Haifa
Haifa, Israel’s third-largest city and its most important seaport, is расположена on the slopes of Mount Carmel. With a population of around 300,000, the city dates back to Roman times. During the Talmudic period (3rd–5th centuries CE), a thriving Jewish settlement existed here.
Haifa has a unique topography. The Lower City and port form the business and commercial center. The middle level—Hadar HaCarmel—is the main shopping district. The upper slopes of Mount Carmel are home to residential neighborhoods, hotels, and entertainment areas, while the coastal strip includes beaches and the port.
The city’s main landmark is Mount Carmel (“God’s Vineyard,” 546 m), associated with the prophet Elijah and considered the birthplace of the Carmelite Order. Today, the mountain features urban districts, parks, and gardens, as well as important sites such as the Carmelite Monastery, the Great Synagogue of Haifa, Elijah’s Cave, and the iconic Baháʼí Gardens with the golden-domed Shrine of the Báb.
Other notable attractions include the Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery, the National Museum of Science and Technology (in the historic Technion building), the German Colony neighborhood, the “Mother’s Garden” (Gan HaEm) with museums and a zoo, the National Maritime Museum, the Museum of Japanese Art with its traditional rock garden, the Sculpture Garden along Zionism Boulevard, and the Kababir district, home to the Ahmadiyya Muslim community.
Adjacent to the University of Haifa is the Mount Carmel National Park, one of the largest and most beautiful nature reserves in Israel. The city also features the unique underground funicular railway, the Carmelit, connecting the lower and upper parts of the city in about 8 minutes.
Haifa is home to two of Israel’s leading academic institutions: the Technion and the University of Haifa. Since 1983, the city has hosted the annual Haifa International Film Festival each autumn.
Bahai Gardens and Shrin
The Bahai World Centre, located in Haifa and Acre, is the spiritual and administrative center of the Bahai faith. Its terraced gardens on Mount Carmel are among the most famous landmarks in Israel.
In 2008, the Bahai holy sites—including the terraces and the Shrine of the Báb—were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. The remains of the Báb were reinterred here in 1909, and later a marble structure with a golden dome was built above the mausoleum, designed by Canadian architect William Maxwell.
The gardens, completed and opened in 2001, stretch for about one kilometer along the mountain slope, with widths ranging from 60 to 400 meters. Maintained by a dedicated team (many of them volunteers), they are renowned for their harmony and beauty.
Today, the Bahai Gardens are one of the most visited sites on the Mediterranean coast, attracting over a million visitors each year.
German Colony (Moshava Germanit)
The German Colony, Haifa (literally “German Colony”) is a historic neighborhood built by German Christian Templers, members of the “Temple Society,” also known as the “Society of Friends of Jerusalem.” The Templers, a Protestant sect formed in southern Germany in the 19th century, settled in Palestine under the leadership of Christoph Hoffmann. They believed that restoring Palestine through Christian efforts and living in the Holy Land would hasten the Second Coming of Christ.
The Templers established a self-governing community with their own police, security services, hospital, and hotel. Thanks to their influence, Haifa began to develop as a European-style city. By the end of the Ottoman era, the colony had around 750 residents, 150 houses, and numerous businesses, standing out as a prosperous enclave.
In the 1930s, pro-Nazi sentiments spread among some Templers, and by 1937, about 34% were members of the Nazi Party. As a result, during World War II, the British authorities (who governed Mandatory Palestine) interned many German colonists. By the time the State of Israel was established, most Templers had left the region, many settling in Australia.
In recent decades, many of the original Templer houses have been restored. Today, Ben-Gurion Boulevard is lined with cafés, boutiques, and restaurants offering a wide variety of cuisines. The German Colony has become a vibrant center of nightlife and is one of the most popular tourist areas in Haifa.
Stella Maris Carmelite Monastery
The Stella Maris Monastery (Monastery of Our Lady of Mount Carmel) is a 19th-century monastery of the Discalced Carmelite Order, located on the slopes of Mount Carmel. Mount Carmel is considered a sacred site and is traditionally associated with the prophet Elijah, who is believed to have confronted the priests of Baal here and later taken refuge in a cave.
The origins of the Carmelite presence date back to the 11th–12th centuries, when hermits settled in the caves of Mount Carmel in imitation of Elijah. The present church and monastery began operating in 1836, and a few years later, Pope Gregory XVI granted it the title of a minor basilica, giving rise to the name “Stella Maris” (“Star of the Sea”).
