Caesarea

Mey Kedem (Ancient Water). Located near Caesaria, built about 2,000 years ago

The Alona Park, a protected area of Mediterranean forest located in Moshav Amikam, contains the unique archaeological site of Mey Kedem (Ancient Water). Located between Haifa and Tel-Aviv, near Caesaria. About 2,000 years ago, the Romans built an underground tunnel in Mey Kedem. These underground tunnels in the water are walked through by visitors. A height of 40-70 cm can be found between the water and the ground. A film explains everything that was here in Alona Park as we journeyed underground to an ancient water hole, and our story begins 2000 years ago when the Romans drilled an underground water hole for the city of Caesarea, to supply water for agricultural purposes, beverage production, bathing, and industry. For this purpose, the company's best workers were brought here, and the route is shaded, so workers can complete the task without being affected by the hot sun during the summer. It is mandatory to bring a flashlight because the tunnel is completely dark, so we went down stairs underground to the tunnel.  Cold, chilly, calm and decisive - those were the waters that met us immediately. As you walk through the Alona Park tunnel, ask yourself, "Why am I here?"? There are many springs in Alona Park, some of which are still active today, including the Aviel spring, whose water the Romans intended to transport to Caesarea. For the sake of the matter, they built a giant water plant on par with the scale of the period in question and the scale of history in general. Plant components included canals, clay pipes, underground tunnels, and more. In order to overcome the height difference that existed between the spring and the water well - where they planned to lead the water in the most efficient manner with the aim of bringing the maximum amount of water to the city, the planners, who took an active role in the plant's construction, took into account the terrain route of Alona Park as well as the topography. This route is ideal for small children and highly recommended as a family attraction because the water is very low at the beginning of the route, reaching a height of 30-40 centimeters.  Permission is required to enter the site. You should bring torches, clothing, and shoes that are suitable for walking in water. It is not permitted to enter with a baby back carrier. There is a prohibition on eating and lighting a fire on the site. The site area is not allowed to have pets.