overview
The town of Beer Sheva is located in the northern part of the Negev, is the largest and most central town of the area and is therefore known as the “Capital of the Negev”. Travellers to Beer Sheva will be able to visit a large number of historical sites dispersed throughout the Old City and also go for tours and hikes in the surrounding areas. The town is located about 100 km south of Tel Aviv and transport routes are very convenient. The many bus lines operating there and the railway will lead you quickly to the center of town.
As regards climate, as Beer Sheva is in the Negev it is warm and dry most of the months of the year.
The quantity of rainfall is minimal and the temperatures in the summer months (July-September) are very high.
Beer Sheva is mentioned a number of times in the bible in relation to the southern border of Israel. The town also appears in the description of the life of Samuel the Prophet and Acrerding to the scriptures the Prophet Elijah escaped through the desert to Beer Sheva after murdering the Prophets of Baal. In the town are many recommended sites recommended, including “Abraham’s Well” which is the largest and most abundant well in the area. This well was identified in the bible as the well about which the shepherds of Abraham and the shepherds of King Avimelech of Gerar fought over. The covenant which followed this dispute about the source of the water is that which gave its name to Beer Sheva because they both made a pledge there. Another site is the Turkish Railway station.
The Turks laid the railway during the First World War and it served the Turks for two years and after the conquest of Israel by the British the railway was connected to the nearby town of Rafiah.
We recommend visiting the house of the Commissioner which has since become the Negev Museum.
This is an impressive building which served as the home and offices of the Commissioner.
After the establishment of the State of Israel it served as the Town Hall and then for many years as the Negev Museum.
The Great Mosque AlJama is considered one of the first buildings to be constructed in Beer Sheva and is known for the beautiful architectural decorations which decorate the external facade.
The water tower close to the mosque served the steam engines of the trains which passed through and after the station was closed served as the main water source for the first settlers there.
Another place not to be missed is the Negev Brigade Monument. This is a very special memorial designed by the international artist Danny Caravan. The site commemorates the occupation of Beer Sheva and the activities of the Negev Brigade who defended the residents of the area.
This special monument includes 18 pieces and it is spread over a 100 sq.m. area. At the National Park of Tel Beer Sheva you will find the historical remains of the settlement from the 10th century BCE. Close to this site is a 70 meter deep well which served the residents at that time.
