Caesarea Harbor

During the Roman period, Caesarea was a beautiful seaport at the height of its splendor. It was a center for trade and commerce and a maritime gate to Herod’s kingdom- boasting monumental buildings, palaces, residences, decorative gardens and entertainment attractions.

The Roman  Theater 

A recreational structure that was common in Roman culture, built in a semicircle and included about 6000 seats. The theater in Caesarea is one of the largest and most magnificent discovered in the country, where plays, speeches and performances in the spirit of Roman culture were once staged. At the end of the Byzantine period, the performance area (orchestra) was converted into a pool where water games and competitions were held.

The Reef Palace

A magnificent two-level palace hewn into the rock reef for the private use of the king and his guests. In the center of the palace is a large courtyard surrounded by rows of pillars as well as a large pool for decoration or immersion.

The Harbor Vaults and the Temple of Augustus

The heart of the city and the center of its ritual and commercial activity. On the temple stage, supported in part by a magnificent array of vaults, stands the Temple of Augustus and Rome- the main and most important of the city’s temples. Eventually, the religious buildings on the stage were replaced by those of the consecutive religions that had ruled the city.

The Visitors’ Center

A unique and innovative visitors’ center has been established in four southern vaults that formed part of an array of fourteen vaults. The visitors’ center displays treasures, historic archeological remains, cargo from shipwrecks and an epic film depicting King Herod as no one has dared to show. Read more about the Visitor’s Center here.

The Port Warehouses (LL)

Huge shipyards designed to serve hundreds of ships of various sizes and testify to the strength and scope of the port. Today it serves as a beautiful observation point over the sea.

The Wall Promenade

The Wall Promenade, which begins at the south gate of the Crusader city, is a walking track of about 1500 meters along a fascinating fortification system. The watchtower that now overlooks the southern area of ​​the site provides a view of the ancient Roman “amusement district” which includes: the Theater, the Hippodrome, the Bathhouse and the Reef Palace. Further along the wall through the eastern and up to the northern entrance gate is a building with an upper floor surrounded by embrasures or “firing windows.”

Nymphaeum

The nymphaeum (public fountain) is an architectural monument that was common in Roman cities. It was built with a magnificent façade that combined fountains, water canals and a pool. Niches and statues were used for decoration, and the flowing water added sound and movement. The nymphaeum in Caesarea was placed at the intersection of the main decumanus (an east–west-oriented road) and the Herodian port. It was a major point of interest in the city that was highlighted through the monument. The nymphaeum was first identified in the 1960s, as part of larger excavation work. A figurine of Asclepius, the Roman god of medicine and his daughter Hygieia, the goddess of health, was discovered at the site.
In 2013, a decision was made to preserve and restore the nymphaeum. The Israel Antiquities Authority carried out excavation work of the later strata, which re-exposed the fountain as well as a section of the Roman street and the Byzantine street. Today a spectacular replica of the goddess Hygieia is displayed in the central niche.

The Crusader Market

The development and accessibility work for the “Crusader Wall Promenade” also revealed impressive remains of a market that was active and vibrant during the Crusader period, more than 700 years ago. Shops operated on the ground floor of the exposed buildings while the second floor was used for residence. Some of the rooms were tiled with colored mosaic and others with marble slabs.

The ancient synagogue dates back to the fourth and fifth centuries CE and served as a place of worship for the extensive community of Caesarea Jews. Some claim that the structure was built on the foundations of the “Knisata Demarduta” (“The Synagogue of the Rebellion”) were, according to biblical sages, the Great Revolt of the Jews against the Romans was ignited.

The story of the building is a complementary piece in the cultural mosaic of the Jews who lived in the pagan city alongside Roman culture. They observed their religion in synagogues within the city, moving between openness and segregation as they coped with changes that came from overseas. The synagogue was first discovered in the 1940s. Archaeological excavations revealed finds with inscriptions of menorah symbols, marble fragments of a list of 24 shifts that priestly families (Cohanim) served in rotation for the Temple, and mosaics and inscriptions of dedications to donors.

During the first phase of the project, all remains were documented and analyzed in order to fully understand the structure, define the platforms, and grade the slope to the beach. These were used as the basis for conservation work, for stabilizing the slope and for installing required drains. In the second phase, work was carried out to preserve and restore the synagogue’s mosaic. Observation and access points for the public were developed as well as exhibits presenting content related to the Jewish heritage of ancient Caesarea.

An aqueduct system that supplied water to Caesarea from natural springs about ten kilometers from the city. The aqueduct was supported by thousands of stone arches and was among the most developed in Israel. The water was supplied for public use (for the many fountains and baths) as well as for private consumption. The water first reached a distribution facility called the Castellum. This was fairly unique as only two existed in the country- one in Banias and the other in Caesarea. From there, the water was distributed throughout the city through a system of pipes.

