Thanks to its mixture of historical sites and lavish modern amenities, Caesarea in Israel is one of the most popular destinations for tourists visiting the country.
The history of Caesarea
Built by Herod the Great circa 22 BC, Caesarea in Israel– also known as Keysarya – was a lavish city dedicated to the Roman emperor, Augustus Caesar. The city features impressive Romanesque architecture and served as a port for fisherman, sailors, and visitors from across Europe and beyond.
The city experienced a checkered history over the next 1,200 years, often fluctuating in its importance and purpose. During the Crusades, Caesarea was laid to waste by the Mamelukes, and was quickly enveloped by the harsh desert. All that was left of this monolith of Roman architecture was a small village and lavish rumors. In the late 1940s, ruins of the city were unearthed and the region quickly became one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world.
Today, an upmarket town and the amenities you’d associate with it – including an 18-hole golf course – have emerged beside the rediscovered ruins, and Caesarea has become a haven for tourists.
Visiting the archaeological site
Most of the Roman ruins are housed in the Caesarea National Park, an active archaeological site that has plenty of marvels for visitors. Must-see features include the Herodian amphitheater, the Crusader citadel, Herod’s palace, the Hippodrome, the Roman theater, and the impressive Caesarea aqueduct. The Caesarea aqueduct is a truly marvelous structure, stretching 17km to the foothills of Mount Carmel. During Herodian times, the aqueduct carried fresh water, used for drinking and farming. Divers visiting the region should take a trip beneath the surface of the Mediterranean Sea an marvel at the ruins of the Caesarian harbor. Outside of the National Park, the Caesarea Museum offers visitors a chance to learn more about the history of the region.
Getting to Caesarea
Caesarea is readily accessible by car, lying along the Coastal Road, roughly 50km north of Tel Aviv and 45km south of Haifa.
Where to eat
The Caesarea National Park offers a few light refreshments but visitors will find some stylish restaurants and cafés in the town of Caesarea itself. With this being the coast, fresh fish restaurants in the area are especially popular.
When to visit
Israel’s warm climate means Caesarea is a year-round tourist attraction, though do take the summer humidity into consideration if that's an issue. Visitors wanting an extra special treat should try and arrange their visit to coincide a live concert at the Caesarea Amphitheater, which is an incredible experience.
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