believers. Many important churches in Israel are spread throughout the country, and are visited by thousands of believers every year. ??The following is a shortlist of some of the most significant churches in Israel:

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher - Jerusalem

The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, within the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, is the first among the Christian shrines. According to Christian belief, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher (refereed to as Golgotha, the Hill of Calvary, by most Christians) is where Jesus was crucified and buried. The resurrection has been celebrated there for many centuries as the most sacred place in all of Christendom.



The Chapel of the Ascension - Jerusalem

The Chapel of the Ascension in Jerusalem is believed by Christians to be where Jesus ascended into heaven. It is a holy site for Muslims as well, and serves as a church and a mosque. The first church was built there in 390 AD., the current chapel was built in 1150 AD., and the mosque was added in 1620 AD. It is located just south of the Mount of Olives.



The Church of the Nativity - Bethlehem

The Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem is one of the most ancient churches in the world, and one of the most important churches in Israel. It was built over the supposed birth place of Jesus, and is considered sacred to Muslims as well.



Church of the Annunciation - Nazareth

The Church of the Annunciation, sometimes referred to as the Basilica of the Annunciation, is located in Nazareth, where - according to Roman Catholic tradition – Mary was told by Gabriel that she will be the mother of Jesus. The Church of the Annunciation is a pilgrims’ must-see and a tourists’ long time favorite. ??Church of St. Gabriel - According to the apocryphal Gospel, the Church of St. Gabriel (St. Mary’s well) is the actual place where Gabriel made the announcement to Mary. It is also located in Nazareth. ??The Church of St. Joseph is another main Christian attraction in Nazareth. Known as the supposed location of Joseph’s carpentry shop, the Church of St. Joseph is visited by many believers every year. The lower level contains the Grotto of the Annunciation, believed by many Christians to be the remains of the original childhood home of Mary.



Peter house in Capernaum

Capernaum is frequently mentioned in the Gospels and was Jesus' main base during his Galilean ministry. It is referred to as Jesus' "own city" (Mt 9:1; Mk 2:1) and a place where he lived (Mt 1:13). He probably chose it simply because it was the home of his first converts, Peter and Andrew (Mk 1:21, 29).

They went to Capernaum, and when the Sabbath came, Jesus went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, because he taught them as one who had authority, not as the teachers of the law....

As soon as they left the synagogue, they went with James and John to the home of Simon and Andrew. Simon's mother-in-law was in bed with a fever, and they told Jesus about her. So he went to her, took her hand and helped her up." (Mark 1:21-22, 29-30). Many familiar Gospel events occurred in this village. Capernaum is where Jesus first began to preach after the Temptation in the wilderness (Mt 1:12-17) and called Levi from his tax-collector's booth (Mk 2:13-17). It was while teaching in the synagogue of Capernaum that he said, "Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood has eternal life, and I will raise him up at the last day." (Jn 6:54)

Capernaum is where Jesus healed a centurion's servant without even seeing him (Mt 8:5-13; Lk 7:1-10), Peter's mother-in-law (Mt 8:14-15; Mk 1:29-30); the paralytic who was lowered thorugh the roof (Mk 2:1-12), and many others who were brought to him (Mt 8:16-17). And it was Capernaum that Jesus had set out from when he calmed a storm on the Sea of Galilee (Mt 8:23-27).

Jesus was harsh with his adopted home when it proved unrepentent despite his many miracles. "And you, Capernaum, will you be lifted up to the skies? No, you will go down to the depths. If the miracles that were performed in you had been performed in Sodom, it would have remained to this day. But I tell you that it will be more bearable for Sodom on the day of judgment than for you" (Mt 11:23-24).





The Jesus Trail

The Jesus Trail is a marvelous new way for Christian visitors to Israel to feel, through all five senses, and their feet, the ministry of Jesus in the Galilee and to experience the land the way the ancients did.

