Caesarea (Israel) is a place where modern achievements of science and technology are intertwined with unique ancient inventions, and historical relics and archaeological exhibits are found literally at every turn. Add in the stunning nature and proximity of the Mediterranean Sea, and you have the perfect holiday destination.
General information
Speaking of Caesarea, some refer to a small seaside town with excellent infrastructure and a developed industrial zone, while others refer to a National Park with a huge number of unique archaeological finds. And what is remarkable is that each of them will be right, because under this name there are two geographical objects at once. The first is an ancient city founded by Herod and reached its greatness during the Roman Empire. The second is a modern settlement built in 1977 near the ruins of the main tourist attraction of Israel and located approximately in the middle between Haifa and Tel Aviv.
Another important feature of this park is a fairly common name. The fact is that on the world map you can find several Caesareas at once. This one, which sounds like “Sizaria” in Hebrew, is considered Palestinian or just seaside.
Historical background
The history of Caesarea National Park began in the middle of the IV century BC with the construction of the Straton Tower, a small Phoenician village, in the center of which stood a majestic stone fortress. Over the long years of its existence, the settlement managed to change several owners, until in 31 BC the Roman emperor Augustus handed it over to the Jewish king Herod.
At that time, no one even guessed how fateful this decision would be, because a truly grandiose idea was born in Herod’s head. He decided not only to completely rebuild the unremarkable town, but also to make it the largest port in Palestine. The ruler’s inner circle strongly discouraged him from this venture, because the shallow bay was completely unsuitable for the role chosen for it. However, Herod was adamant – in his dreams, the grandeur and luxury of the former village was not inferior to Rome itself. And, strange as it may sound, the plans of the odious tsar were destined to come true.
Within 10 years, Caesarea turns into a busy sea harbor, then receives the status of a metropolis, and after a while becomes the capital of all Judea.
The further history of this city is quite traditional. It was actively developing, becoming the main stronghold of culture, science and politics, experienced regular clashes of religious fanatics, discovered new poets, theologians and architects, witnessed the Crusades, as well as numerous uprisings and wars. One of them, which fell in the middle of the XIII century, and led first to the fall, and then to the complete destruction of the Jewish capital. By 1265, after the invasion of Muslim troops, only the ruins of the majestic port remained, which are now included in the list of Israel’s main attractions.
Caesarea National Park
The sights of Caesarea will appeal not only to true lovers of history, but also to ordinary tourists who appreciate beautiful places and an unusual atmosphere. We suggest you take a small virtual tour of the park and get acquainted with some of them.
Port
The unique man-made harbor, built on the Mediterranean coast on the instructions of Herod, was considered one of the most outstanding structures of its time. In order to protect the city from high waves and storms, the builders of that time invented Roman concrete. It consisted of stones, pozzolana and lime, which were filled into large molds and filled with sea water. After a while, the mixture completely solidified and turned into a concrete block. It was from them that the port berths were built, the total length of which exceeded 700 m.
During the heyday of Caesarea, the port was not only a berthing place for merchant ships, but also an important economic center, which brought a huge income to the state treasury. In terms of its size and significance, it could easily compete with the Harbor of Alexandria. Now it is the most visited tourist attraction, on the territory of which there are many restaurants and souvenir shops.
Aqueduct
Due to the peculiarities of their geographical location, the inhabitants of Caesarea experienced a constant shortage of fresh water. The solution to this problem belongs to the same Herod, who ordered to build a special channel through which rainwater began to flow into the city. This not only improved the living conditions of its inhabitants, but also contributed to the active development of Caesarea. It began to build baths, conduct sewers, equip the first toilet rooms in Judea.
Amphitheater
No less important attraction of Caesarea Park in Israel is the ancient Roman theater, which became the first in the Middle East. The remains of this amphitheater, which, by the way, are perfectly preserved, were found during an archaeological expedition conducted from 1959 to 1964.
The building, designed for 3 thousand spectators, was laid at the same time as the port and served the citizens for at least half a century. Initially, kurkara, a sandstone covered with a thin layer of plaster, was used for its construction. But after the coming to power of Emperor Septimius Severus, the theater was rebuilt-the 3rd tier was added, increasing the number of seats to 5 thousand, and decorated with pilasters made of porphyry and marble.
But the main value of this object is a limestone tablet, the inscriptions on which confirm the real existence of the legendary Pontius Pilate. Now an important historical artifact, found only at the end of 1961, is kept in the Israel Museum in Jerusalem. Today, the Caesarea Amphitheater has been completely restored and regularly hosts both Israeli and foreign performers.
