Top Things to do in Northern District
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Top 10 Things to do Good for Kids in Northern District, Northern District
Discover the best top things to do in Northern District, Israel including Bet She'an National Park, Megiddo National Park, Cana, Citadel of Acre, Bahai Gardens and Shrine, Sea of Galilee, Tabgha, The Church of the Annunciation, Arbel National Park, Nazareth Village.
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1. Bet She'an National Park
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 564 reviews
Reviewed By thewhereto - Sydney, Australia
This site is of the ancient city of Bet She'an Scythoplois and the Tel Bet She'an in Northern Israel. It has been excavated since the 1920's you will see some amazing archaeological remains covering a huge history. These settlements have revealed occupation since the Chalcolithic period / 5th millenium BCE, then Egyptian rule in the Late Canaanite period. It was later taken by King David and destroyed by Assyrians in 732 BCE. The site has been mentioned in the bible where Saul and his sons were hung from the city walls. The site later saw Hellenistic influence and also conquest was made by Rome in 63 BCE where the city flourished. Hence the site has significant history and therefore a range of cultural influences can be seen. As a tourist, there’s plenty to see including remains of a theatre, bathhouses, latrines, a forum, temples and more from Roman times and also an elevated mound with Canaanite and Egyptian remains. The site has a gift shop and bathrooms as well as plenty of parking. It is recommended to be there on a tour so you can get good explanations. It is a really well preserved site and super interesting to see.
2. Megiddo National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 410 reviews
This archaeological site of an ancient fortress town has revealed more than 20 layers of ruins, ranging in time from the Neolithic Period (7000 BC) to the end of the Persian Period (332 BC).
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Also known as Tel (Hill) Megiddo, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is an historically significant ancient location of artifacts & ruins from various cultures, dating back from the Neolithic Period (7th-6th Century BC), through the Kings of Israel, and abandoned under the times of the Persians. Portions of the Canaanite City Gate remain from the Late Bronze Age as the visitor enters onto the Megiddo site, along a pathway winding up through sparse ruins. At the Northern Observation Point, a view overlooking the famous Jezreel Valley reveals the former battlefield below, where major battles occurred in the 15th Century BCE under Egyptian Pharaoh Thutmose III, later Alexander the Great and more recently in World War I (1918), General Edmund Allenby, who successfully fought the Ottoman Turkish forces here. Napoleon observed at Megiddo that: "All the armies of the world could maneuver their forces on this vast plain". Yes; this is the location of the final "Biblical Battle of Armageddon" and has numerous historic references within the Jewish "Tanakh" & the Christian "Bible". A former trade route that linked Egypt with Mesopotamia, this strategic site overlooks the key pass through the Carmel Mountains. This formerly fortified city used chariots for protection and its horses were sheltered in two stable complexes, whose foundations are now outlined. Most intriguing was our exploration through the protected water system and its tunnel, built under the period of the Israelite Kings, within the former walls of Megiddo. A 10 minute film prior to your tour explains the history of Megiddo and its archeological excavations. A visit to Megiddo is awe-inspiring and should not be missed!
3. Cana
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 377 reviews
Reviewed By 211hankh - Virginia, United States
Came here with a group of 30 fellow pilgrims, and was grateful to spend time in the place of one of my favorite parables. I found the church very attractive and not busy at all. In fact, we had Holy Mass in the late afternoon and were the only pilgrims in the church at the time - a serene experience. Afterwards, the couples among us renewed our wedding vows and received a historical-looking document attesting to it. TIP: Contrary to the advice of others reviewing this site, I would consider it a must-see for married, biblically-inclined tourists.
4. Citadel of Acre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 933 reviews
The Hospitallers, the Order of the Knights of St. John, built this impressive fortress more than 700 years ago.
Reviewed By MiriamBee - Tel Aviv, Israel
Though I have visited Acre (or Akko, St Jean d'Acre) several times, Wisam Kharouf's guided tour of this UNESCO World Heritage Site brought new discoveries and historical facts to light. The benefit of spending time with a local guide was immediately apparent. Wisam is a native of the city (his family have lived in Akko for several hundred years) and he wears his considerable knowledge and academic background lightly, making the highlights of our visit accessible and interesting to three generations! We saw several aspects of the City in all its unique grandeur. Wisam guided us through the old city with its remarkable excavations and restorations of the Halls of Crusader Knights, the magnificent central courtyard and the Khan Al-Umdan, the 18th century caravanserai near the port. We also visited the Ramchal (or Rabbi Luzzatto) Synagogue with its connections to this poet and Kabbalist who arrived in Akko in 1743. We strolled through the atmospheric Market Street and heard the call to prayer from the El-Jazzar Mosque that dates from 1782. Altogether, this proved to be an exciting and informative day for our family group, thanks to Wisam, who patiently answered questions and offered generously of his valuable knowledge and experience as a Tour Guide.
