Ceasarea

Caesarea or “Keysarya” was an Ancient Roman city that is now a part of the list of most beautiful historical sites in Israel. It is believed that the city of Caesarea was initially founded atop the ruins of Straton’s Tower, a third-century BC Phoenician port city. Conquered by King Alexander Jannaeus of the Hasmonean Kingdom in 90 BC, Caesarea’s population remained under local control until it was taken by the Romans in 63 BC. Caesarea became a thriving commercial hub that hosted sporting events, as well as a city of significance for Christians, and it flourished further under the Byzantines. Some even would say rivaling Carthage and Alexandria in terms of importance as port cities.

Caesarea Maritima, as the old city is called, shouldn’t be mistaken for the modern town of Caesarea. The ruins of the old city offer plenty to explore, including a large amphitheater overlooking the ocean and an extensive labyrinth of ruins. Some of the most imposing remains at Caesarea are its Crusader fortifications. Allow at least half a day to fully explore the ruins and make the most of the gorgeous seaside location.

Nearby, visitors can also explore the stunning remains of the Caesarea Aqueduct. Caesarea is about 55km north of Tel Aviv, on the Mediterranean coast. Depending on traffic, it should take between 60 and 90 minutes to drive via Route 2, along the coast. Buses run from Tel Aviv to the Or Akiva Interchange: the bus takes about an hour, and from there it’s another 40 minutes of walking