Discover the secret around Jerusalem's Old City walls

In every corner of the Land of Israel, there is a story hidden. Beneath the earth, among ancient stones, and atop the towering mounds, lies a history that spans thousands of years. Especially in these times, as we fight for the existence of the state and essentially write a new chapter in the Israeli story, there is something comforting and strengthening in traveling between the remains of the past. They remind us that the people of Israel have faced many challenges throughout history, and they have met them with courage. The fall season is already here, and the autumn crocus is blooming — this is the perfect time to embark on a journey through time and discover the secrets that the biblical mounds are holding for us.

National Park Tel Lachish

Tel Lachish, located in the southern Shephelah of Judah, is one of Israel's most important heritage sites. The park offers a deep dive into the period of the Kings of Judah. Lachish served as a central fortified city during biblical times, renowned for its impressive walls and grand gate, which showcase the city's might. Visitors can explore the remains of fortifications and siege systems and climb to the summit of the mound for a panoramic view of the pastoral Shephelah region. This site is especially recommended for archaeology and biblical history enthusiasts, as it is where the famous Lachish letters were found, detailing the city's fall to the Babylonians. Tel Lachish is a fascinating destination for families and travelers wanting to uncover the rich history of the Land of Israel.

Lachish is mentioned 24 times in the Bible, in 22 verses. This emphasizes its importance as a central city in the Kingdom of Judah through various periods, from the conquest by Joshua to the First Temple period. The references include various historical events, including wars, conquests, and royal activities. Furthermore, Lachish’s biblical significance is supported by numerous archaeological finds, including evidence of events described in the Bible, such as the Assyrian siege during the reign of King Hezekiah.How to get there: Use Waze "Tel Lachish."

National Park Tel Gezer

Tel Gezer is located in the northwestern Shephelah of Judah, near Kibbutz Gezer and the village of Karmey Yosef. A visit to the site offers a fascinating journey that blends biblical history with breathtaking landscapes. Gezer, an important city during the biblical period, offers visitors a time-travel experience through its intriguing archaeological layers. At the mound, you can see the famous Solomon's Gate, descend into the earth via a unique staircase, and explore the ancient underground water system.One of the most captivating discoveries at Tel Gezer is the "Gezer Calendar" – an ancient stone tablet from the 10th century BCE that describes the agricultural cycle and is considered one of the earliest Hebrew texts found.A visit to Tel Gezer is ideal for families, offering a perfect mix of learning and adventure. Visitors can enjoy spectacular views of the coastal plain and the Jerusalem hills, connecting with the Bible stories in a tangible way. It’s a wonderful opportunity to experience the rich history of the Land of Israel and understand Gezer's strategic importance through the ages.

Gezer is mentioned several times in the Bible, and one significant reference appears in the Book of Joshua, where it is involved in Joshua's conquest wars, highlighting its strategic importance in the region. According to the scriptures, the King of Gezer assisted Lachish, indicating strong political and military ties between the Canaanite cities and Gezer’s central role during this period. A visit to Tel Gezer allows visitors to imagine these dramatic events and connect to the biblical stories in a concrete way.How to get there: Use Waze "Tel Gezer."

National Park Tel Arad

Tel Arad, located at the edge of the desert, offers a unique hiking experience that combines nature with ancient history. Here you can find the remains of a 3,300-year-old Canaanite city and an impressive Israeli fortress, along with the remains of a temple from the First Temple period – the only one of its kind found outside of Jerusalem – and an underground water reservoir carved into the rock. The walking trails between the ancient ruins provide a fascinating glimpse into ancient times, with a breathtaking view of the Arad Valley and the desert fringe.

You can enjoy short walking routes suitable for the whole family and learn about the lives of the ancient city’s residents. A visit to Tel Arad offers a captivating encounter between past and present and is an excellent starting point for other adventures in the Negev region. Arad is mentioned in the inscription of King Shishak in the Temple of Amun in Karnak, Egypt.

The inscription describes Shishak’s military campaign to Israel and Judah, which occurred around 925 BCE at the beginning of the reign of King Rehoboam, and mentions Arad as one of the cities conquered during the campaign. Shishak's campaign is also referenced in the Book of Kings 1, which describes his ascension to Jerusalem in the fifth year of Rehoboam’s reign, the son of King Solomon.How to get there: Use Waze "Tel Arad."

Around the Walls of the Old City of Jerusalem

The City of David, located in the heart of ancient Jerusalem, is always a fascinating destination for families seeking a connection to biblical history. A visit to the site offers a journey through time to the era of King David, with views of impressive archaeological digs and remains that testify to the life of the ancient city. One of the special attractions for families is the tour of Hezekiah’s Tunnel, which involves walking through water in an impressive underground system built to protect the city. A visit to the City of David offers a vibrant connection that combines history, archaeology, and activities for all ages, providing an unforgettable experience for the whole family, including a mix of nature and enchanting views, with a stunning view of the Mount of Olives and the Old City.

Jerusalem is mentioned 669 times in the Bible, while the City of David is mentioned 45 times in the context of Jerusalem. The Book of Kings 1 highlights the special status of the City of David as the original dwelling place of the Ark of the Covenant, describing the historical and spiritual transition from the ancient core of Jerusalem to the new religious center on the Temple Mount, symbolizing the continuity and deep connection between the city's past and its future as the religious and national center of the people of Israel.How to get there: Use Waze "National Park Around the Walls of Jerusalem."

Tel Hevron (Tel Rumeida)

Tel Hevron, located on the Judean Hills, is a biblical mound with remains of Jewish settlements from both the early and late Roman periods, as well as the Byzantine period. Hebron is the place where it all began about 3,800 years ago. It’s a perfect destination for a family trip, in the heart of the biblical landscape of the Judean Hills, offering a fascinating glimpse into the city's glorious past, with remains from various periods, including ancient Canaanite and Israelite settlements.

During the tour, you can discover ancient stone houses, ritual baths, and early fortifications. The trip is ideal for families and provides an opportunity to experience the biblical stories and heritage of Hebron in an engaging way. Hebron appears dozens of times in the Bible! It is one of the most central and frequently mentioned cities in biblical history, with significant religious, historical, and geographical importance. According to biblical tradition, Hebron was the permanent home of Abraham, with the source for this found in the Book of Genesis.How to get there: Use Waze "Tel Hevron."

National Park Tel Megiddo

Tel Megiddo, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers an exceptional hiking experience in the heart of the fertile Jezreel Valley for the whole family. Megiddo was a focal point of dramatic events and the exchange of numerous cultures throughout history, which is why it holds such immense significance. The site reveals impressive remains of gates, walls, palaces, and an underground water system. Megiddo is mentioned twelve times in the Bible, including in the Book of Kings 1, due to its importance over the centuries, stemming from its strategic location at a crossroads of important roads. In addition, Megiddo is known as "Armageddon," symbolizing the final battle between the forces of good and evil at the end of days, as described in the New Testament.

The hiking route at the mound combines breathtaking views of the Jezreel Valley with the chance for hikers to learn about fascinating history and explore one of Israel's key sites. In ancient times, Megiddo stood out as one of the central strategic cities in King Solomon’s kingdom, chosen alongside Jerusalem and other major cities to be part of his expansive building and fortification projects, indicating its military, economic, and political significance during the period of the united Kingdom of Israel.How to get there: Use Waze "Tel Megiddo."