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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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Neve Tzedek Tel Aviv

This beautiful neighborhood, situated south of the Yemenite Quarter in Tel Aviv, is the first to be built in the new city of Tel Aviv back in 1887. Today it serves as the city's most stylish zone, a home for Israeli artists and yuppies. The gorgeous architecture of the old houses, packed within quiet narrow lanes, and the relaxed manner of the neighborhood's residents, make it highly recommended spending a delightful afternoon around the area. On your visit, make sure you don't miss the Suzanne Dellal Center for Dance and Theater, located in the heart of Neve Tzedek and one of the most beautiful cultural centers in the city. Surrounded by lovely gardens and splendid piazza, this complex is a home to two of the best Israeli dance companies, and a host for the most unique performances in town. Very close to Neve Tsedek is the now renovated Tacahana Complex, an old train station where visitors enjoy a a pedestrians only attraction with shops, cafe’s, restaurants, organic market art galleries and a family fun activities. Exploring the Historic Streets of Neve Tzedek Tel Aviv Neve Tzedek Tel Aviv is an iconic neighborhood located in the southern part of Tel Aviv. It was founded in 1887 as one of the very first Jewish neighborhoods outside of Jaffa and soon became a hub for some of Israel's most prominent artists, writers, intellectuals, and activists. Today, it is widely considered to be a cultural center for Tel Aviv and is home to some incredible attractions like Shabazi Street, known for its quaint cafés and boutiques; Neve Tsedek Square, a popular spot for outdoor concerts; Shalom Tower & Clock Tower, two iconic landmarks; as well as numerous galleries, museums, restaurants and more. In addition to its cultural attractions, Neve Tzedek also offers visitors a unique glimpse into the past with its preserved 19th century architecture. As you stroll through its cobblestone streets, you'll find yourself surrounded by red-roofed buildings that evoke memories of days gone by. The quaint atmosphere makes it easy to forget that you’re in one of Israel's most vibrant cities! For those looking to explore beyond Tel Aviv's city limits but still remain close by, Neve Tzedek is conveniently located near major attractions such as Jaffa Port (2 km away), Hayarkon Park (3 km away), and Dizengoff Center (4 km away). Whether you're looking for an afternoon stroll or an evening out on the town - Neve Tzedek has something for everyone! So if you ever find yourself in Tel Aviv looking for something special - don't forget to check out Neve Tzedek! This historic neighborhood offers visitors a unique combination of culture and history coupled with modern attractions like cafes, boutiques and galleries. So grab your camera and get ready to explore - you won't regret it! With that being said - welcome to Neve Tzedek! We hope your experience here will be unforgettable!

Kharbat Karta Nature Reserve - Discover the Wonders of Horvat Karta Nature Reserve: A Family-Friendly Adventure in Israel's North

Trip Duration: 1-2 hours Trip Type: Observation, flower trail, and historical sites Difficulty Level: Easy, suitable for all family members Accessibility: Not stroller-friendly Cost: Free of charge Location: Northern Israel - Atlit At the entrance to Atlit, you will find a short and easy trail that leads up the Kurkar ridge, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area, carved stables, and, during the blooming season, a variety of beautiful blossoming flowers. After the rains, anemones and hollyhocks bloom, while in the fall, hollyhocks create a stunning sea view. There are two starting points for the trail: Limor parking lot: This starting point features numerous picnic tables and a small ninja track-style playground for children. The trail is marked with blue and white, leading from the parking lot to the Karta ruins. You can choose to complete the full circular route, approximately 1 kilometer long, or park another vehicle at the second entry point. The trail markings will then change from blue to black for a 600-meter stretch. End of road 7110 in Afar Square: Continue straight at the square (with the climbing museum to your right) and follow the road as it curves left. After crossing the Nahal Oren estuary bridge, the trailhead will be on your left. This starting point offers a large dirt square and prominent signage from the Nature and Parks Authority. The trail is marked with black and later turns blue. You can park here and finish at the Limor parking lot, or vice versa if you have two vehicles. Kharbat Karta was declared a nature reserve in 1996 and spans 137 dunams. The reserve contains typical habitats and an archaeological site, the Detroa Fort, which is a Crusader fortress built by the Templars. The fort's strategic location connected northern coastal cities, like Acre, with southern cities, such as Caesarea. The fortress, which measured 21 x 18 meters, was surrounded by walls and featured a lower section carved out of the kurkar rock, with mines reaching up to four meters. Inside the reserve, you will find: Panoramic views from the water pool: A large concrete structure houses a former water pool, and an impressive view of the entire area can be seen from atop the structure's stairs. The view includes the Carmel Ridge and the city of Haifa to the north, the Yaakov memorial and surrounding settlements to the south, and the coastline, Atlit fortress, salt ponds, and Jessar al-Zarqa area to the south. La Detroit Fortress: This archaeological site is located within the Karta Ruins Nature Reserve and can be accessed via a short climb using pegs. Rock-engraved letters: On the ridge's eastern side, you will find the letters A and U in Phoenician script. Some believe these letters represent the first letters of the city's name, "Atlit," although this cannot be confirmed. Carved stables: On the southern side of the Kurkar ridge, you can view the stable rooms resembling large tunnels or sheds. Blooming season: From January to March, visitors can enjoy a wide array of colorful blossoms along the short trail, including cyclamen, anemones, and poppies. In autumn, the sedge blooms are especially impressive. Salt pools and flamingo observation: While in the area, don't miss the Atlit salt pools, where flamingos come to rest. To reach the reserve, use Waze app or other navigation apps: For the Limor Parking Lot, enter "Horvat Karta - Horesh Limor, Atlit." For the second entry point at the end of Road 7110, enter "Horvat Karta Nature Reserve - Atlit, North District." From Road 2, exit at the Atlit interchange and turn left or continue straight at the first square, depending on your chosen starting point.

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.

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