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Nimrod Fortress: A Historic Castle with Stunning Views in the Golan Heights

Attractions travel guide

Nimrod Fortress, also known as Nimrod Castle, is a castle built by the Ayyubids and expanded by the Mamluks to guard a major access route to Damascus against armies from the west. It is located on the southern slopes of Mount Hermon, overlooking the Golan Heights. The fortress was first built in the Hellenistic or Byzantine period and was rebuilt around 1228 by Al-Aziz Uthman. It was further expanded by Sultan Baibars and given to his second-in-command, Bilik. After the Muslim conquest of Acre, the fortress lost its strategic value and fell into disrepair. The Ottoman Turks later used it as a luxury prison for Ottoman nobles. The fortress is currently managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority and is open to the public. Visitors can explore the excavated and restored portions of the fortress, including secret corridors, loopholes, and the remains of a keep surrounded by large rectangular towers.

One day tour idea for the region could be visiting Nimrod Fortress and exploring the surrounding area. The tour could start with a visit to the fortress, where visitors can learn about its history and architecture and enjoy panoramic views of the Golan Heights. After exploring the fortress, the tour could continue to nearby Banias Nature Reserve, which offers hiking trails, waterfalls, and natural pools. Visitors can hike along the river, explore the ancient ruins of Banias, and enjoy a picnic lunch in the beautiful surroundings. The tour could also include a visit to the nearby Druze village of Majdal Shams, where visitors can learn about Druze culture and enjoy traditional Druze cuisine. Overall, this day tour offers a combination of history, nature, and culture, making it a great way to experience the region.

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Rare Aramaic Inscription Unearthed in Tel Lachish National Park, Mentioning King Darius I is fake!

It was found to ba a fake! A rare Aramaic inscription, discovered on a piece of pottery at Tel Lachish National Park in Israel by two hikers, mentions King Darius I, the father of Ahasuerus, and was likely used as an administrative note recording receipt or delivery of goods during the Persian period, around 498/7 BC. This is the first time an inscription has been found bearing the name of King Darius I in Israel, and experts believe it may have been engraved by a clerk or storekeeper in the state building during the Persian rule. The building was destroyed by a British delegation during the excavation of the palace of the kings of Judah, but the inscription has provided new insight into the administrative activities at the magnificent building during the Persian period. One possible tour in the area could include a visit to Tel Lachish National Park to see the site where the rare Aramaic inscription was discovered. Visitors can learn about the ancient history of the region and see the ruins of the magnificent Persian administrative building, including its unique column bases. Additionally, the park offers beautiful nature walks and picnic areas for visitors to enjoy. Another stop on the tour could be the nearby city of Ashdod, where visitors can explore the ancient Tel Ashdod site and see the impressive archeological finds on display at the Corinne Mamane Museum of Philistine Culture. The city also offers a beautiful beach and lively markets for visitors to experience.

The Sharks of Hadera: A Rare Sight in Israel's Coastal City

Hadera is a coastal city in Israel known for its beautiful beaches and warm weather. However, in recent years, the city has become famous for a different reason - the sharks that have been spotted off its shores. In the summer of 2020, dozens of sharks were seen swimming close to the shore in Hadera, including the blue shark, sandbar shark, and thresher shark. These sightings caused concern among local authorities, who closed the beaches for several days to ensure the safety of swimmers and surfers. While shark sightings are not uncommon in Israel, they are relatively rare in Hadera. Some experts believe that the increase in shark sightings is due to the overfishing of the Mediterranean Sea, which has caused sharks to venture closer to the shore in search of food. Others suggest that warmer water temperatures caused by climate change may also be a factor. Despite the initial concern, local authorities have since taken measures to ensure the safety of beachgoers while also protecting the sharks. This includes posting warning signs and educating the public on how to react in case of a shark sighting. Overall, the sharks of Hadera have brought attention to the delicate balance between humans and marine life in the Mediterranean Sea. While they may be a rare sight, they serve as a reminder of the importance of protecting the ocean's biodiversity and preserving its fragile ecosystems.

The Carmel market

The Carmel Market is the largest open market in Tel Aviv and the best place to buy fresh food and wonder around. Next to the market lies the Yemenite Vineyard, a small neighborhood with charming little streets and typical Yemenite restaurants. The Carmel Market (Shuk HaCarmel) is the biggest marketplace in Tel Aviv and a fun place to visit. In the Carmel market you can find just about anything for the lowest prices in town, including different kinds of bread, olives, dried fruits, spices and so on. It is also the best place to buy fresh fruits and vegetables, as well as fish and poultry. The clothing section is located next to Allenby Street, and you can surely find there a bargain or two. Just off the Carmel Market lies one of the most special neighborhoods in Tel Aviv. It is called Yemenite Vineyard (Kerem Hateymanim), originally formed in the beginning of the 20th century by the Jewish immigrants from Yemen. The municipality started renovating this area some 15 years ago, and walking through its narrow alleys and small houses is pretty inspiring. Accept for a walk in these charming little streets, you can make a stop in one of the small neighborhood restaurants. All of them serve traditional Yemenite cuisine, spiced with Hawhyedge, the most characteristic spice in the Yemenite kitchen. The neighborhood is located very close to the sea, so it can be a good stop on your way to or from the beach. Hotel Metropolitan at 11 Trumpeldor St. is just few minutes walk from the Carmel Market to the north. It is an affordable yet elegant lodging option next to the beach and the city center. Another nice hotel in this area is Sun City hotel at 9 Trumpeldor St., which is very well kept and quite intimate. It has a great location - next to the city's lively markets and shopping areas, and only 500 meters from the Mediterranean. Galileo Hotel, located in the heart of the Yemenite Quarter, one of Tel Aviv's first neighborhoods, is a picturesque hotel which will provide you with all the facilities of a budget accommodation in the best location. It is easy to find your way around the Carmel Market area using public transportation, because most buses have stops in the central Allenby Street. It is also located right off Shenkin St., which is another landmark you mustn't miss on your Tel Aviv visit.

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