The Jesus Trail meets the desire of many Christians to understand how the land reflects Scripture. Designed to be walked over three or four days, the 65-kilometer (40-mile) trail leads to Nazareth, Sepphoris, Cana, the Arbel Cliffs, Tabgha, Capernaum and the Mount of Beatitudes, Tiberias and the Jordan River. Among many highlights, in early spring, you’ll stop to take a field of bright red anemones or yellow daisies––Jesus’ “lilies of the field” (Luke 12:27). Walking a path between wild oats and thistles and a beautifully cultivated field, Jesus’ famed Parable of the Sower (Matt. 13:3-9) makes perfect sense. Climbing to Sepphoris, near Nazareth, the city Jesus might have known as a boy, the image of the “city on a hill” (Matt. 5:14) comes into unforgettable perspective.

The Galilee is as multi-cultural now as when Jesus interacted with its many peoples. Christians talking the Jesus Trail will enjoy the hospitality of local people of all faiths and ethnic groups, adding a unique dimension to their experience, whether in home-stays, restaurants, hotels, historic sites, and on the trail itself.

Walkers can cover the trail at once or in segments, and the level of challenge is flexible. Overnight options extend from hotels, owner-operated bed-and-breakfasts to overnight camping, and there are many places to buy water and food along the way. Public buses are available at most starting and end-points.

From mid-December 2008, a volunteer will be on hand daily to meet walkers and accompany them along the first day of the Jesus Trail, from Nazareth to Sepphoris and Cana. For more information







Yardenit Baptism

Yardenit ("little Jordan") is a popular Baptism site. Here, the water flows into the Jordan river, eventually flowing into the Dead Sea located more than 100KM to the south. This site is believed by some traditions to be the actual site where Jesus was baptized by John the Baptist (Matthew 3: 13 : "Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to be baptized by John").



Many Christian pilgrims stop at this site and perform baptism ceremonies, normally in small groups and accompanied by the group's pastor. It is a remarkable and charming site - and should not be missed.

The site is located at the southern exit of the Sea of Galilee, just behind the gate of the Dam that is used on rainy winters to lower the level of the lake. The baptism site has a large parking lot, convenient dressing rooms, stairway to walk down into the waters, a restaurant and a shop.





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http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-coastal-plain.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-netanya-in-picture.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-jerusalem.html

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http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-tel-aviv-jaffa.html

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http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/for-first-time-main-road-of-jerusalem.html

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Israel's Tourism - Galilee & Upper Galilee

Galilee
lsrael's Galilee, in the northern part of the country, is divided into a number of sections: Tiberias - center of the region's tourism and an ideal spot for relaxation and water sports fun. Around the Sea of Galilee -

55 kilometers in circumference, with places of interest like: Tabgha (site of the Miracle of the Multiplication of the Fish & Loaves); Capernaum (site of Simon Peter's house and the ruins of a 1500-year-old synagogue); Mount of the Beatitudes (where Jesus preached the Sermon on the Mount); . The Great Valleys of the Galilee (the Jordan and Jezreel Valleys) - site of Nazareth (the boyhood home of Jesus) and the Beit Shean Antiquities. Safed - center of 16th-century Jewish mysticism and present site of a modern Artists' Quarter. The Upper Galilee - characterized by breathtaking landscapes replete with woodland, mountains and streams.

* Afula - a medium sized town, not very interesting on itself, but it is the largest city in the Jezreel Valley
* Amirim - a vegetarian village
* Beth Shean - explore the remains of Canaanite, Egyptian and Romano-Byzantine cities
* Geva - a Kibbutz (small utopian settlement) founded in 1922 by Jewish immigrants from Poland and Russia
* Metula - known as being the northernmost populated place in Israel
* Nahariah - boasts the Montfort Castle, a crusader castle located in a beautiful forested area east of town
* Nazareth - the hometown of Jesus, now the largest Arab city in Israel
* Qiryat Shemona - town in the far north of Israel, the name translates as "the town of the Eight"
* Safed - this fascinating city is filled with artists and mystics, boasting home to ARI, who established Kaballah
* Tiberias - located on the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, a modern resort town with an ancient background

