Open Google on your phone or desktop and type historical places in Israel on the search bar. Without a doubt, you’ll be greeted with hundreds, if not thousands, of options all scattered across the country. These spots range from holy pilgrimage sites, archaeological digs, and places significant to the history of the nation and state of Israel. With all these options, it’s easy to see why Israel ranks high among history lovers’ list of places to visit before they die. To explore Israel’s historical places is to get to know the heart and soul of the country. For this guide, we look at 10 historical places in Israel and why they should be included in your itinerary.
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1. Masada
Masada is an ancient stone fortress that played an important role in defending the kingdom of Herod the Great. It was used as a Jewish stronghold when the Romans conquered Judea. Today, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Israel’s greatest archaeological attractions. You can hike up one of the overlooks for a splendid view of the Dead Sea. As the sun rises or sets, depending on the time you choose to go, you will be greeted with mesmerizing vistas.
2. Mary's well
Mary’s well is an old stone well in Nazareth, said to be the place where the angel Gabriel revealed himself to Mary. It has been renovated many times, but nonetheless, it attracts millions of pilgrims each year as part of the Bible Walk. Mary’s well used to be fed by Mary’s Spring, but it’s no longer used now. Aside from the biblical significance, Mary’s well was also discovered to be connected to several tunnels that date back to the Byzantine and Crusader eras.
Mary's well
Address: Al-Bishara St 55, Nazareth, Israel
Price: Free
3. Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the most sacred sites for Christians, drawing millions of pilgrims annually. It is said to be where Jesus Christ was crucified and later entombed. Even if you’re not religious, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre will leave you impressed. It’s been around since the 4th century and the sheer size of it will leave you breathless. We suggest visiting the site early in the morning to experience this sacred and historic attraction in peace and solitude. Come midday, the area is packed with tourists and pilgrims completing the Via Dolorosa.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Address: Christian Quarter, Jerusalem, Israel
Website: Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Opening hours: April - September: 5am - 9pm (until 8pm on Sun); October - March: 4am - 7pm
Price: Free
4. Ben-Gurion House
Located in Tel Aviv, Ben-Gurion House is renowned for being the family home of David Ben-Gurion, best known as Israel’s first Defense and Prime Minister. Today, Ben-Gurion House is more a museum than a residence, its bookcases fully stacked with the former Prime Minister’s extensive book collection and its walls decorated with various photos of David Ben-Gurion and other luminaries such as Albert Einstein. Besides getting to know the life of this instrumental figure, you will also learn about how the modern state of Israel came to be.
Ben-Gurion House
Address: 17 Ben-Gurion Blvd, Tel Aviv, Israel
Website: Ben-Gurion House
Opening hours: Tue - Thu, Sun: 8am - 3pm; Mon: 8am - 5pm; Fri: 8am - 1pm; Sat: 11am - 2pm
Price: Free
5. Rabin Square
Once known as the Kings of Israel Square, Rabin Square is best known for being the largest public space in Tel Aviv. It was opened in 1964, but its significance lies in the events that happened here. After all, Rabin Square is probably the most popular space in Israel for political rallies as well as cultural gatherings and parades. At night, Rabin Square is exceptionally lovely, with the fountain at its heart all lit up and magical.
Rabin Square
Address: Rabin Square, Rehov Malkei, Tel Aviv, Israel
Opening hours: 24/7
Price: Free
6. Garden of Gethsemane
Head down the Mount of Olives to visit the Garden of Gethsemane. For devout Christians, it holds a special place in history as this is the place where Jesus Christ experienced agony and was subsequently arrested. For non-religious folk, Gethsemane is a beautiful urban garden where you can see some of the oldest olive trees in the world, some of which date back to 1092 AD.
Garden of Gethsemane
Address: Jerusalem, Israel
Opening hours: 8am - 12pm, 2pm - 6pm (daily)
Price: Free
7. Alliance House
Alliance House took over this building, that dates back to the 19th century, and breathed new life to the space. It was successful in creating an artistic and creative hotspot in Jerusalem. Guests can view as many as 14 collections scattered throughout the Alliance House, which also serves as a residence and temporary work area for artists, designers, writers, and other creative professionals.
Alliance House
Address: Kiach 5, Jerusalem, Israel
Website: Alliance House
8. Jaffa Gate
To get to the heart of the Old City of Jerusalem, you need to pass through stone portals. Jaffa Gate is one of them. When you enter through Jaffa Gate, you can begin your explorations from the Christian and Armenian quarters. This three-hour walking tour of Jaffa Gate will take you all around the Old City, learn about Suleiman the Magnificent, visit Zedekiah’s Cave, and know more about the Crusaders’ conquest of Jerusalem.
Book Tours : Jerusalem Ramparts Walking Tour - French
9. Mount of Olives
From the Old City of Jerusalem, head east and hike up the famed Mount of Olives, a beautiful ridge that rewards its visitors with beautiful vistas of Jerusalem’s holy sites and beyond. Although olive trees are now far and few in the mountainside, Mount of Olives retains its historical significance due to burial sites that date back to the Canaanite period. This tour will take you to some of the popular sites in the area, including Pater Noster, Mosque of the Ascension, Mary’s Tomb, and the Garden of all Nations.
Book Tours : New Jerusalem: Mount of Olives Tour
10. Yad Vashem
Opened shortly after the Second World War, Yad Vashem looks back on the events that led to the Holocaust and pays tribute to the Jews who suffered. This Viator tour will take you inside Yad Vashem with an expert tour guide to delve deeper into history and understand the impact of the Holocaust not just on the Jewish community, but the entire world.
Book Tours : Jerusalem Yad Vashem Holocaust History Museum Tour
Israel is for history lovers
Now that we’ve looked at 10 of Israel’s historical places, it’s time to pack your bags and book a trip. Don’t forget to browse our website for more Israel travel guides and tips to help you experience Israel in full glory.
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