Caesarea Archaeological Park and Port

Just 30 minutes from central Netanya lies Caesarea, an ancient city founded by the Romans before the Common Era. Its main attraction today is the Archaeological Park, a vast site divided into three main areas: the central section, the left wing with the Roman theater and hippodrome, and the right wing with the aqueduct. Visitors walk through the ruins of a Gothic church, abandoned after the Crusaders left in the 13th century.

A small museum inside the park tells the story of Caesarea and displays treasures found in the ancient port. It also shows a 6-minute film about King Herod, who rebuilt the city and constructed its great port, theater, and hippodrome in the 1st century CE.

Near the ancient harbor, you’ll find art galleries with unique souvenirs and plenty of cozy cafés offering delicious food with views of the historic waterfront. In the center of the park stands the minaret of a 19th-century Bosnian mosque, while market arches and Crusader walls transport you back to different eras of the city’s history.

On Fridays, the museum rooftop often hosts live music events. During one visit, I enjoyed an energetic drum ensembleperformance, reminiscent of traditional Japanese taiko drummers.

Practical Information:

• Entrance fee: 39 NIS

• Opening hours: until 16:00 (galleries and cafés remain open after park hours)

Caesarea National Park combines Roman, Crusader, and Ottoman heritage with a vibrant cultural life, making it one of Israel’s most unforgettable destinations.

The vault of the Gothic church at the entrance to the park

Exit to the moat from the fortress wall. Built by the Crusaders.

Caesarea Archaeological Park Museum

Market arches. Existed during the reign of Herod, but rebuilt during the Crusaders.

Entrance fee is 39 shekels. The park is open until 4:00 PM, but since the park has many galleries and cafes, visitors stay there even after the official closing time.