Other destinations:
* Belvoir Castle - a magnificently-located crusader castle located high above the Sea of Galilee
* Beth Shean Valley - the core of the north Jordan River valley
* Beth Shearim - Jewish catacombs from the Roman period
* Hazor - the largest ancient ruin in modern Israel
* Jezreel Valley - an extensive inland valley, largely rural, extending inland from east of Haifa to the Jordan Valley
* Megiddo - an ancient Canaanite and Israelite city and the location of several key battles, both ancient and modern
* Mount Meron - Israel's highest mountain, if excluding the Golan Heights, at 1208 meters above sea level with several hiking trails
* Sea of Galilee (Kinneret) - diverse landscapes and settlements around the lake, many with connections to the life of Jesus
* Zippori - an archaeological site with the best preserved mosaics in a Roman town

More:
* A number of Druze villages have an interesting and distinctive culture.
* Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai is buried in the town of Meron, near Safed. Once a year on "Lag beOmer" (around May), hundreds of thousands of Israelis gather to Meron to celebrate the rabbi and his legacy of kabbalistic learning.





Main Cities:
Nazareth - City Guide

Nazareth of the Annunciation is the largest Arab city in Israel with a population of 60,000 - half Christians and half Moslems - living together in harmonious co-existence. It's geographic location, with Cana of the Wedding Feast and Sapphires (Tzippori) just next door, make it a perfect base from which to tour the rest of the Galilee It offers a uniquely different experience to the visitor. Picturesque red roofs and white stone churches ramble haphazardly down the slopes of this ancient Galilee hillside, the summit of which overlooks the panorama of the entire Jezreel Valley.

Nazareth, being one of the most important Christian holy sites in the world, has always been a very special haven for Christians & pilgrims. The visitor finds an exciting Middle Eastern ambiance with exotic flavors and textures, imbued with the famed warm and friendly hospitality of the Arab population, yet retaining many spiritual oases of serenity and peace provided by the diverse Christian orders in their beautiful Churches and Monasteries.





Tiberias - City guide

At an altitude of some 600 meters above sea level, overlooking the Sea of Galilee (the Kinneret), lies the city of Tiberias - one of the largest cities in the north of Israel and one of its most popular resort places. Tiberias has been the cultural and religious center of the Jewish community in the Roman days, and is considered one of the holiest cities in Israel. Alongside its historical monuments Tiberias is a lively place, especially during the hot summer months with many attractions for tourists and families with kids.

Hammat Tverya National Park is a recommended way to pass a relaxing afternoon while visiting the city. Situated next to the “Hamei Tverya” spa (another great option for spa lovers), the Hammat Tverya National Park includes few old synagogues and a public bath house, including few ancient natural warm water spas. Many of Tiberias’ landmarks of ancient history are located there.

The Tiberias beaches are mostly clean and well kept, though admission fee is required. To enjoy the scenic view of the Sea of Galilee from above mixed with a nice walk, visit the Emek Hayarden boardwalk between Zemach beach and the Dganya Aleph Kibbutz. The River Jordan (Yarden River), stretching to the North and South of the Sea of Galilee, has a wide selection of rafting and kayaking spots for water sports lovers. Along the Alon boardwalk, next to the beach, you can fine three centers offering equipment and water activities such as boats hiring, water skiing and more.

When getting tired of these activities, you might want to visit one of the fine seafood and fresh fish restaurants of Tiberias. On top of the promenade’s many sea food restaurants, you can try Shimshon steak house (behind the Tiberias market) or Dex steak house, both offer great meat at sea level with cool atmosphere. The Guy restaurant (next to Panorama hotel) is another off-the-beaten-track restaurant, serving kosher Jewish food from around the globe.

There are many hotels in Tiberias, some of which are luxurious and some are less pricey and more common. The best hotels in Tiberias include Caesar Resort Hotel, the Scots Hotel, the Sheraton and Rimonim Galei Kinnereth, all located next to the shore and offer 5 star facilities. Other good options while searching for hotels in Tiberias are the Holiday Inn, the Golden Tulip and Golan hotel, which is a simpler yet clean option and offers great views of the Sea of Galilee.







