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Caesarea

Time-worn ruins are strewn along the crystalline Mediterranean shore of Caesarea (Qeysarya; pronounced 'kay-sar-ee-ya' in Hebrew). Once a storied port city to rival Alexandria and Carthage, Caesarea is now split between old and new: the ancient city's remains form Caesarea National Park while chic residential neighbourhoods – and Israel's only international golf club – lie east.

Despite efforts by various conquerors to keep the port in service, time and warfare eventually had their way. By the 14th century most of Caesarea had disappeared under the shifting dunes. Archaeological excavations have revealed impressive Roman sites (rivalled, in Israel, only by Beit She'an). Shut your eyes and imagine chariots careening round the amphitheatre and murmured prayers in shadowy shrines to Mithras; then open them to see a slew of waterside cafes and restaurants where you can dine until late.

Explore Caesarea

Caesarea National Park
The wave-lashed location of this large archaeological site enhances the experience of exploring its Roman- and Crusader-era ruins.You'll duck through…
C
Crusader City
The original 9th-century walls enclosing this fortified Arab city were bulked out into a Crusader fortress by King Louis IX of France (St Louis), better…
C
Cardo
Outside the Crusader walls, a few hundred metres east (away from the sea) from the park's northern entrance, is the fenced-in, excavated Cardo (Byzantine…
R
Roman Theatre
Israel's most ancient theatre is used these days for open-air concerts by top-tier international and Israeli talent. Built by Herod, the impressive…
H
Herodian Amphitheatre
Seven-lap chariot races and bloody gladiatorial contests in which prisoners and slaves battled lions and crocodiles were held in the 10,000-seat…
P
Promontory Palace
Jutting into the sea next to the southern end of the Herodian amphitheatre, the Roman-era Promontory Palace includes a pool believed to have been used as…
C
Caesarea Maritima Museum
Coins, amphorae, jewellery and other relics of ancient Caesarea from Rome to the Crusader era are displayed in this museum in Kibbutz S'dot Yam,…
A
Aqueduct Beach
Exactly as it sounds, a golden beach next to a section of Caesarea's Roman aqueduct. It's 2.5km by road north of ancient Caesarea.
C
Caesarea Experience
The park's visitor centre, aka the Caesarea Experience, is located on the harbour's jetty. Inside, a 10-minute film (available in seven languages)…

Caesarea National Park
The wave-lashed location of this large archaeological site enhances the experience of exploring its Roman- and Crusader-era ruins.You'll duck through…
C
Crusader City
The original 9th-century walls enclosing this fortified Arab city were bulked out into a Crusader fortress by King Louis IX of France (St Louis), better…
C
Cardo
Outside the Crusader walls, a few hundred metres east (away from the sea) from the park's northern entrance, is the fenced-in, excavated Cardo (Byzantine…
R
Roman Theatre
Israel's most ancient theatre is used these days for open-air concerts by top-tier international and Israeli talent. Built by Herod, the impressive…
H
Herodian Amphitheatre
Seven-lap chariot races and bloody gladiatorial contests in which prisoners and slaves battled lions and crocodiles were held in the 10,000-seat…
P
Promontory Palace
Jutting into the sea next to the southern end of the Herodian amphitheatre, the Roman-era Promontory Palace includes a pool believed to have been used as…
C
Caesarea Maritima Museum
Coins, amphorae, jewellery and other relics of ancient Caesarea from Rome to the Crusader era are displayed in this museum in Kibbutz S'dot Yam,…
A
Aqueduct Beach
Exactly as it sounds, a golden beach next to a section of Caesarea's Roman aqueduct. It's 2.5km by road north of ancient Caesarea.
C
Caesarea Experience
The park's visitor centre, aka the Caesarea Experience, is located on the harbour's jetty. Inside, a 10-minute film (available in seven languages)…

Top attractions

These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Caesarea.

See
Caesarea National Park
The wave-lashed location of this large archaeological site enhances the experience of exploring its Roman- and Crusader-era ruins.You'll duck through…
See
Crusader City
The original 9th-century walls enclosing this fortified Arab city were bulked out into a Crusader fortress by King Louis IX of France (St Louis), better…
See
Cardo
Outside the Crusader walls, a few hundred metres east (away from the sea) from the park's northern entrance, is the fenced-in, excavated Cardo (Byzantine…
See
Roman Theatre
Israel's most ancient theatre is used these days for open-air concerts by top-tier international and Israeli talent. Built by Herod, the impressive…
See
Herodian Amphitheatre
Seven-lap chariot races and bloody gladiatorial contests in which prisoners and slaves battled lions and crocodiles were held in the 10,000-seat…
See
Promontory Palace
Jutting into the sea next to the southern end of the Herodian amphitheatre, the Roman-era Promontory Palace includes a pool believed to have been used as…
See
Caesarea Maritima Museum
Coins, amphorae, jewellery and other relics of ancient Caesarea from Rome to the Crusader era are displayed in this museum in Kibbutz S'dot Yam,…
See
Aqueduct Beach
Exactly as it sounds, a golden beach next to a section of Caesarea's Roman aqueduct. It's 2.5km by road north of ancient Caesarea.
See
Caesarea Experience
The park's visitor centre, aka the Caesarea Experience, is located on the harbour's jetty. Inside, a 10-minute film (available in seven languages)…

Guidebooks

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