Israel Northern

In the early years of the State of Israel, there were only three large cities in Israel, and here’s how they were characterized: Jerusalem studies, Tel Aviv dances, and Haifa sleeps.

After the death and spectacular funeral ceremony of Herod the Great, the famous 1st century BC King of Judea, three ships sailed from the Holy Land to Rome. On each of the ships was one of Herod’s sons – all traveling to Rome in order to attempt to inherit their father’s entire kingdom. Augustus, their father's patron, followed the Roman doctrine, "divide and conquer," and, indeed, the Holy Land was divided into three parts. Achelous received the Judean region, Philip received the Golan (the areas east and north of the Sea of Galilee), and the Galilee was given to Herod Antipas – the same Antipas who, according to the New Testament, played a role in the execution of John the Baptist. 

When the Jews were expelled from Spain in 1492, they dispersed to other countries, including to the Holy Land. Some settled in Safed, which is located in the Upper Galilee, and it became a holy city for Jews, in addition to Hebron, Tiberias, and Jerusalem, for a number of reasons.

Israelis love Nazareth - the largest Arab city in Israel – and often spend Saturdays, holidays, and weekdays enjoying its markets, restaurants, and shops. But this is nothing new! Throughout history, Nazareth has always welcomed its visitors, including the non-Christians who come to visit the churches.

“If only I had succeeded in conquering Acre, I would have changed the face of the world," dictated Napoleon Bonaparte to the writer of his memoirs during his exile on the island of Saint Helena. Even he, one of the most famous generals in the annals of Europe, recognized the extraordinary importance of this northern port city to the eastern basin of the Mediterranean Sea. 

Caesarea, a short drive north of Tel Aviv, is an ancient port city whose construction was initiated in 22 BC by King Herod the Great. Caesarea was a grand city - the first city in the Holy Land which had advanced urban planning down to the last detail! It is located on the white dunes south of the Carmel, and it was chosen to be a deep sea harbor with an artificial breakwater- the largest of its kind in the Mediterranean Sea. The city of Caesarea, named by King Herod after Augustus Caesar who endowed it with the majority of its great public buildings, infrastructure, and monuments, was added to the port and became the capital of Roman and Byzantine Palestine.

While the majority of rural settlements from the original Zionist settlement in Israel have been modernized, Zichron Ya'akov is one of the few which has retained an authentic atmosphere. The tranquil town has preserved the tradition and romance of the past while, at the same time, renewing itself gracefully.

Beit She'an is a city in the North District of Israel which has played historically an important role due to its geographical location, at the junction of the Jordan River Valley and the Jezreel Valley. The ancient city ruins are now protected within a national park, known as Bet She'an National Park. Ancient Beit She'an is one of the most impressive Roman and Byzantine sites in Israel, and it attracts approximately 300,000 tourists annually.

Nahariya is the northernmost coastal city in Israel, with an estimated population of 53,900. Sderot Ga'aton, the city's main boulevard, runs east-west from the Coastal Highway junction to the sea, and is divided down the middle by the Ga'aton River. Shaded by the thick greenery of towering eucalyptus trees and lined with numerous shops, boutiques, open-air cafes, and restaurants, Sderot Ga'aton is Nahariya's main tourist attraction and its central entertainment district. The beach area is an attraction in its own right, with a public park, a waterfront promenade, two public beaches, a small marina and a lively nightlife in the multitude of beachfront cafes, bars, restaurants and nightclubs.

Metula is a town in the Northern District of Israel. Metula is located between the sites of the Biblical cities of Dan, Abel Bet Ma'akha, and Eyon, bordering Lebanon. Traces of ancient settlement have been found here, including wine presses and a mosaic pavement. A tomb excavated in 1967 contained at least four graves dating from between the late third century and the late sixth century. A settlement existed in the area in the Roman-Byzantine era.

Kiryat Shmona is a city located in the North District of Israel on the western slopes of the Hula Valley near the Lebanese border. The town has a cable car link with Manara above in the Naftali mountain range and also is home to an activity center and toboggan run located in the south of the town. In the residential area there is an urban natural space called Park HaZahav. the park contains a diverse, protected, natural area comprising Ein Zahav Stream and HaTachanot Stream which flow through the middle of the park. These streams have created different aquatic habitats, including shallow sections, rapids, deep sections and pools that support diverse riparian vegetation that has developed with time into a riparian forest.

Rosh Pina or Rosh Pinna is a town (local council) of approximately 2,800 people located in the Upper Galilee on the eastern slopes of Mount Kna'an in the Northern District of Israel. Mitzpe HaYamim, a world-class spa, is located on a mountainside in Rosh Pinna. Amenities include a range of health and cosmetic treatments, an art gallery where guests can view artists at work, art workshops and an organic garden. The Baron Rothschild' gardens. The gardens were designed by a French landscape architect and planted in 1886. Many plants such as Bougainvillea and pine trees were brought from France.