Safed (Tsfat - Tzfat) - City Guide
is a city in the Galilee region of Israel, and is one of the oldest centers for Jewish learning and spirituality, home to the Kabbalah movement which is popular with celebreties.

Located at an altitude of 900 meters (2,953 ft), Safed, is the highest city in the Galilee and of Israel. Due to its high altitude, Safed, experiences pleasantly warm summers and cold, and often snowy winters

It is the birthplace of the Kabbalah, and one of the main bastions for Torah study and the like during the centuries of Ottoman rule. It is one of the four holiest cities in Judaism, along with Hebron, Tiberias, and of course Jerusalem. While there are many stories about when it was founded, and by whom, it truly grew to prominence in the late 15th century when it became a refuge for Jews fleeing the Spanish Inquisition.

It is a cute, quaint city in the north of Israel. In more recent times, thanks to its beautiful setting surrounded by pine forests, and its agreeable, mild summers, Safed has developed into a summer holiday resort much frequented by Israelis and also foreign visitors. It has also become popular as an artists' colony apart from its religious significance, its nature and its pleasant summers.

See in Safed:
Synagogues - there are a number of old, beautiful, and unique synagogues in Tsfat, some of them rather famous world-wide among the Jewish community. These include:

* The Ari Ashkenaz and the Ari Sephard synagogues both in memory of Rabbi Isaac Luria. The Ari Ashkenaz is normally open for visitors on weekdays and boasts an ornate ark. The Ari Sephard synagogue is only open for prayers on the Sabbath.

* The "Abuhav" synagogue is probably the most unique, most beautiful, and most famous. It was built in the 1490's according to Kabbalistic architectural and spiritual beliefs.

* The "Caro" synagogue is another popular landmark, established in the 16th century on the site of a yeshiva run by one of the chief rabbis of Tsfat, and a compiler of the Shulchan Aruch, a book of Jewish law.

Both of these synagogues follow Sephardic traditions, and both, along with all the synagogues in Tsfat, and most around the country and the world, expect all visitors to be dressed appropriately; this means one must have legs covered (no shorts or short skirts), no bare shoulders/upper arms, and all men must cover their heads.

The Ancient Cemetery is the burial place of many famous Rabbis and is a common destination for visitors to Tsfat looking for answers to their prayers. Some famous Jewish personalities buried there include:

* The Arizal (Rabbi Isaac Luria), the famous kabbalist of the 16th century.

* Rabbi Joseph Karo, the author of the Shulchan Aruch, the definitive code of Jewish Law.

* Rabbi Moshe Cordevero (the Ramak), a famous kabbalist redating the Arizal.

* Chana and her seven sons, the martyred family from the time of the Temple.

Some other places to see in Tsfat that shouldn't be missed:
* Tzaddik Educational Visitor's Center featuring the Third Temple Model Exhibit and Multi-Media Presentation

* Great Breslov Synagogue

* Meiri Museum for Safed History

* Printing Press Museum

* Artist colony in the Old City

* Biblical Museum in the Fortress Garden

* Statue Garden and the Gallery of sculptor Moshe Ziffer

* The sephardic Ari Synagogue

* The Ari mikve

* The city also boasts a growing number of small, private art galleries, many of which have little cafes or tourist shops attached, selling postcards, t-shirts, and other basic tourist goods.

* Livnot U'Lehibanot, Rehov Alkabetz 17, ☎ (050)8939-042, [5]. Most tourists try to stop in the Tzfat Tourist Information Center for their first overview of Tzfat. The Center provides maps and guidebooks as well as information about tour guides, accommodations, and other information for Tzfat. There is a 10-minute movie that gives an overview of the History of Tzfat, as well as 800-year-old antiquities which, now uncovered, offer visitors an opportunity to see the original rooms and buildings of Tzfat of the 1300s and 1400s, which have been excavated by the Livnot U'Lehibanot Israel Experience Program.