Herod’s Palace
The ruins of an ancient palace that served as the residence of King Herod were found on a reef jutting out into the Mediterranean Sea. The structure, still impressive for its beauty and grandeur, consists of several tiers of different levels. Its main characteristic features are the remains of stone pools used for storing drinking water, mosaic floors decorated with geometric patterns, and Roman baths, which are an innovative construction for those times. The northern part of the palace is best preserved. It is there that its main pride is located – a huge throne room, surrounded by a number of rooms on all three sides.
Racetrack
No less interesting attraction of the Caesarea Park is the Roman hippodrome, from one look at which even a modern person takes his breath away. The structure, located along the coastline and surrounded by stone seats, was the main “cultural and entertainment” center of that time. Horse races were held here, chariot races were held, criminals were executed, animals were poisoned and spectacular gladiatorial fights were organized. In general, the program was more than saturated.
The territory of the racetrack is perfectly preserved. Marble murals and murals depicting bloody scenes can still be seen on its walls. Moreover, at the northern end of the arena, you can see the remains of the gate from which the participants of the chariot races started.
Temple of Augustus and Roma
If you carefully examine the photos of Caesarea dedicated to the central part of the park, you can notice the following historical landmark of Israel. We are talking about a pagan temple built in honor of the goddess Roma and Emperor Octavian Augustus. The building, surrounded by high walls, has a typical structure for the Hellenistic period – a Roman portico, elements of white marble and rows of columns supporting the arches.
The material for the construction of this temple was the same sandstone-kurkar, but it was covered with such high-quality and beautiful plaster that no one doubted its luxury and grandeur. Subsequently, the pagan shrine was destroyed, and in its place an octagonal Christian cathedral was erected, which lasted until the VII century. Then Caesarea was attacked by Arabs, who once again tore down the walls of the church and built a mosque in its place.
Thermal baths
The public baths, which appeared in the Byzantine era, are a huge complex consisting of several steam rooms and pools with warm and cold water. The floors of the thermal baths are decorated with mosaic tiles, considered the main value of ancient Caesarea. In front of the entrance to the complex was a palaestra, where local residents played sports, attended massage sessions, oiled their bodies or just rested. The colored mosaic floor, the palaestra, and even the marble columns surrounding the ancient baths have been preserved to this day.
Practical information
The opening hours of Caesarea National Park vary depending on the time of year.
Summer:
- Sun. – Thu. and Sat – – from 8 am to 5 pm;
- Fri. and holidays – from 8 am to 4 pm.
Winter:
- Sun. – Thu. and Sat – – from 8 am to 4 pm;
- Fri. and holidays-from 8 am to 3 pm.
On the eve of holidays – from 8 am to 1 pm.
Ticket price:
- Adult – 39 ILS;
- Children’s – 24 ILS;
- Adult Group – 33 ILS;
- Children’s group-20 ILS;
- Student – 33 ILS;
- According to the pension certificate – 20 ILS.
For those who plan to explore the park’s attractions for a few days, we recommend buying a tourist card (Money Saving Tickets):
- Blue (3 sessions) – 78 ILS;
- Green (6 visits) – 110 ILS;
- Orange (unlimited) – 150 ILS.
On a note! The cards are valid for 2 weeks from the moment of activation. The price is the same for representatives of all ages. You can get up — to-date information on the official website of Caesarea National Park- www.parks.org.il/en/reserve-park/caesarea-national-park/
Useful tips
Before heading out to explore the sights of Caesarea, check out the tips of experienced tourists:
- In Israel, it is quite hot – even in late autumn, the air temperature reaches +32°C. In addition, there are practically no trees on the territory of the park, which means that there is no shadow there. That is why the best time to visit it is in the early morning and hours before closing.;
- Do not spare money for the services of a guide – with him the tour will become much more interesting;
- In addition, you can take an information brochure at the entrance or order a paid viewing of the documentary (available in Russian).;
- Take care of comfortable clothes and sports shoes – you will have to walk a lot;
- The greatest impression on tourists is made by concerts in the ancient theater. As a rule, they are held late in the evening, which allows you not only to listen to performances of world celebrities, but also to enjoy beautiful sunsets.
Caesarea (Israel) is a place worthy of attention for any tourist who comes to the Holy Land. Be sure to visit the park and enjoy its atmosphere.
