Part Two
While it is true that one can travel from the northernmost part of Israel to its southern tip in less than a day, one should not underestimate what this small and relatively young nation can offer.
After all, it remains not only as the “Navel of the World” for three major world faiths, but it is also clearly a treasure trove of countless ancient wonders and modern marvels alike. Looking back, it is just amazing how one can have lunch by the Mediterranean Sea at noon, and then do the mud bath and float in the Dead Sea two hours later.
History on the ‘Seaside Corridor’
Easily done from Tel Aviv are visits to two important ports in antiquity. About halfway to Haifa is the Roman period port of Caesarea, the capital and largest city in Israel at the time. It is now a large archaeological complex consisting of the ruins of a Herodian amphitheater, a hippodrome, several residential quarters, as well as an aqueduct uniquely constructed along the seashore. There are also several well-preserved Roman mosaics in situ and other artifacts, i.e., sarcophagi and markers, on display. Caesarea’s Crusader’s fortress serves as a good introduction to the bigger Crusader monument to be explored later in Acre, the other port.
The city of Acre, another World Heritage Site, has two stories to tell. During the First Crusade, the crusaders built the town in the early 12th century to serve as their port into Palestine. Then, the town was captured 400 years later by the Ottomans who eventually gave Acre its present form as a fortified medieval city. The best way to appreciate the first layer of the city’s history is to explore the underground Gothic halls used by the Knights Hospitaller and to walk through the so-called Templar tunnels. Above these subterranean structures are buildings, narrow streets, vibrant souks, cozy hammams, and shrines, all of which are legacies left behind by Acre’s second occupant.
The drive from Caesarea to Acre runs parallel to the Mount Carmel range, a biosphere reserve. On the way, the winery of Amphorae proves to be an ideal stopover and their wines are most pleasant to the palate. A quick swing to the pre-historic caves on the cliff of Mt. Carmel also offers visitors a glimpse into how human evolution took place in the region. Haifa, a modern-day port on the northern slope of the mountain, attracts pilgrims because it is home to the Cave of Elijah inside the Stella Maris monastery, as well as the Shrine of Bab and its neatly terraced gardens, a Baha’i Faith holy place.
Gems of the Judean Desert Landscape
Masada is only 55 kilometers away from Jerusalem, while it takes roughly two hours of driving if coming from Tel Aviv. The journey takes visitors through an amazing arid landscape of deep ravines and empty valleys, the Judean Desert. On the way to Masada, one can even spot the site of Jericho from the distance, as well as the cave where the Dead Sea Scrolls were recovered. Situated 400 meters high on top of a table mountain, Masada is a natural fortress. It is a site of an ancient citadel built by Herod the Great in the 1st century BC, which contains the remains of two palaces, defensive walls, cisterns, baths (or mikvehs), and even a synagogue and a Byzantine church.
Masada became legendary during the Jewish-Roman War when the Romans attempted to siege it, only to find out that its residents committed a mass suicide when they were left with no other option than to surrender. Masada, therefore, stands as an outstanding cultural icon of Jewish identity. Aside from the ruins and impeccable views toward the Dead Sea offered by Masada, one should not fail to admire the well-preserved, most complete Roman siege works in the world to this day: the troop camps, delimiting walls, and an attack ramp surrounding it. Accessing Masada in ancient times might have been very problematic, but one can simply ride on a cable car nowadays to reach it.
The Dead Sea, on the other hand, is a unique natural wonder and it is in fact the lowest point on Earth. It is a hyper-saline lake that is so dense, anybody will easily float there. Staying at Herod’s Hotel Dead Sea allows direct access into the lake, making it an ideal place to stay in while in the area. Their mud bath treatment, which utilizes the mineral-rich clay from the lake, leaves the skin supple and smooth.
Overall, the tourism experience that Israel offers is unique and, without question, of the highest order. It is a visa-free destination for Filipinos.
Image credits: Bernard Joseph Esposo Guerrero