Several aqueducts were built in Caesarea throughput the periods: the Herodian High Aqueduct, the Hadrian Aqueduct, the Byzantine Low Aqueduct, and an open canal during the Crusader period. Today, the site stands on an official beach with a beautiful view. In the future, a boardwalk will be built that will connect to the ancient synagogue at the port.

Herod’s Palace

From a spacious balcony overlooking an ancient private pool and the sea, you can enjoy a picturesque view of the complex of ancient buildings that were built on the site 2,000 years ago: the Hippodrome, the Crusader Fortress and the remains of the Crusader walls to the north, and an imperial theater with beautiful Roman architectural details to the south. Right before sunset, the atmosphere is particularly romantic.

The Temple Podium

A spectacular observation point with a panoramic view of the area. The podium sits on an artificial hill facing the sea and overlooks the city and the remains of the past: the entertainment district, the Theater and the Hippodrome to the south, the Crusader fortifications, the Ottoman mosque and the fortress to the north and west, and a breathtaking view of a romantic and magical sunset.

The Crusader Walls Promenade

Along the route you can enjoy a view of the city and the landscape: the remains of grand palaces, private aristocratic buildings, entertainment and amusement facilities, the sea breeze, waves and the sunset in the horizon.

A uniquely entertaining tour of the Caesarea Harbor National Park, combining history, heritage stories and lots of humor.

The tour is conducted by an actor dressed in the spirit of the Roman period and combines the magic of the renewed site with stories of the everyday. Some of the highlights include:

> Women in the history of Caesarea
> Baron Rothschild
> Architecture and more.

Guide:

Hannan Amar

Duration of the tour::

About an hour, for groups of up to 50 participants.

For more details:

Stories about love, politics and jealousy with songs for the soul in ancient Caesarea.

Love stories from yore, sprinkled with wisdom and wit: Rabbi Akiva and his wife Rachel, Herod and Miriam, a Roman soldier and a Samaritan maiden, a jealous Crusader knight and a girl of exquisite beauty. Discover Caesarea National Park to the sounds of the accordion with familiar songs of joy and humor.

Tour Guide:

Nina Kalkin – certified tour guide, MA in Theater History, Tel Aviv University.

Musical accompaniment:

Nechama El-Al accompanies musical trips all over the country and shares with travelers the fascinating stories behind each song.

Duration:

About an hour and a half, for groups of up to 50 participants.

For more details:

An adventure that’s beyond time, but not beyond place- between the sea and among the magnificent remains of the city of Caesarea. A team-building experience with shared tasks that combines courage, problem-solving, imagination, strategic thinking, and of course- lots of humor. Guides dressed in the spirit of ancient Caesarea lead the participants through a route full of surprises and challenges.

Duration:

About an hour and a half. Recommended for large groups (50 or more).

For more details:

call: 6550*

The Caesarea Diving Club runs diving excursions to magical sites all year round. The club is located at the heart of the Caesarea National Park, on the ancient ruins of King Herod’s sunken port. The club offers diving excursions to the first and only underwater archaeological park of its kind in the world. While the old city in Caesarea welcomes you to a magical world full of history and culture, what you’ll find underwater will astound you.

The Caesarea Diving Club offers the only underwater experience of its kind in the world- diving into the depths of Caesarea’s underwater archaeological park. Discover the secrets and treasures of the past and enjoy a spectacular diving experience.

For more information and details:

אתר: caesarea-diving.com

טלפון: 04-6265898

Caesarea Glass

“Caesaria Glass” is a charming gallery located in a picturesque courtyard among stones and antiquities near the new visitor center at the port.

A visit to the gallery offers an enriching experience that combines art, history, and education, where visitors are invited to take part in the activities that the gallery offers.

• Demonstration of the wonderful process of traditional glass blowing (Free of charge).
• Historical and creative thinking and strategy games (Free of charge).
• Experiment with making miniature glass sculptures with the burner.
• Glass workshops for individuals, couples, and groups.
• A fascinating interactive live presentation on ancient glass art with explanations and demonstrations.

For more details:
Itai Megar – Caesarea Glass
052-5015700 caesareag@gmail.com

Speculo

“Speculo” is a 300 sq. meter glassblowing studio located in the ancient fortress at the Caesarea National Park. It is located at the top floor of the fortress and is surrounded by the sea from three directions. The studio is divided into a glassblowing workshop and a reception area (bar – gallery).

You can hold glassblowing performances, workshops and events for groups, combined with blowing demonstrations and taking part in the activities held at the studio.

