herzliya

On the northern edge of Herzliya, high above the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean Sea, lie the mysterious ruins of one of Israel’s most fascinating ancient cities — Apollonia, also known throughout history as Arsuf, Sophronia, and Sozopolis.
This archaeological park is not just a place for a walk — it’s a living encyclopedia of civilizations, preserving traces of Persians, Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, and Mamluks.

🏺 From Phoenicians to Crusaders

The first settlement was founded here around the 6th century BCE under Persian rule. Originally called Arshuf, after the Phoenician god Reshef, it was inhabited by Phoenicians and Canaanites, whose lives revolved around trade and the sea.

Later, during the Hellenistic period, the Greeks renamed the city Apollonia, equating Reshef with Apollo, god of light and the arts.
Under Roman rule, Apollonia flourished as a prosperous coastal port with amphora workshops, bathhouses, and paved streets.
During the Byzantine era, it reached its architectural peak, adorned with villas, fortifications, and Christian churches.

When the Arabs conquered the area in the 7th century, the city became known as Sufariya (or Sozariya) and remained a key trading hub. In the 12th century, the Crusaders built a mighty fortress to defend the coastline and renamed the city Arsuf.
In 1265, Sultan Baybars and his Mamluk army destroyed the fortress to prevent its recapture by Christians — after which Apollonia was abandoned for nearly 700 years.

🧭 Rediscovery and Archaeology

Archaeological interest in Apollonia reemerged only in the 20th century. Initial digs began in the 1950s, but major discoveries were made in the 1990s. Excavations revealed:

• Fragments of Roman roads, mosaics, and ceramics;

• Crusader fortifications and defensive moats;

• Byzantine villas and storage structures;

• Underground cisterns and rare glass artifacts.

These finds confirmed the city’s importance as a strategic and cultural hub along the ancient Levantine coast.

Apollonia National Park Today

Today, Apollonia is a national archaeological park where visitors can explore:

• The Crusader fortress with towers, walls, and scenic lookout points;

• The Mamluk siege platform — the only one of its kind in Israel;

• Remains of Hellenistic and Byzantine streets and villas;

• Restored Roman mosaics and ancient harbor ruins.

A small visitor center displays excavated artifacts, maps, and detailed historical exhibits.

The park sits dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Mediterranean, offering breathtaking views of Herzliya, Netanya, and the turquoise waves below. At sunset, the golden-pink hues of the ancient stones make this one of the most magical viewpoints in Israel.

Opening Hours:

• Summer: 8:00 – 17:00

• Winter: 8:00 – 16:00

Admission: 30 NIS per adult