KOHANIM CAUTION!!! On one of the walking paths near the castle are some old tombs. But they are fenced off.
(my videos from this travel)
Details
Google Maps --- Duration 1.5HR (If you walk to the old mines, it will take more time)
- This is one of the nicest castles in Eretz Yisrael!
- There are incredible views of the coast, including Tel Aviv.
- There are nice walking and biking paths, including one that leads to an old mine (though, I didn't go there)
History
- Most of the fortress here is dated to the Ottoman Era. However, this location contains remains from the Malmuk, Crusader, and Roman times.
-Yosephus mentions that the Roman governor of Syria, Cestius Gallus, conquered this location during the Great Revolt of 66 CE (He was later defeated in battle, and died in 67 broken by the shame of his defeat).
- From up here you can see the battlefield where the Plishtim defeated the Jews. In the battle, the Aron HaKodesh was taken, and 34,000 Jews were killed, including Eli HaKohen's 2 sons.
- (Unfortunately, I didn't take many photos, mostly videos.)
The Mazor Mausoleum, Qula Crusader Fortress, Migdal Tsedek, Eben Ezer, and Tel Afek are near each other.
Archaeological | 4/5 |
Historical | 2/5 |
Nature | 3/5 |
Views | 5/5 |
