overview
Caesarea is a beautiful town combining quality of life with protection of the environment.
In the town you will find spacious green areas, a historical port, an expansive golf course, many good restaurants as well as pleasant coffee shops and a unique atmosphere. Caesarea is an interesting town and the hippodrome and the large and impressive theatre and antiquities give it a fascinating tone.
Caesarea was first established during the Hellenistic era in the 3rd century BCE and during this time the first port was constructed. Alexander Jannaeus conquered Caesarea in the 1st century BCE and the town remained Jewish until it was conquered by the Romans decades later. Caesarea was built as a large and fortified town by Herod, who built the impressive port which was used a trading center with countries over the sea.
The port area of Caesarea is the most common destination for visitors. The port is an enchanting place combining the atmosphere of the picturesque and wild beach, antiquities and quality of life. Visit the Hippodrome, the ancient Roman theatre and walk through the impressive remains. We recommend a visit to the Caesarea National Park. This site tells the story of the magnificent port town built by King Herod. At the port you will be able to see a new archaeological display with a beautiful 1700 year old sarcophagus cover with reliefs of the heads of the mythological Medusa.
If you wish to visit Caesarea to take a vacation and relax you will be able to enjoy one of the hotels and luxurious spas and between massages and good meals you will be able to play a game of golf at Israel’s primary golf court. Lovers of diving will be able to dive in the stunningly beautiful underwater archaeological park, the first of its kind both in Israel and worldwide. The underwater park allows the divers to see ancient building techniques which Herod used when building the Caesarea Port. The park includes four main areas with 25 amazing observation points. We also recommend a visit to the unique bird mosaic which was discovered in Caesarea during the fifties. It is told that the mosaic was originally part of the floor of an ancient magnificent palace. The renovation work was undertaken by many volunteers from Caesarea and the surrounding areas.
There are many art galleries in Caesarea in which you will be able to purchase items such as pictures, Judaica and ceramics, jewellery, antiques and more.