For much of the 20th century, the monastery was used by military forces (first British, then Israeli), but it was later returned to the Carmelite Order. Today, it serves as a global center of Carmelite spirituality.
The main church of the monastery, recognized as the “Mother Church” of the order, features a cross-shaped layout and a restrained architectural style, notable for its clarity and elegance. According to tradition, the Virgin Mary rested here with the infant Jesus during their journey from Egypt to Nazareth.
In addition to the church, the complex includes educational and residential facilities, a rich library, and a museum displaying archaeological finds from earlier periods, including the Byzantine monastery and Crusader fortress that once stood on the site. Monks from around the world come here for study and spiritual training.
Caves of Mount Carmel
Mount Carmel is part of a mountain range surrounded on three sides by valleys—the Jezreel, Sharon, and Zebulun Valleys. The Yokneam River separates it from the mountains of Samaria. To the west, near Haifa, Mount Carmel descends directly to the Mediterranean Sea. Streams flowing from its slopes feed the Kishon and Oren rivers. The highest point of Mount Carmel reaches 546 meters above sea level.
Mount Carmel has long been considered a sacred place. Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike believe that the prophet Elijah once lived in a cave on its slopes. The site where Elijah is said to have defeated the priests of Baal is called Muhraka (“the place of fire” in Arabic), located in the northeastern part of the mountain and offering panoramic views over the Jezreel Valley.
Geologically, Mount Carmel is composed mainly of limestone and chalk formed in the ancient Tethys Sea. Its western slopes, where the Nahal Me’arot Nature Reserve is located (covering 54 hectares), contain numerous natural karst caves.
Four key caves—Tabun (Tanur), Gamal (El Jaml), El Wad (Nahal), and Skhul (Gedi)—were excavated in the 1930s under the direction of archaeologist Dorothy Garrod. These caves are among the oldest known sites of human habitation on Mount Carmel, with evidence of settlement dating back approximately 500,000 years.
In the Tabun and Skhul caves, archaeologists discovered human remains alongside stone tools and fossilized animal bones dating to 45,000–40,000 years ago. Some researchers believe these findings represent a mix of Neanderthals and early modern humans, while others see them as evidence of an evolutionary transition between the two.
Further discoveries have reshaped scientific understanding of Neanderthals. In the Kebara Cave, a Neanderthal skeleton dating back 60,000 years was found with a fully preserved hyoid bone—identical to that of modern humans—suggesting the possibility of speech. Archaeologists also uncovered some of the earliest known ornaments: beads made from perforated shells, including examples from Skhul Cave dating back about 100,000 years.
The caves of Mount Carmel have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, highlighting their exceptional importance in the study of human evolution and prehistory.
Acre (Akko)
Acre is one of the oldest cities in Israel, with a continuous history spanning more than 4,000 years. Located about 23 km north of Haifa, it serves as the administrative center of Western Galilee. Situated on the Mediterranean Sea at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, the city has long been a meeting point of cultures and a strategically important stronghold throughout history.
Acre is the only Crusader-era city that has survived to the present day in exceptional condition. Its Old City is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city itself is a living attraction, where traces of different historical periods can be seen at every step. The narrow streets of the local market—famous throughout northern Israel and open all week, including Shabbat—create a vibrant and captivating atmosphere. Visitors can stroll along cobbled alleys, admire traditional crafts such as decorative ceramics, hookahs, coffee pots, and other unique items, or enjoy local delicacies like hummus, falafel, and shawarma.
From the market, a walk to the seafront leads to one of the city’s main historical landmarks—its defensive walls. These fortifications once encircled Acre both from land and sea and famously withstood the siege of Napoleon Bonaparte. Built between 1750 and 1801, the walls rise to 10–13 meters in height.
Within the Old City stands the second most important landmark—the Al-Jazzar Mosque, considered one of the most beautiful mosques in Israel after the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. Built in Ottoman style, it features a distinctive green dome and minaret and stands on the site of a former Crusader church.
Another impressive site is the Citadel of Acre, located in the northern part of the Old City and built on the remains of a Hospitaller fortress. In later periods, it served as a prison, where notable figures such as Baháʼu’lláh and Ze’ev Jabotinsky were once held.
One of Acre’s most atmospheric attractions is the Templar Tunnel, an underground passage that once connected the Templar fortress (no longer standing) with the eastern harbor. Stretching about 350 meters, the tunnel is dimly lit, with water flowing beneath its wooden walkway—creating a mysterious and evocative glimpse into the past.
