The Romans infused Caesarea with a foreign allure when Herod built the magnificent city that served as the regional capital for almost 700 years. Two thousand years later, the New York Times recognized this charm, calling it “Pompeii on the sea” and ranking it among the ten recommended tourist sites in the world for 2020.
Located on the Mediterranean Coast, right between Haifa and Tel Aviv, is the historical Roman city of Caesarea. As a site with tremendous archaeological findings, fascinating stories, and peaceful beaches, a visit to Caesarea is a great experience for history and sea lovers alike.
The history of Caesarea
The city was first established as a small Phoenician anchorage. In 90 BC, the Hasmonean kingdom conquered and annexed the small Town. In 31 BC, after winning the Battle of Actium, the Roman Emperor Augustus gave the settlement, along with the entire coastline of the Land of Israel, as a gift to Herod.
Between the years 10-22 BC, Herod established a port of enormous dimensions in Caesarea. The port served as an operational, logistical, and economic transportation solution from Acre City. In addition to building the port, Herod immensely developed the small town, carefully planning and constructing it according to Roman architectural principles. He named the city Caesarea after Emperor Augustus and filled it with temples, magnificent public buildings, and amusement facilities in the spirit of Roman culture, including a theater, a hippodrome, and more.
Caesarea was indeed built magnificently, as is very easy to see during a tour of its antiquities. During the RoDuring the Roman period, Caesarea was the largest city in the country and the seat of the Roman commissioner and garrison. It was inhabited by a mixed population of Jews, Samaritans, and Gentiles, with conflicts often breaking out between them. One of these conflicts, in 66 AD, regarding the right to pass near a synagogue, was the reason for the outbreak of the Great Rebellion. After the revolt and the destruction of the Second Temple, Caesarea became the capital of the Roman province of Judea.
Caesarea also played a major role in the growth of Christianity, as it was a major city in the Byzantine period, with about 100,000 residents. According to some parts of Christianity, the first gentile, Cornelius, was converted to Christianity in Caesarea.
Today, the modern Caesarea is a small town with a population of about 6,000 people.
Best sites to see in Caesarea National Park
During a short walk on an accessible path, you can tour most of the major places to visit in Caesarea National Park. Here are the park’s major attractions.
The Theater
Herod built the theater, which remained active for hundreds of years. It had two stands and contained about 4,000 seats.
The Ancient Caesarea Port
In the days of his rule over Caesarea, Herod has built a large port that included an outer anchorage with a breakwater at a length of about 400 meters, an inner anchorage, and a dock. During the Roman period, the breakwater sank and was destroyed. Years later, during the reign of Emperor Anastasius (491-518 AD), officials renovated the port. After the Arab occupation, authorities neglected and closed the port.
Today the port has undergone a massive renovation, and a variety of restaurants and cafes have opened on the platform. It is highly recommended to sit here and enjoy the local restaurants, which are known for their high-quality fish.
The Hippodrome
A public amusement facility with about 10,000 seats. The Roman Hippodrome has hosted Athletic competitions, gladiator fights, and horse and chariot races in the spirit of Roman culture. The length of the arena is more than 250 meters and its width is about 50 meters.
Places to visit near Caesarea’s old city
Caesarea Aqueduct Beach
Ralli Museum
The unique museum located in the heart of modern Caesarea in a beautiful building in Spanish style, is dedicated to contemporary Latin American art pieces, from the collections of Harry Recanati. The museum presents a permanent exhibition and a variety of changing exhibitions.
Opening Hours
Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday 15:00 – 10:30
The entrance is free