For more details:
Atikot 10, Caesarea Harbor 0538205475
www.speculo.life
Email: yachdav@speculo.life

The first mosaic floors in Caesarea date from about 2,100 years ago. Before then, the floors were made of pebbles. How and when was it decided to turn them into squares? Find out this and more in this fascinating tour of the ancient decorative world!
We’ll learn how a mosaic “speaks” and visit the various mosaics in Caesarea, including:
The Bird Mosaic, The Vine Mosaic, The Ibex Mosaic, the Roman villa, and the rare mosaic gallery at the Caesarea Harbor.

The experience continues at a workshop where you can create a mosaic such as your company logo or other piece of art, with beauty that will last for years.

For more details:

Amir Janach
Phone : 052-3948920

A mosaic floor that was first uncovered in 1955 during an archeological excavation. The floor, which was part of a large architectural complex, was about 225 sq. meters and approximates a rectangle shape. The main section is ornamented with 120 round medallions, each displaying a bird.

The Bird Mosaic Complex 2019 
This renovated complex is the result of a collaboration between the Israel Antiquities Authority, the Hof HaCarmel Regional Council and the Caesarea Development Company, who worked together to upgrade and turn the site into a first-class tourist attraction.

After conducting comprehensive archaeological-historical research, we had the privilege of re-illuminating and displaying the main monuments of Caesarea from the Byzantine Roman period- through a unique bronze model. The model was placed on the temple podium- the most exciting observation point in the ancient port.
This unique model was created through a combination of ancient technologies of bronze casting with innovative modern technologies that allow visitors to go back in time and get a sweeping view of the city at the height of it’s glory. When magnificent monumental buildings still stood in all their splendor: the Theater, the Hippodrome, the Royal Palace and the ancient port.

Immerse yourself in an educational, enriching and unique experience that connects the past with the future; the ancient with the modern. Near the new model is the Caesarea Visitors Center where you’ll discover the fascinating layers of Caesarea’s history as well as archaeological treasures uncovered from both land and under the sea.

המוזיאון הייחודי הממוקם בלב קיסריה במבנה יפהפה בסגנון ספרדי, מוקדש לפרטי אומנות לטינו-אמריקנית עכשוויים, מאוספיו של הארי רקאנטי. המוזיאון מציג תערוכה קבועה ומגוון תערוכות מתחלפות.

שעות פתיחה

ב’, ג’, ה’, ו’, שבת 15:00 – 10:30 (למעט ימים א’, ד’).

בחודשים ינואר ופברואר, המוזיאון פתוח בשישי ושבת בלבד בין השעות 15:00 – 10:30.

הכניסה חינם.

כתובת וטלפון

שדרות רוטשילד (ליד מגדל המים) ת.ד 4855, קיסריה 38900.

טלפון 04-6261013

Get an inside view of the magic and history hidden within Caesarea. A fascinating tour of Caesarea National Park, the renewed Caesarea Harbor, and the main focal points of history and archeology including: the restored ancient vault system that is now an innovative and impressive visitor’s center, the Old Synagogue complex, the Crusader Wall Promenade, the Sea Promenade, the Hippodrome, the Theater, the Reef Palace, the Bath House and more.

Tour Guide:

Varied, qualified tour guides. The tour is offered in several languages.

Duration:

About an hour and a half, for groups up to 50 participants.

For more details:

Call: *6550

Caesarea was a central and important city during the reign of Herod and the period that followed. It was a city of spirit and matter, and a cultural mosaic for over 2,000 years. 

This tour presents the story of Caesarea from a new angle and connects the spiritual with the material, construction with destruction, the historical preservation process of the site, and the fascinating figure of King Herod- the master builder of the Kingdom of Judea. The tour offers expert knowledge, quotations from original sources (Flavius Josephus), pieces of poetry by Dahlia Rabikowitz, and musical accompaniment of guitar- all of which are connected to various points along the route.

The tour begins in the beautiful Byzantine street near the huge Porphyry statue of Hadrian, continues through Roman streets and ancient Crusader walls, and describes the different building styles, the classical architectural elements of the period, and the statues in the area- all in the spirit of the local Jewish community over the years.

The tour continues to the Ancient Synagogue, the story of the Great Revolt and the destruction of the Second Temple. You’ll discover how the spirit of the Jewish people did not fall, how they remained loyal to their country, and how they returned to it.

In the synagogue, we’ll hold a sing-along accompanied by guitar where we’ll sing two songs by Yishai Rivo, “Returning Home” and “My Heart”.

The tour is conducted by Michael Janach, a certified tour guide and an expert in mosaics and conservation.

For more details:

6550*