Achziv National Park
Achziv was once an important Phoenician port and fortified city on the route between Acre and Antioch. During the Second Temple period, it was home to a thriving Jewish community, later becoming a Byzantine stronghold and subsequently a Crusader fortress. King Baldwin III of Jerusalem built a castle here known as Castellum Imbert.
Today, Achziv National Park features one of the most beautiful beaches on Israel’s northern coast, near the border with Lebanon. It is a place of remarkable natural beauty, where rocky bays, lagoons, and both natural and man-made seawater pools create a peaceful and picturesque setting.
The park also includes green lawns, ancient ruins, and remnants of Crusader fortifications. Visitors can observe sea anemones, sea urchins, and small octopuses among the rocks, while in July and August, sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. Seabirds nest on nearby islets, adding to the natural charm of the area.
Restored historic buildings, including a mosque and the former mukhtar’s house, now serve as a museum. Nearby, the kibbutz Gesher HaZiv was established in 1949.
Rosh HaNikra Grottoes
The Rosh HaNikra Grottoes (Hebrew: “head of the grottos”) are a remarkable geological formation located in northern Israel, on the border with Lebanon. This rocky headland lies along the Mediterranean Sea coast in Western Galilee, north of Nahariya. Today, Rosh HaNikra is a protected nature reserve.
The grottoes are limestone karst caves formed by the gradual erosion of rock. A series of seismic events created cracks in the cliffs, which were later widened by rainwater seeping through them over time, as well as by powerful sea waves crashing against the rocks. The total length of the caves is about 200 meters.
To make the site accessible to visitors, a viewing tunnel approximately 400 meters long was carved into the rock in 1968. A cable car—the steepest in Israel—takes visitors down to the grottoes in about one minute. A walking route through the caves allows visitors to fully appreciate their natural beauty (note that access may be limited during winter or stormy weather).
Rosh HaNikra is a place where stunning natural beauty meets unique geological, historical, and biological features, attracting visitors from around the world.
During World War II, the British constructed a 250-meter railway tunnel here, connecting Haifa with Beirut to transport military supplies from Egypt northward. In 1948, during the Israeli War of Independence, the railway bridges in the grottoes were destroyed by Jewish forces to prevent an invasion by the Lebanese army.
In 1949, the nearby kibbutz Rosh HaNikra was established at the foot of the cliffs.
Zikhron Ya’akov
Zikhron Ya’akov is a town located on the slopes of the Mount Carmel ridge, not far from Haifa. It is one of the first modern Jewish settlements in Eretz Israel, founded in 1882 with the support of Baron Edmond de Rothschild and named in memory of his father, James.
Jewish settlers from Romania established the town, cultivating vineyards and producing wine—making Zikhron Ya’akov the birthplace of Israeli winemaking. With the support of Baron Rothschild, the town developed rapidly. A whole street was built with prefabricated wooden houses imported from Romania, and soon Zikhron Ya’akov grew into a prosperous regional center.
Before his death in Paris in 1934, Baron Rothschild expressed his wish to be buried in the Holy Land. Twenty years later, this wish was fulfilled. He and his wife Adelaide were laid to rest on the southern outskirts of the town in the beautiful Ramat HaNadiv (“Gardens of the Benefactor”), which offers stunning views over the coastal plain.
In 1885, the Rothschild family helped establish the first winery in Israel—the Carmel Winery—as well as a bottling plant in Zikhron Ya’akov. In 1905, Carmel Mizrahi was founded, uniting wine production in Rishon LeZion and Zikhron Ya’akov. Today, winemaking traditions continue with Carmel Winery and the Tishbi Winery, founded by Jonathan Tishbi.
The town attracts visitors with its charming historic center. The main street, Derech HaYayin (“Wine Road”), preserves its original character, with tiled-roof houses, courtyards, and lush greenery. The area is filled with boutiques, jewelry and antique shops, as well as numerous уютные restaurants and cafés to suit every taste.
Zikhron Ya’akov also hosts annual wine festivals and various cultural events. With its picturesque cottages, blooming gardens, parks, and vineyards, the town remains one of the most charming destinations in Israel.
Caesarea
Caesarea is an ancient city located on the Mediterranean coast of modern Israel. It was named by Herod the Great in honor of the Roman emperor Augustus, who had granted him control over previously lost territories. In Russian tradition, the city is also known as Caesarea Stratonis, after the earlier settlement “Straton’s Tower” that once stood on this site.
