<< Feature Articles >> Visiting Israel for its Ancient and Magical Sites
Submitted by Andy B on Friday, 08 July 2016 Page Views: 2220
DiscoveriesCountry: Israel From North to South, East to West there are so many places you could see on a trip to Israel. Here are some recommendations of amazing ancient sites to explore, and ideas of other attractions to visit.Flights to Israel are available from many airports in different cities around the world. You will arrive at the Ben Gurion Airport in Tel Aviv, you can get to other places such as Jerusalem by using public transport.
While in Jerusalem you can explore some of the places linked to Jesus, like the Chapel of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives, believed to be the spot where Jesus ascended into the heavens after he was resurrected. There is another church called the Church of Pater Noster where legend suggests Jesus taught his followers how to pray using the Lord’s Prayer. As you climb down the Mount of Olives, you can visit the Dominus Flevit where the gospel of Luke relates how Jesus wept over the destruction of Jerusalem. If you walk some more, you will come to the Garden of Gethsemane where he was betrayed by his disciple Judas and arrested by Roman soldiers.
Israel is of course the country of the Jewish people so many tourists come with the aim of visiting places mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. Tel Gezer, the tel (mound) of the Biblical city of Gezer is located on the western slopes of the Judean Hills, midway between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. The first settlement was established at Tel Gezer toward the end of the 4th millennium BC, with people living in large caves cut into the rock. At the centre of the northern part of the tel stand a row of ten monolithic stone stelae oriented north-south - the central tallest stela being 3m high (see above)
En Gedi is the largest oasis along the western shore of the Dead Sea and is now a nature reserve. The earliest remains at En Gedi are of a temple from the Chalcolithic Period (about 4000 - 3150 BC). The synagogue at Ein Gedi (right) dates from the Roman-Byzantine period until it was destroyed by fire, probably in the 6th century. Among the items found in the debris was a unique seven-branched candelabra made of bronze. The building has recently been restored and a huge, protective tent covers it, enabling visitors to enjoy this beautiful synagogue of the Jewish community who once lived at Ein Gedi.
Herodion is where the remains of the tomb of Herod the Great were found (below). The tomb was discovered in the year 2007, after 35 years of archaeological investigations. This place is considered to be one of the great royal sites of the Roman-Hellenistic area. During the Bar Kochba revolt it was used as a hideout by the rebels.
The cave of Amatzia in the Lachish region of the southern Judean lowlands, known for its olive oil production, has a ritual bath with mosaic, and a pattern of woven swastikas. It dates from the time of the 2nd temple ( 585BC - 70 AD). The ritual bath hints at the use of olive oil for ritual practices. (see photo at bottom)
You must also visit some of the best beaches in Israel if that is your interest. Beit Yannai Beach was converted into a natural reserve in 1994. There are plenty of picnic tables and outdoor showers and there are also ancient ruins that you can explore nearby.
Snorkel and flippers can be hired if you want to go snorkelling. Some of the best Mediterranean beaches in Israel are Banana Beach, Sironit Beach, Haifa Beach, Metzitzim Beach, Aqueduct Sea, Dor Habonim Beach, and Carmel Beach. Those with disabilities are recommended to visit the Dado or Beit Yannai beach as they are well equipped with amenities such as parking, showers, ramps and bathrooms.
While in Israel you should also take the opportunity to visit the Dead Sea and Red Sea. The Mineral Beach at the Dead Sea is well known for the mineral rich mud that are be used to treat various health problems. Dolphin Reef beach at the Red Sea is a great place to observe dolphins, and visitors 10 years and older can swim with the dolphins in the sea.
If you like hiking, you should take in some of the Israel National Trail, where you can walk many miles of trail taking in many historic, archeological sites and unique landscapes as it crosses the country. The trail was created by Avraham Tamir, modelled on the Appalachian Trail in the USA. The trail is about 1000 km long so you will need at least six to eight weeks to complete it. As it includes desert areas, you can expect the temperature to be hot - up to 37 degrees Celsius - so make sure you bring enough water with you during the hike. Amongst the natural delights along the way are several makhtesh, which are geological 'crater' formations unique to the Negev and Sinai deserts.
These are some of our top recommendations for places to visit in this Israel, you can find hundreds more ancient sites in Israel on the Megalithic Portal.
This article was produced with the support of El Al, with thanks also to Moti Shem Tov for his insights.
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