There are archaeological sites in Israel literally everywhere you turn, and it is no wonder when you consider how many rules the land has been under over the course of thousands of years. Sites like the Western Wall, the Belvoir Fortress, Qumran and Shivta are just a few archaeological sites among many found in Israel, all of which offer an exciting glimpse into history and tell a detailed story. Here are some of the most popular and interesting archaeological sites in Israel, although, as you will realize when you are here, almost everywhere you turn, there is another archaeological site, a fortress or ruin, there for you to explore.
Archaeological Sites in Israel
Archaeological Sites in Israel
Kursi National Park
Kursi National Park is an archaeological site in Northern Israel enclosing the ruins of a Byzantine monastery. This monastery is identified by tradition as the site of Jesus’ “Miracle of the Swine”, in which Jesus is said to have performed an exorcism on a man possessed by demons. The demons then entered a herd of... Read More
The Russian Compound, Jerusalem
The Russian Compound, located in central Jerusalem, includes the massive and unmissable Holy Trinity Church and is one of the oldest parts of Jerusalem. Built in the 1860s, the compound is located off Jaffa Road, and was one of the first structures to be built outside the Old City of Jerusalem. Today, it houses many... Read More
Temple Mount Sifting Project. Jerusalem, Israel.
Don’t miss the opportunity to take part in some real archaeological work in the Holy Land! Get your hands dirty sifting for real treasures from the First and Second Temple periods. The Temple Mount Sifting Project is a unique initiative accessible to the public. In the 1990s, heaps of soil with unimaginable archaeological artifacts were... Read More
Family-Friendly Attractions in Israel
When traveling to the Holy Land, you’ll have plenty of options for family-friendly attractions in Israel. Family is at the heart of the local culture – so its no surprise that there are abundant ways to enjoy time together in this beautiful country. From Masada Fortress to Red Sea beaches – and plenty of child-friendly... Read More
New archeology wing at Terra Sancta Museum, Jerusalem, Israel. June 27, 2018
The Terra Sancta Museum in Jerusalem opens a new archeology wing this June 2018. The Terra Sancta Museum is one of the most relevant museums for Christian history in the old city of Jerusalem, located at the Monastery of the Flagellation, a fascinating testament of Medieval Jerusalem, on the famous Via Dolorosa. The new wing hosts an interactive display... Read More
Belvoir Fortress
The Belvoir Fortress could be considered one of the north’s best kept secrets in Israel. Just 20 kilometers south of the Sea of Galilee sits the crusader castle that dates back to the 12th century CE. The impressive structure sits high above the Jordan Valley, a strategic location during the time of the Crusades. Designed to... Read More
Tel Gezer & Carmei Yosef
Half way between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, in the foothills of the Jerusalem Hills, Tel Gezer National Park houses impressive archaeological ruins in a tranquil natural setting. Today, the surrounding Gezer Region houses small villages such as Carmei Yosef, with eco-touristic sites, and a monthly market. Tel Gezer National Park Seldom does one site have... Read More
Shivta
Shivta, in Israel’s Negev Desert is a Nabatean City that forms part of the series of UNESCO Heritage Site Desert Cities which were part of the Nabatean Spice Route, transporting frankincense and myrrh from Yemen to port on the Mediterranean. Relatively uniquely Shivta was never destroyed, and whilst over time many of the structures collapsed, having been... Read More
Megiddo
Megiddo, an impressive site in the Lower Galilee region of northern Israel was once an ancient city was critical that dominated the Aruna Pass (Wadi Ara or Megiddo Pass) the entrance to one of the few passes through the Carmel Mountains. This gave those who occupied Megiddo incredible power over the Via Maris, the main... Read More
Qumran
Qumran is best known as the place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered not so long ago. Located on the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea in the Judean Desert approximately, Qumran is located between Jerusalem and the major Dead Sea beaches and attractions such as Ein Gedi and Masada. Missed by many tourists,... Read More
Herodium
Herodium is a major archaeological site, home to an impressive palace dating to the time of King Herod. Located about 10km south of Jerusalem, the site was also the burial location of Herod, hence the tumulus shape of the hill. Herodium is known as “Mountain of Franks” or “Jabal al-Fourdis” the “Mountain of Paradise”. Although... Read More