The history of the city dates back to the late Persian period (mid-4th century BCE), when the Phoenicians founded a small harbor settlement here. In 30 BCE, Augustus gave the city to Herod, who by 10 BCE had transformed it into a grand port city. During the Crusader period, Caesarea was an important stronghold, but from the 13th century it declined, and after its conquest and destruction by the forces of Baibars in 1265, it was left in ruins.
In 1940, the kibbutz Sdot Yam was established south of the ruins, and in 1977, the modern city of Caesarea was founded nearby. Today, the site of the ancient city is preserved as the Caesarea National Park, a major tourist attraction where archaeological excavations are still ongoing.
Among the remarkable remains are the oldest discovered Roman theater in Israel, the ruins of Herod’s “Palace on the Reef,” a hippodrome (stadium), sections of Roman and Byzantine streets, a complex of Byzantine bathhouses, a large artificial harbor from the Second Temple period, and fortifications from the Arab era. Visitors can also see the “Street of Statues,” a Byzantine synagogue, fragments of Roman defensive walls, and parts of ancient aqueducts.
In 1961, a limestone inscription was discovered in the theater ruins, mentioning Pontius Pilate and his dedication of a temple to Emperor Tiberius. Today, this artifact is displayed in the Israel Museum.
The restored theater, with a capacity of around 3,800 seats, now hosts concerts and cultural events. Performing at Caesarea is considered an important milestone for many Israeli and international artists.
Exploring the ruins leaves no doubt about the former grandeur of this magnificent city. A visit to Caesarea National Park is one of the most popular excursions in the region, attracting visitors with its rich history, festivals, and theatrical performances held during holidays.
Caesarea — Ralli Museums
In Caesarea, often considered a town of Israel’s wealthy elite, you will find the Ralli Museum Caesarea, a private collection founded by millionaire Harry Recanati.
The first Ralli Museum was established in 1988 in Punta del Este (Uruguay), followed by museums in Santiago (Chile) in 1992, Caesarea in 1993, and Marbella (Spain) in 2000. In 2007, a fifth museum—Ralli-2—was opened in Caesarea, dedicated to classical art. These museums house one of the world’s most representative collections of contemporary Latin American art.
The Ralli Museums are privately owned, non-profit institutions that do not receive funding from the state or private donors. Harry Recanati, one of the owners of the Israel Discount Bank, later devoted himself to art and history. The name “Ralli” is not related to car racing but comes from the historic Ralli Brothers banking enterprise.
The Caesarea museum buildings were designed by Uruguayan architects Quintero and Casciani, with adaptation to local conditions by Israeli architect Shaul Shkolnik. The architecture reflects a South American—specifically Spanish colonial—style that harmoniously blends into the Israeli landscape.
The museum primarily showcases works in the surrealist tradition, though it also features pieces from other artistic movements chosen for their aesthetic value rather than the fame or price of the artist. The museum does not aim to educate in a traditional sense but rather to inspire appreciation of both the architecture and the artworks.
Visitors experience the museum independently—there are no guides, tickets, cafés, or souvenir shops. Entry is free, and even advertising is avoided. Recanati’s vision was to offer art as a gift to anyone wishing to experience it.
The main exhibition in Ralli-1 includes paintings and sculptures by contemporary Latin American artists in styles such as surrealism, primitivism, abstraction, and cubism. A highlight of the modern wing is a collection of sculptures by Salvador Dalí, including famous works like Venus de Milo with Drawers, Cosmic Elephant, and others.
The newer building, Ralli-2, is dedicated to the memory of Jewish communities of Spain and Portugal destroyed between 1492 and 1496, as well as to prominent Jewish philosophers and poets of that era. Its halls display European art from the 15th to 18th centuries, including post-impressionist works and paintings on biblical and historical themes.
At the entrance, visitors are greeted by busts of notable historical figures such as Nostradamus, Christopher Columbus, Miguel de Cervantes, and Michel de Montaigne—all believed to have Jewish ancestry.
To fully appreciate the richness of the collections, one visit is often not enough—many visitors find themselves returning again and again.
Netanya
Netanya is the largest seaside resort city on Israel’s Mediterranean coast. Stretching along the shoreline, it boasts one of the longest beach promenades in the country. The city is located in the central Sharon Valley, about 30 km north of Tel Aviv and 60 km south of Haifa.
