| The National Park
of Caesarea is without a doubt one of Israel’s most
popular and monumental sites. It is the site where over
the course of 12 years the legendary King Herod, whose architectural
visions shape Israel’s landscape until today, built
the grandest town other than Jerusalem in Palestine.
King Herod built a deep sea harbor, an aqueduct, a hippodrome
and an amphitheatre using then modern Roman construction
techniques. The remains of these monumental architectural
sites are still visible today and are in very good condition.
The amphitheatre was the first of its kind in Palestine,
and until today it serves as a spectacular performing venue.
It offers you a beautiful view over the Mediterranean. The
aqueduct proved to be a brilliant construction to provide
the city’s residents with the much needed fresh water
supply. Although not as spectacular as the theatre, the
Hippodrome used to hold 20,000 spectators for chariot races.
Every five years, the city of Caesarea under King Herod
held major sports competitions and events. During Herod’s
time, the deep sea harbor was considered one of the most
modern in the world. Over the many years, the walls have
sunk roughly 5 meters into the ground, an excellent location
for diving and underwater photography.
King Herod renamed the city in honor of the emperor. The
site is significant for Roman, Jewish as well as Christian
history. Here the Jewish and the Syrians started their fights
from which the Great Revolt erupted. Here Rabbi Akiva was
tortured and executed by the Romans during the Bar Kochba
Revolt. It is the only place where evidence proving Pontius
Pilates’ existence in form of an inscription was found.
During the third century it was a center of Christian teaching
and learning.
It is a magnificent site for filming projects connected
to history and architecture. Crews that go on sailing boats
can film Caesarea from the coastline and also go on spectacular
diving trips along the old port walls. It provides beautiful
images during sunset hours when the sun rays reflect on
the old marble stones and mosaics; a true gem amongst the
film locations in Israel.
|
