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We all know that the Dutch are the world’s champions in drying seas, but was it their invention? Definitely not! When Herod was building his city he wanted everything to be luxurious, and so had to be the harbor. For this purpose he had to start building in the water. Even then the Roman technique of hydraulic concrete already existed and huge blocks of concrete were dumped in the sea to create steady platform for the biggest harbor of the Mediterranean cost.
The remains of this ahead-of-its-times construction can be seen if you chose to go on a diving tour. You don’t have to be a certified diver, so anyone can do it. You will be accompanied by an experienced instructor who will also show you the ancient ruins of Herod’s harbor. You will be given a map with points of interest so you won’t miss a thing. The diving session takes about 30 minutes, but it is long enough, especially for the inexperienced ones among us.
Their English site is still under construction, so better e-mail them and call.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: Old Caesarea, behind the "Masada" restaurant
Phone: 972 - (0)4 - 6265898
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This is the beautiful "Bird Mosaic" floor; its size is 14.5m x 16m and it is located on a hilltop, some 500 m outside the city wall of Byzantine Caesarea. The "Bird Mosaic" is believed to be the remains of a villa from the Byzantine period (the second half of the 6th century-first half of the 7th century CE). From the plan of the parts that were exposed in the excavations, it is estimated that the villa complex covers an area some 3,000 square m. It is also believed that the complex was destroyed in a raid that occurred prior to the Muslim siege of Caesar in 640 CE..
The site is now open to the public and entrance to it is free.
In Caesarea there is also a large archaeological site, with remains from Roman, Byzantine and Crusader periods.
Updated Apr 4, 2011
Address: some 200 m after Caesarea entrance gate
At the beach north of the Caesarea National Park you will find the remains of the Aqueduct bringing water to the city. This was necessary as there were no other sources available here. So water had to be transported over kilometers from far away into town.
If you have time you can bring your beach stuff with you and stay here for some time.
Written Jan 30, 2011
The harbour had a 400 meter long outer quay, an inner quay and an area where the boats could set the anchor. It was built during the rule of Herod and made Caesarea an important town. Nowadays not much is seen above the surface, but for divers it is possible to visit the remains hidden under water.
There is a diving center. If interested try the phone number of the National Park given on the Ceasarea NP page linked below.
Updated Jan 30, 2011
Website: http://www.parks.org.il/BuildaGate5/general2/data_card.php?Cat=~25~~858800043~Card12~&ru=&SiteName=parks&Clt=&Bur=404884502
There are ruins of a temple platform from Herods time on which a temple dedicated to Roma and Augustus was built. In later periodes other religious buildings were erected here, a mosque and a cathedral.
Written Jan 30, 2011
Close to the Promontory Palace you will find a lime stone block set up which carries an inscription telling the name of Pontius Pilatus, the man who send Jesus to the crucifixion. According to a documentory (and stated on wikipedia) this is the first physical evidence found of him beside what is written in the bible. It was found in the theater in 1961. Keep your eyes open, the stone is easily missed. It is a copy, the original one is in the Israel Museum (Jerusalem).
Written Jan 30, 2011
Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pontius_Pilate
The Promontory Palace is located directly at the sea in the west of the theater. It originates from the Roman and Byzantine Periode. You can see a pool in the remains which, according to scientists, was used as the cities fish market for a while.
Updated Jan 30, 2011
The Amphitheater is a huge and long structure between the harbour and the theater. A long row of seats can be seen along the impressive arena floor which extends over 250 meters in length and 50 meters in width. About 10.000 people could attend events here. Walking along there you can clearly imagine spectacles taking place.
Updated Jan 30, 2011
The theater in Caesarea is in a very good shape, as the seats seem to be restored. It is pretty large and the most ancient in Israel. 4000 spectators could find place in it. According to the flyer, which is handed out at the entrance, the theater was converted into a castle towards the end of the Byzantine periode. After the Arab conquer it was deserted as the rest of the town.
Written Jan 30, 2011
Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caesarea_Maritima
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Caesarea's ancient amphitheater is an impressive semi-circular structure built by King Herod.
Its location is superb, near the coast, with a view of the Mediterranean from the balconies.
The ampitheater was reconstructed so that it is fully functional now. It's a unique experience to sit on the 2000 year old stone balcony, see the extensive ruins of the Roman city below you, watch the sunset over the Mediterranean, and listen to a concert or watch an opera.
Updated Aug 17, 2010
Address: In the Caesarea National Park.
Phone: 04-6361010 Cesarea National Park
2 Reviews and 102 Opinions Although its been about 12 - 13 years since i've stayed there i can definitely say that this is a...
esarea has a really fascinating history and it’s a place where anyone could find something to do to his liking. You can spend hours walking among the ruins of the ancient city, or enjoy great...
My last visit to Caesarea was with my friends Tamir (former VT member Tamirros) and Nathalie (Aka Nathalie_b). We went to see the Old Romam ruins at the national Park, to travel around and of cours to...
Caesarea was established at the time of the Roman rule at the region, the small town was very prosperous and palace and entertainment facilities were built in it. Later the town lost its glory and...
Caesarea, a small port city on the Mediterranean coast, was rebuilt by King Herod, who renamed it Caesarea in honor of the Roman emperor. In 6 A.D., Caesarea became the capital of the Roman province...
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