Founded in 1929 by immigrants from Eastern Europe as an agricultural settlement (moshav), Netanya was named after Nathan Straus, a Zionist figure and benefactor who supported its establishment and development.
Today, Netanya is known for its 13.5 km of clean, well-maintained beaches, modern recreational facilities, and a wide range of hotels. The city also features several museums, including Beit HaGdudim (Jewish Legion Museum), “Pninat Shivtei Israel” (“Pearl of the Tribes of Israel”), and museums of archaeology, nature, and art, as well as a planetarium.
In 2012, Netanya became home to Israel’s first national memorial dedicated to the victory of the Red Army in World War II. Nearby, in Kibbutz Bahan, the Utopia Park was opened in 2006.
Thanks to its central location, Netanya is one of the most convenient starting points for day trips to cities in central and northern Israel.
Utopia Park
Utopia Park, located in Kibbutz Bahan near Netanya, covers an area of about 40,000 m² and offers a rich collection of orchids, tropical plants, exotic birds, fish, aquatic plants, and even carnivorous species.
The park features an indoor tropical garden with climate control, a cave, and a mini-zoo for children with goats, sheep, deer, and birds. There is also a shopping area offering orchids, plants, garden sculptures, and decorative items.
Outdoors, visitors can enjoy a scenic pond with a musical fountain, surrounded by landscaped hills and seasonal plant displays. A herb garden adds to the experience, while the indoor greenhouse showcases rare orchids, including species that absorb nutrients from the air through their roots.
The park is also home to carnivorous plants that feed on insects and a variety of exotic animals, including Moroccan and Cameroonian sheep. Birdlife is especially diverse, with peacocks, pheasants, parrots, and silkie chickens enhancing the tropical atmosphere.
Thanks to its beauty and unique setting, Utopia Park is also a popular venue for weddings and special events.
Herzliya
Herzliya is a coastal city in Israel located between Tel Aviv and Netanya. It is a well-known resort destination, named after Theodor Herzl, one of the founders of the Zionist movement.
The city was established in 1924 by American Jews with financial support from the Jewish Agency for Israel. Initially, just seven settlers lived in a barrack on undeveloped land, primarily engaging in agriculture. The fertile Sharon Plain was known for its abundant harvests, and the early settlement was surrounded by orange and lemon groves.
Following the Israeli War of Independence, Herzliya expanded rapidly, absorbing neighboring settlements such as Nof Yam, Shaviv, Neve Amal, Neve Oved, and Glilot. In 1960, it officially received city status.
After the establishment of the State of Israel, the Mediterranean coastline here began to develop as a tourist area. Today, Herzliya is an important center for leisure and international tourism. Archaeological finds within the city include a 6th-century church mosaic floor, while nearby are the ruins of Apollonia-Arsuf National Park, an ancient site with layers of Canaanite, Hellenistic, and Crusader history.
In recent years, Herzliya has also become a major high-tech and financial hub, often referred to as one of Israel’s leading business centers. The city features a large marina for yachts and a small airfield for private aircraft. Its population is around 100,000.
The coastal district of Herzliya Pituach is considered the most prestigious area of the city, sometimes called Israel’s “Silicon Valley.” Here you will find beautiful beaches, a luxurious promenade lined with hotels and restaurants, and some of the most upscale residential properties in the country.
Whether for business or leisure, Herzliya offers something for every visitor—and is often referred to as the “wealthy sister” of Tel Aviv.
Bat Yam
Bat Yam (Hebrew: “daughter of the sea,” sometimes interpreted as “mermaid”) is a coastal city located just south of Jaffa, about 5.5 km from Tel Aviv. It is part of the metropolitan area known as Gush Dan (Greater Tel Aviv).
Bat Yam is considered one of Israel’s attractive resort cities, with a well-developed tourism, service, and commercial sector. The city received official status in 1958 and is mostly built up with modern high-rise buildings.
Among its main attractions are the Beit Ryback (“Fisherman’s House”) Art Museum, the house-museum of writer Sholem Asch, a memorial to fallen Israeli soldiers, and a scenic seaside promenade adjacent to a city park. This area is perfect for strolling, relaxing in cafes and restaurants, and enjoying the lively atmosphere.
Bat Yam is also known for its beautiful sandy beaches, including Stone Beach, Riviera Beach, Jerusalem Beach, and Model Beach, as well as an indoor ice-skating rink. Life here is vibrant throughout the day: people stroll, exercise, and enjoy the sea, while evenings bring concerts, entertainment, and nightlife along the waterfront.