5. Bahai Gardens and Shrine
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 540 reviews
Reviewed By judyinjerusalem - Jerusalem, Israel
Spectacular manicured gardens surrounding the shrine that sits on the outskirts of Akko. Everything is immaculately groomed and exploding with color. Be sure to talk with the Bahai volunteers who come from all over the world to tend the gardens,
6. Sea of Galilee
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,410 reviews
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Beautiful to look at, but a cruise on a "Jesus Boat" makes for a moving and memorable journey. Look up while on the Sea of Galilee to the imposing Mount Arbel. Life focuses on the sea, its history and the abundant food is provides, such as the St. Peter's Fish. Learn more about the unique geological and weather conditions that can turn this tranquil body of water into a raging sea. Such a treat to experience this Biblically historical Sea of Galilee!
7. Tabgha
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 223 reviews
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
Many early Christian experiences have occurred in the Tabgha area, yet this lovely church honors the extraordinary miracle of Jesus feeding the multitude with 5 loaves and 2 fish, as written in Luke 9:16, as well as other books of the Gospel in The Bible. Known for the beautiful mosaics in recognition of this miracle and other scenes, the lovely, peaceful church has a welcoming inner courtyard with an olive tree as its focal point. We enjoyed a hot cappuccino and snack before entering the church in the early morning, prior to the arrival of all of the tours.
8. The Church of the Annunciation
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,632 reviews
Built on the grotto where Mary is believed to have lived and the Site of the Annunciation, this basilica houses a collection of excavated remnants of churches from the Crusader and Byzantine eras.
Reviewed By hawkes2an - Cranbrook, United Kingdom
Towering into the sky is the cupola of the Church of the Annunciation standing over the cave, reputed to be home of the Virgin Mary, where it is believed the young Mary (aged about 14) was told by the Archangel Gabriel that she would become the mother of the Son of God. Carved, in Latin, across the Church's triple-doored entrance is the result of her consent to Gabriel "Let it be done to me according to your word". On the limestone façade above this inscription are reliefs of Mary, Gabriel and the four Evangelists with, above them all, a bronze statue of Jesus. Inside the Church (which, when it was completed in 1969, became the largest Christian church in the Middle East) is divided into two level; the upper level is the parish church for Nazareth's catholic community and the lower level enshrines a grotto containing the cave-home of the Virgin Mary. Another simple altar, with seating on three sides, This altar stands directly beneath the cupola of the Church. The cupola represents an inverted lily opening its petals to the shrine below; the symbolism being two fold combining the lily image of Mary's purity with one of the Semitic meanings of the name Nazareth, a flower. In the upper church, around the walls, are colourful representation of the Virgin Mary in a variety of materials. These have been presented by many countries, as have the mosaics in the arcades outside the Church. On any tour of Israel, the Church of the Annunciation is one church you should not miss
9. Arbel National Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 447 reviews
A vertical cliff towering magnificently over the Sea of Galilee and looking out towards the Golan Heights and Mt Hermon;
Reviewed By outside67
Fantastic hike, few people on the trail, easy to picture lives millennium ago in the caves and more recent fortifications, ascend to the top from trail that takes you by the overlook, overlooking Sea of Galilee the entire trip... going up is a 7-8 effort level... rock scramble easily doable, especially since they’ve strategically placed iron holds in the most difficult spots... we did it in runners, many of the locals coming down had thin sandals... the exposure to wind, sun and vertical drops makes it seem much more of an adventure.... bring water, and apple and a hat. Tip: start at bottom and climb up... different perspective and much bigger sense of accomplishment than coming down.
10. Nazareth Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 874 reviews
Nazareth Village is a living history farm and village that gives you the opportunity to experience what Nazareth was like at the time of Jesus and Mary. • Stand in our synagogue, an exact replica of the one where Jesus taught. • Watch olives from the farm pressed into oil. • • Talk to the carpenter and weaver as they create their wares. • Walk with the shepherd taking care of the sheep and goats. • See an authentic wine press actually used during Jesus’ time. • Learn about the different seasonal activities like threshing wheat, picking olives and shearing sheep through our guided tour. • Complete your experience with a delightful first century Biblical meal served by our villagers in a beautiful setting. * All tours are guided only. * A reservation is strongly recommended to ensure your place on a tour.
Reviewed By notdenise - Goshen, United States
My visit to Nazareth Village was the highlight of my 10 day trip to the Holy Land, and a welcome change from the other churches and holy sites in the area. The guides are very knowledgeable, and the interactive nature of the experience makes it very engaging and interesting. I was with a group of about 30 which was a good size group for a tour. Seeing the weaver, carpenter, synagogue, wine press, olive press, shepherds, garden, townspeople and more helped the stories of the Bible come alive and provide more understanding of the village and context in which Jesus lived. Our group spent about 1 1/2 hours here, which felt rushed and not enough time to fully experience everything. Make sure to check out the nice gift shop too. Nazareth Village is highly recommended.
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