Caesarea Hidden Gems: Exploring Israel's Ancient Treasures

Caesarea boasts some of the most striking coastal destinations

The Roman port city of Caesarea is one of Israel’s wonders, combining ancient structures, archeology and a picture-perfect harbor, and adapting them for modern use.

Caesarea insights and history

Built by Rome’s Judean Governor, Herod the Great, two millennia ago, Caesarea was one of the largest and most magnificent ports in the Mediterranean, with giant piers stretching out into the sea to accommodate dozens of ships. This city contained a giant hippodrome, aqueduct and theater; a thousand years later the Crusaders arrived and built a giant fortress, and then came the Ottomans, who turned it into a seaside town. Today, the Roman theatre is a venue for concerts, the Crusader fortress is thrilling to visit and the Ottoman harbor and beach are full of cafes, restaurants and a visitors’ center. Caesarea is 45 minutes’ drive from Tel Aviv, 20 from Haifa.

Endorsements from the benefactors

“Caesarea is an inspiration for our call to co-create the future,” said Baroness de Rothschild. “We go beyond just acknowledging human diversity. We engage in building a society that is strengthened by all its members, believes and tradition. This call is to improve our selves and pave to way for future generations. It is a call not only for sharing history but also to honor our responsibility.”

When to get there

Caesarea National Park is open seven days a week, with shorter hours during the winter season, and early closing on Fridays and before religious holidays. Try to avoid visiting on Fridays and Saturdays (the Israeli weekend) and public holidays, when it can get very busy. The nearest attractions to this destination are: ANU – Museum of the Jewish People (Beit Hatfutsot), Palmach Museu, and Shenkin Street (Sheinkin Street)