Built by Herod the Great in 22 BCE, this Mediterranean coastal city has a Roman theater, ancient harbor ruins, and aqueduct remains. Today it's both an archaeological park and upscale town.
In Caesarea, you can watch an opera in a 2,000-year-old Roman theater, swim at Mediterranean beaches, or play a round at Israel's only full-size golf course. This coastal town in north-central Israel has grown around ancient Roman ruins, where you can explore underwater remains of Herod's harbor or examine artifacts at the Ralli Museum's collection of Latin American art.
Visiting the Archaeological Park
Walk through the ruins of Caesarea National Park, built in the 1st century BCE. The ancient theater has 3,500 seats and still functions as a performance venue for Israeli and international artists. The former hippodrome runs 265 meters along the coast. To see the underwater harbor structures, book a guided diving tour at the park's underwater museum.
Cultural Venues in Modern Caesarea
At the Ralli Museum, you'll find more than 100 pieces of Latin American art, including original works by Salvador DalÃ. The town center has cafes and restaurants near the water. Golf enthusiasts can play at the Caesarea Golf and Country Club, an 18-hole, 6,500-yard course redesigned by Pete Dye in 2009.
Beaches and Coastal Activities
Swim at the main beach north of the ancient harbor, where lifeguards patrol during summer months. Join a guided diving tour to explore the submerged ruins of Herod's harbor. Walk the 2-kilometer coastal path between the northern and southern beaches to see the Roman aqueduct.
Recent Archaeological Finds
In 2015, marine archaeologists found 2,000 gold coins from the Fatimid period buried in the seabed near the ancient harbor. The site also contains a limestone block with an inscription mentioning Pontius Pilate - the only archaeological evidence of his existence from his lifetime.
Planning Your Visit
Drive or take a public bus to Caesarea, located 45 kilometers north of Tel Aviv and 45 kilometers south of Haifa. The archaeological park opens daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM in summer and 4:00 PM in winter. Set aside 3-4 hours to explore the ancient ruins, plus extra time for beach activities or museum visits.