Sites For Visit:
* Banias – Caesarea Philippi
* Sea of Galilee
* The Jordan River
* Capernaum
* St. Peter’s House
* Tabha
* Church of the Multiplication
* Basilica of Annunciation
* St Peter’s Primacy
* The Mount of Beatitudes
* Korazim
* Bethsaida
* Kursi
* Nof Ginossar
* Magdala
* Cana
* Nazareth
* St. Gabriel Church
* Church of St. Joseph
* Synagogue Church
* Precipice Mountain
* Mount Tabor
* Church of the Transfiguration
* Megiddo





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http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-coastal-plain.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-netanya-in-picture.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-jerusalem.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-west-galilee.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-tel-aviv-jaffa.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israel-tourism-negev.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/for-first-time-main-road-of-jerusalem.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/holy-sites-for-christians-in-israel.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/1800-years-old-high-level-aqueduct-of.html

Israel's Tourism - Coastal Plain

Caesarea

Caesarea founded as a small Phoenician port city, eventually conquered by Alexander Jannaeus to be made part of the Hasmonean kingdom today it is one of Israel’s major tourist attractions and an increasingly popular place for Israel’s elite to make their homes. Aqueduct of Caesarea Virtual Tour Panorama >>

Caesarea offers an amazing visit to the national park and ancient port, a tour of the hippodrome and Roman amphitheater, a walk among the impressive palace ruins, walk the paths of the national park to see the sites and vistas, walk across from the artists yard, dine in one of the restaurants that offer a diversity of menus, join divers who dive to the historic underwater park and even stretch out on the golden sands that reach the port’s shores.





Caesarea beach
The Roman Theater of Caesarea in Israel is a well-preserved and fully restored theater built by Herod. Today, the amphitheater is not only a spectacular relic of the past, but a modern performing venue where concerts are frequently held. Inside the gate of the theater is a plaque with a replica (the original is in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem) of the inscription found during excavations in 1959-63.

During 2006 Israel had launched the world’s first underwater museum at Caesarea, Divers can now tour the sign-posted remains of the magnificent harbor built by King Herod to honor his Roman patron, Caesar Augustus. The site has been excavated over the last three decades.

If you want to stay in city the Dan Caesarea offers guests the luxurious ambiance of a country estate hotel. Set in fifteen acres of landscaped gardens, flanked by orange groves, banana plantations and an 18-hole golf course, it provides a gorgeous retreat for a fabulous vacation and is a much sought after venue for special events.



Netanya

Netanya, capital of the “Sharon” district, is located close to the seashores of the Mediteranean Sea, between “Poleg” stream and Wingate Institute in the south and the “Avichail” stream in the north. Natanya’s proximity to the sea (14 kilometers of one the most beautiful shores in the world) and its pleasant climate have made the city a most desirable tourist attraction and resort area.

Netanya, the largest city on the crossroads between Tel-Aviv and Haifa forms a connecting link between the northern and central parts of the country. Due to its central location near the Tel-Aviv - Haifa railroad tracks, 30 kilometers north of Tel-Aviv and 50 kilometers south of Haifa), Netanya has become a center for tourists as well as for shopping and industrial development. Three features have contributed to the development of Netanya as a city of tourism and leisure: beautifully maintained sea shores offering a variety of high standard services and the new beach elevator, a wide selection of hotels, (The King Solomon Hotel is a fine example) restaurants, bars and places of entertainment appealing to the national as well as the international tourist, and the central geographic location allowing easy access to tourist sites all over the country. Nearby services provide a wide variety of activities from nature walks for the whole family to sports such as paragliding, miniature plane flying, jeep tours, horseback riding and sail boating.

Official sea Beaches
There are 8 official lifeguard stations along the sea shore from Goldmintz beach in the south to Blue Bay Beach in the north. All stations have modern facilities with showers, sheds, first aid services and rented deck-chairs. Open from May until October. The central beach Sironit is open all year around. Free entrance.

