- Address: Ashkelon, Israel;
- Website: parks.org.il;
- Phone: +972 8-673-6444;
- Working hours: in the summer from 08:00 to 20:00, and in the winter - from 08:00 to 16:00.
One of the most spectacular landmarks of Israel is the Ashkelon National Park, which is located in the city of the same name on the Mediterranean coast. It invariably attracts tourists and is included in many excursion routes, because it is famous not only for its unique nature, but also for unique historical finds found during excavations.
Historical sights of the park
The date of the formation of the ancient settlement, which was located on the territory where the Ashkelon National Park is now located, is considered to be the middle of the 12th century. This period was related to the existence of the Fatimid caliphate.
It was at this time was erected a famous wall, surrounding the park along the perimeter. It had truly impressive dimensions: its length was 2200 m, width - 50 m, and height - 15 m. From the former majestic building in the present time there are only some fragments that are located in the eastern and southern parts of the park.
At different times in this territory lived representatives of certain civilizations, among which you can list the following: Greeks, Persians, Romans, Canaanites, Byzantines, Phoenicians, Philistines, Crusaders, Muslims. Many of them left an indelible imprint on the appearance of the park in Ashkelon and left their traces of stay.
The merit in carrying out the first archaeological excavations, which made it possible to discover unique historical monuments, belongs to the Englishwoman Esther Stanhope, who started this activity in 1815. The purpose of her actions was to discover ancient gold coins, but the result of the excavation exceeded all expectations, as the remains of ancient buildings were discovered. They were found on the second day of the work.
Later on, studies were also constantly conducted, as a result, the following traces of ancient civilizations were revealed:
- The foundation of the most ancient Ashkelon mosque . As archaeologists found out, earlier on this place there was a temple belonging to pagans, after it was converted into a church, and even later - into a mosque.
- Columns of marble and granite, basilica and statues that belong to the Roman period.
- To the period of the Middle Copper Age belong the gates in which the arch is located, the date of their erection is usually considered to be 1850 BC. e.
- Another important finding was the pedestals of the period of the Herodias , as well as fragments of a statue that was truly gigantic in size, its arm and leg were found.
Natural attractions of the park
The Ashkelon National Park is distinguished by the abundance of greenery that grows throughout its territory. On the way everywhere you can find such a unique plant as ziphius prickly. It refers to the evergreen, its original habitat is considered Sudan. The tree grows massively in the north of Africa, in the south and in the west of Asia. In addition, it has become the hallmark of the Ashkelon National Park.
The common opinion is that the zyphius began to grow about 6,000 years ago, during the Copper-Stone Age. To enjoy its flowering and to receive non-transferable photos, it is necessary to come to the park from March to October. Flowers are small in size, but they have a special pleasant aroma. Despite the beauty of the zyphius, being close to it, you should take precautions, because the tree is very prickly.
There are certain legends associated with the Zyphius, this tree is known in Christianity, according to one version, it was from his branches that the crown of thorns of Jesus Christ was gossiped.
In addition to walking through the green territory, tourists can enjoy the view of the sea and even swim, as the park has access to its own beach.
Information for tourists
Travelers who have decided to familiarize themselves with a landmark such as the Ashkelon National Park can do it themselves or as part of one of the many sightseeing groups. In addition to the usual cognitive excursions here are also very non-standard, for example, an excursion passing in the night darkness. Distributed and special family programs that give the opportunity to expand the horizon, not only for adults but also for children.
To get to the park, you need to know its opening hours: in summer this time is from 08:00 to 20:00, and in winter - from 08:00 to 16:00.
How to get there?
To get to the park, you need to keep track on Highway 4, you need to go to the sea, and then turn left. The southern entrance to Ashkelon will serve as a guide, in the immediate vicinity of it there will be a park.