Discover a land full of miracles and held sacred by three faiths. Explore the history of Israel where biblical events unfolded. Go on a trip from Jerusalem to Nazareth, a trip that illustrates the complex history of the region, its people, and its holy sites. Also, consider hiring a private tour guide for a hassle-free trip. A guide will help you tell the accurate history of the lands, and keep you enchanted!
Benefits of hiring a private tour guide to understand the history of Israel:
- Explore the crowded streets of Jerusalem’s Old City without any worry.
- Spend days leisurely exploring Jerusalem, stopping at the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Via Dolorosa, all while customizing your trip.
- Visit Yad Vashem, Israel’s memorial to Holocaust victims. Learn about the country and its people.
- Visit Capernaum, take a Sea of Galilee cruise, and see the Sermon on the Mount. Know the best times for the cruise.
- Explore Masada, the final Jewish stronghold, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Get the full local experience when you travel with a native. Learn about their lives from them.
The historical and archaeological sites of the Holy Land are more than just tourist destinations. While some are revered as sacred sites, others are said to have had a significant impact on world history.
Here are our top historical sites to visit in Israel:
Masada
Masada may not officially be considered a religious site, yet many people will view it as sacred. It is a peak that faces the Dead Sea. It was turned into a fortified palace by King Herod at the turn of the first century. Jewish rebels clung to their independence here for many years but committed suicide when the Romans won their conquest. Aside from the impressive number of artifacts and dramatic discoveries made by the insurgents, Masada represents the Jewish people’s quest for liberation.
Masada’s legend and the Zionist maxim “Masada will never fall again” are taught to every Israeli child.
Tempe Mount
The Temple Mount was built by King Solomon around 3000 years ago and served as the Israelites’ primary site of worship. For many years, the Ark of the Covenant was preserved in its holiest of holies, and animal sacrifice was still performed here during the lifetime of Jesus.
The temple also holds great significance for Muslims all over the world. The temple has been under Muslim rule since the seventh century. It is revered as the site of Prophet Mohammad’s night journey. Non-Muslim tourists can currently visit the Temple Mount only on occasion and for a limited time. The temple is important for three major religions of the world. It is also central to the history of Israel. Exploring relics from earlier eras is a moving experience.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Israel is revered by millions of Christians worldwide. Since the 4th century, the church is regarded as the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial, and resurrection. The church complex comprises construction phases from several eras, portraying its lengthy and complicated history beautifully. Its main attractions are the Golgotha Hill, where Jesus was crucified, and the location of his resurrection. Both are still maintained by six different Christian denominations.
Tel Lachish
Lachish, located foothills of Judea (Shephelah), was the second-most significant city in ancient Judah. Interestingly, in the 19th century, Nineveh, in modern-day Iraq, was the site of the discovery of a comprehensive chronicle of its capture by Sennacherib.
Numerous artifacts from the Assyrians’ capture and obliteration of the city, as well as from later eras, were discovered during excavations at the site. Tel Lachish, with its brand-new visitor center, is one of the most fascinating locations to see local biblical archaeology.
Megiddo
Megiddo was historically inhabited during the Canaanite and Israelite periods. It is located along one of Israel’s principal roadways, known as the “Via Maris”. The city is regarded as the greatest representation of a biblical Israelite city. The stables and gates of the city are now credited to being built during the reign of the Israelite kings rather than Solomon’s. The location of Megiddo is also very significant to Christians since it is recognized as the site of the last battle at the end of the world or Armageddon.
City of David
The City of David, which King David built near the Gihon Spring, is essentially the biblical Jerusalem. The City of David was excavated by several archaeological expeditions beginning in the 19th century, and it produced some of the most significant discoveries from the Canaanite through the Byzantine eras. The city of David, which is constantly being developed by a regional organization (ELAD), offers numerous archaeological finds, both above and below ground.
Tip- Avoid skipping the trip up the Herodian stepped street to the Western Wall and stroll via Hezekiah’s Tunnel to the Pool of Siloam! It will give you a unique taste of the history of Israel. Additionally, the location has an original, one-of-a-kind dynamic model that will soon open, as well as a unique audio-visual night show.
Arad
Arad, which is located on the border of the Negev desert, was an important city during the Canaanite era. According to the Bible, the Israelites arrived at the “Promised Land” from the east but were unable to take the city, being forced to retreat to the Red Sea. Tel Arad excavations have produced several important Israelite-era artifacts. A fort that was constructed above the Canaanite city in the eighth century BCE included a unique Judaic temple that competed with the one in Jerusalem. A significant letter archive that expressed concern about invasions by the Edomite and Babylonian peoples was also found during the excavations.
Caesarea
Caesarea, which was established by King Herod in the first century BCE, flourished during the Roman and Byzantine eras. Its harbor, which at the time was the largest man-made port, was crucial throughout the Crusader era as well. In its current state as a national park, Caesarea’s rich findings are dispersed over a vast region. They include a theater that has been repaired, two hippodromes, a large bathhouse complex, port ruins, a synagogue, an aqueduct, and more. Indicators from Herod’s palace excavations may also be connected to the city’s incarceration of Paul.
Come visit us and lose yourself in the enchanting history of Israel, the cradle of western civilization.