Poleg Nature Reserve
South to Netanya is where Kids love to roll down and play on the sand dunes at the Nachal Poleg Nature Reserve. The reserve offers an interesting hike along the Poleg River, upstream to the point it meets the sea. The riverbanks are lined with eucalyptus trees, planted almost a century ago to help drain the swamps. In winter and early spring, the wildflowers along the route have made the Poleg Reserve a favorite destination for botanist where you’ll find a large concentration of Purple Iris blooming in February and March.

Netanya Is located Just 30 minutes drive from Tel Aviv, 40 minutes drive from Haifa and and hour and a half from Jerusalem.



Herzliya

Herzliya To the north of Tel Aviv is the modern resort city of Herzliya, which was named after one of the founders of the Zionist movement, Theodor Herzl. The city boasts some of the finest beaches in Israel and this, combined with the proximity to Tel Aviv, has made it popular with the country’s elite. The area near the beach, Herzliya Pituach, is home to many diplomats and wealthy Israelis.

Herzliya boasts two fine museums, the Founders’ House, which depicts the everyday life of the town’s first settlers, and the Herzliya Museum of Israeli Art & Sculpture Garden, which exhibits the work of contemporary Israeli artists.

Located in the heart of the country, Herzliya is one of the business and leisure centers of Israel. A 10 minute journey north of Tel Aviv along the Ayalon Highway or the number 2 road, Herzliya is connected by road and rail to all Israel’s major cities. The city’s liberal atmosphere and green environment attract visitors to Herzliya’s shopping malls, restaurants, bars and clubs day and night and especially on the Sabbath when stores and places of entertainment remain open.

Arena Shopping Mall
The Arena shopping mall is one of the newest and biggest shopping malls in Israel. Situated on the coast next to the Herzliya marina along with a good selection of stores, cafe’s, restaurants, and bars.
The Herzliya marina

Herzliya Marina
The largest marina in Israel, provides moorings for yachts of all sizes, including several berths for mega yachts up to 60 meters in length. The marina, which began operating in 1995, is a 15-minute drive north of Tel-Aviv, the country’s metropolis. The Herzliya Marina is centrally located alongside a glamorous front venue.





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http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-galilee-upper-galilee.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-golan-heights-hermon.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-netanya-in-picture.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-jerusalem.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-west-galilee.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-tel-aviv-jaffa.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israel-tourism-negev.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/for-first-time-main-road-of-jerusalem.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/holy-sites-for-christians-in-israel.html

http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/1800-years-old-high-level-aqueduct-of.html

Israel's Tourism - Golan Heights & Hermon Mount

Skiing season in Hermon:

The mount Hermon Ski resort is open for skiing and snowboarding & tubing. The Hermon mount is the only Ski resort in Israel and is a home for family fun. The Hermon is a vacation spot that can be enjoyed all year round. It is spread over an area of 5000 Dunams, at heights of between 1,600 – 2,040 meters above sea level.

Family Fun at the Hermon Ski Site
During the winter, the lower slopes are used for skiing and snowboarding,. Many visitors come to see the fabulous view, to enjoy and play in the snow, use the cable cars to climb up the mountain and to enjoy the various sports and activities that can be found at the site such as sledding.

If you want to stay close to the action, the Narkis Boutique Hotel, in the northern Golan Heights, is adjacent to Mount Hermon. It boasts stunning views and is a short distance from the Golan’s tourist attractions.

During the long summer months under the wonderful weather conditions of the high mountains, the site offers a variety of activities: take the cable car to visit the HaMa’apil summit including guided summer tours with introduction to the flora and fauna in the region, tours and explanations of the battle on Mount Hermon “The eyes of the state.” In addition you can enjoy the scenery of Mount Hermon by a ride on the “Extreme” mountain slides.



Main Sites:

* Qatzrin - the largest town

* Gamla - a site in the lower Golan that was a Jewish stronghold from 87 BCE until it fell to the Romans in 67 CE, nature reserve and archaeological site

* Nimrod Castle - a magnificently-located crusader castle located above the Sea of Galilee

* The Golan Heights is the wettest area in the region. There are many waterfalls including the Gamla, Sa`ar and the Banias waterfalls.

* It is especially recommended to visit in spring, when the ground is covered with wildflowers.