Thanks to its central location, Bat Yam is an excellent base for excursions across Israel. The Dead Sea can be reached in just over two hours to the southeast, Haifa in about an hour and a half to the north, and Jerusalem is only about an hour away.
Ashdod
Ashdod is a city located on the Mediterranean coast, about 30 km south of Tel Aviv. It is an important regional industrial center with a population of over 220,000 people. The Port of Ashdod is the largest port in the country, handling around 60% of all imported goods.
The first documented settlement on the site of modern Ashdod dates back to the 17th century BCE, making it one of the oldest cities in the world. Ashdod is mentioned thirteen times in the Bible (as Ashdod or Azotus). Throughout history, it was inhabited by Philistines, Israelites, Byzantines, Crusaders, and Arabs.
The modern city was founded in 1956 on sandy hills near the ancient site and was granted city status in 1968. Today, Ashdod stretches for about 12 km along the Mediterranean coastline. The northern part of the city includes the port and an industrial zone, while residential neighborhoods extend southward along the coast.
In recent years, Ashdod has grown into one of Israel’s major cities, combining sandy dunes, open пространства, modern residential areas, and well-maintained beaches. It is a pleasant resort destination, known for its its golden sandy beaches, azure waters, and mild climate. The beaches are especially popular for their gentle entry into the sea and wide coastal areas.
Ashdod is also a commercial hub, with numerous shopping centers offering both local and international mid-range brands. The city features several beautiful parks, including Lachish Park and the Park of Sand Dunes.
A notable landmark is Jonah’s Hill, traditionally believed to be the burial place of the biblical prophet Jonah, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. Other historical sites include the ruins of a signal tower and the remains of the Ashdod-Yam Fortress.
For art lovers, the Ashdod Museum of Art presents exhibitions focused mainly on contemporary works.
Ashkelon
Ashkelon is a coastal city on the Mediterranean Sea, located about 56 km from Tel Aviv, 70 km from Jerusalem, and 65 km from Beersheba. The city stands on a sandstone plateau about 30 meters above sea level, which in ancient times made it easier to defend. Today, Ashkelon is considered one of the greenest cities in Israel, with a population of over 130,000.
The first written mention of Ashkelon dates back to around 2000 BCE. In the temple complex at Karnak, archaeologists discovered fragments of clay vessels bearing the city’s name. These were used in a form of ritual magic: the name of an enemy was written on the vessel and then broken, symbolically harming that person.
By that time, Ashkelon was already a large, fortified city surrounded by massive walls. Its strategic location along major trade routes and on the coast made it one of the most important ports in ancient Canaan. The name of the city is believed to be linked to the Semitic root “Š-K-L,” meaning “measure,” the same root as the word “shekel.”
Throughout history, Ashkelon was inhabited by Philistines, Israelites, Byzantines, Crusaders, and Arabs. The modern city was established in 1951. Today, Ashkelon has two major industrial zones and is home to numerous enterprises, including high-tech industries. It also hosts one of the largest desalination plants in the world, as well as facilities of Carlsberg and Israel Beer Breweries.
The city’s tourist area stretches for about 12 km along the coastline. Ashkelon features unique beaches with lagoons formed by specially constructed breakwaters, which gradually shaped sandy inlets. The marina offers around 600 berths and provides a full range of services, including maintenance, fueling, electricity, and internet access, along with waterfront restaurants.
Since the 1990s, Ashkelon has been developing as an international tourism center. Archaeological discoveries are frequently made here, as ancient layers lie just beneath the surface. Much of ancient Ashkelon is preserved within the Ashkelon National Park, located along the Mediterranean coast.
Visitors can explore ruins of Herodian colonnades, ancient synagogues, a Roman road with a statue of Nike (the goddess of victory), and a Roman amphitheater, still used today for performances due to its excellent acoustics. The site is surrounded by Crusader walls, while below, the sea washes over ancient columns lying along the shore.
Nearby, in the coastal cliff, lies a Roman burial site known as the “Tomb of Four,” decorated with 3rd-century frescoes depicting nymphs, youths with grapes, animals, and fruits.
Ashkelon is also rich in green parks, gardens, and recreational areas. An interesting legend connects the city to Saint George: according to medieval stories, the spear (or sword) he used to slay the dragon was called “Ascalon,” after the city—making it symbolically linked even to the emblem of Moscow.