Caesarea Maritima

Welcome, travelers and students of antiquity, to the breathtaking coastal ruins of Caesarea Maritima. Situated approximately sixty five miles northwest of Jerusalem, along the stunning azure coastline of the Mediterranean Sea,…

You are standing before the remnants of the great eastern gate of the Crusader fortress, a formidable defensive structure that speaks to a violent chapter occurring long after the fall of the Roman Empire. As you approach the…

We have now reached the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, overlooking what was once the crown jewel of Herod's architectural achievements: the great artificial harbor of Caesarea. Listen to the rhythmic crashing of the waves against…

From the bustling noise of the ancient port, visitors in antiquity would ascend a grand staircase to this elevated plateau, the highest topographical point in the city. You are now standing on the sacred precinct, the ideological…

Step down now into the expansive, sandy arena of the Roman Hippodrome, a place where the pursuit of entertainment collided with unimaginable brutality. Stretching out before you is a massive stadium that measures approximately…

Leaving the sprawling sands of the hippodrome behind, we step up into what was once the highly affluent, bustling civic and residential center of Caesarea. As you walk through this excavated sector, keep your eyes on the ground. …

Continuing southward along the beautiful coastline, we arrive at the spectacular, wind swept ruins of the Promontory Palace. This was the personal, seaside residence of King Herod the Great, and it is a masterpiece of luxurious,…

Just a short distance from the ruins of the Promontory Palace, we find a seemingly unassuming block of carved stone displayed on a pedestal. Gather around this remarkable artifact, for it is one of the most historically…

Our final architectural stop takes us to the spectacular Roman Theater, situated at the far southern edge of the ancient city. As you enter the steep, semicircular seating area, take a moment to test the magnificent acoustics. …

As our tour of Caesarea Maritima concludes here near the crest of the Roman theater, take a final look back across the sprawling, sun drenched ruins of this once mighty metropolis. We have walked in the shadows of Crusaders,…