* Mount Hermon (2284m), in the northernmost point of the Golan Heights. There is a cable car going up the mountain - in the summer you can enjoy a breathtaking scenery and in the winter you can ski.

* Quneitra is a ghost town, evacuated during the 1967 war and left in the no-man's-land ever since. Thoroughly wrecked not only in 1967 but in the subsequent 1973 conflict as well, from the Israeli side the area can only be viewed from designated viewpoints set up along the border road, as it's just across the de-facto line of control. However, from Syria, the area can be visited with a permit from the relevant military office in Damascus, just above the Maliki garden on Sharia al-Jala (bring your passport). An official guide escorts all visitors (free of charge, but a tip is appropriate after the tour).

* Banias - This national park follows the Banias stream, and includes some easy and fairly short hiking trails that pass by old water mills, vigorous rapids, and the ruins of a temple to the god Pan.

* Majdal Shams - a Druze village. Nearby is the Shouting Hill where villagers communicate with their relatives in Syria.

* There are interesting hiking courses throughout the Golan. Breichat ha-meshushum (Hexagon pool) is a pool with natural hexagonal volcanic tiling. Yahudia wadi and Ein Zivan wadi are also popular hiking courses.



Golan Wineries

When you are planning to do some touring up in the Golan it is worth including a visit to some of the vineyards that have been planted in the volcanic soil that is unique to this area in Israel and learn about how grapes are grown and harvested. Follow up with a visit to a winery to learn about how wine is made. If you are really into wine I am happy to arrange a wine tour for you.

I think it’s fair to say that the Golan Heights winery founded in 1983 in the town of Katzrin, high up on the Golan Heights changed the world’s impression of Israeli wines and placed Israel firmly on the international wine map. Unique to Israel, the winery is owned by 4 kibbutzim and 4 moshavim. They manage 16 vineyards on the Golan (and one in the Upper Galillee), from Geshur and Nov which rise above the Sea of Galilee to Odem and El Rom below the snow-capped Mount Hermon, processing 6,000 tons of grapes and producing 6 million bottles of wine annually at 3 levels: Golan, Gamla and Yarden. They are also the parent of Galil Mountain Winery with Kibbutz Yiron.

I can arrange a tour of the facility including a visit to the oak barrel cellar, viewing of the bottling line (when in operation) and of course wine tasting.

Pelter Winery
Tal Pelter established his boutique winery in 2002, after studying enology in Australia, on the grounds of the family farm in Moshav Zofit near Kfar Saba where he produced four vintages of wine. During the summer of 2005 the winery was transferred to Kibbutz Ein Zivan adjacent to Merom Golan and resulted in a production of approximately 24,000 bottles. Pelter produces a sparkling wine in the traditional way, as well as 3 white wines, a Sauvignon Blanc, an unwooded Chardonnay and a Gewurztraminer, a first of this varietal for Pelter, described as “Sweet peach, liche, melon, citrus on a lively acidic background”. He also produces a series of red wines at two levels from Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Shiraz grapes grown on the Golan Heights and the hills of Jerusalem.

At the end of August 2005, Pelter supervised the planting of a new vineyard on the Golan, that he calls Vineyard of the Wind with a view of Mount Bental and the Hermon, 35 dunams (8.75 acres) of vines. Pelter is pursuing his dream of a quality winery on the Golan. I can arrange a visit to the facility for serious wine afficionados.

There are other small wineries on the Golan. In the midst of an ancient oak forest at Odem is the Odem Mountain Winery. Next to a natural spring is the Bazelet HaGolan winery and not far, the Assaf winery. Farther south you’ll find the Bashan Organic Winery and the Chateau Golan Winery. For a complete and up-to-date overview of the wine industry in Israel, I recommend Rogov’s Guide to Israeli Wines available at bookstores and the Internet.







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http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-netanya-in-picture.html

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http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/holy-sites-for-christians-in-israel.html

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Israel's Tourism - Netanya in Picture

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http://holylandandjudaism.blogspot.com/2010/07/israels-tourism-coastal-plain.html

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