A whole new (underground) world!

Caves, caves, and more caves!

When I think of Bet Guvrin, that's first what comes to mind. But there's so much more to this park. It's HUGE and will be a 4-part series probably. 

But today, CAVES!

There are so many caves carved in this area because of the rocks in the region are soft and chalk-like. It's this beautiful, creamy color and easy to quarry. So in this park are MANY caves that served as dove-cotes, quarries, cisterns, storerooms, tombs, and storage chambers. One of the caves was basically a maze, which I couldn't document clearly because you can't see the change of directions in a still photo. But it was A-MAZE-ING!!!

My favorites, though, were the Bell Caves. These bell-shaped caves were formed by quarrying in the Byzantine and Early Muslim periods. Their shape and the different colors of the earth, in addition to the light coming from the top, make them an incredible sight. Today, they are tourist attractions and also places for events like weddings and concerts. Can you imagine?!?

Also, I definitely heard bats in here. No, gracias!

This bedrock here (darker spot below) was about 20 feet off the ground, and it shows a closed off tunnel from the Bar Kochba Revolt (135-137 AD)! WOW!

The quarry:

But that's not the only kind of cave in Bet Guvrin. Here is the Polish cave. It originally a cistern that also doubled as a dovecote. It was given this name because of an inscription on a stone inside. During WWII, Polish soldiers visited the cave and carved an eagle, 1943, and Warsaw, Poland on the rock: 

Then, there's the Columbarium. This cross-shaped cave was also a dove-cote that held more than 2,000 birds! Being so close to Jerusalem, these were likely raised for sacrifices, as well as being used for food and their droppings for fertilizer. There are over 85 dove-cote caves found in the area of Maresha alone with 10s of thousands of niches!

This photo is an example of the soft, chalk-like rock the caves are carved from:

Then, a cave with an ancient oil press:

Finally, a Sidonian tomb! The artwork in here was so unique (and interesting). The animals had almost human-like faces.

Those are just a few of the caves in this 1,250 acre park. It's too much to see in a few hours. I definitely need to go back and spend more time there!

What is the Tower of David?

I’ve wanted to visit the Tower of David ever since I confused it with the City of David, haha.

It did not disappoint!

It was a Friday afternoon in July, and I was allowed in for free, and basically told to run through it because they were setting up for an event and would close soon. SO, I didn't see everything. And, I couldn't, because I hear one of the most spectacular things about this place is its night shows. Definitely have to go back!

Anywho, the Tower of David is actually a citadel in Jerusalem that is so famous it has been used as a symbol for Jerusalem for centuries. The current ruins date back to Mamluk and Ottoman times, about 500 years ago, which is why there is a minaret there.

But, it stands on a foundation of fortifications from Hasmonean (400-100 BC), Herodian, Byzantine, and Early Muslim periods. It's been destroyed and rebuilt a lot! There are archaeological remains in the quarry that date as far back as 2,500 years! So when you're walking through it, you see architecture and remains from many different periods all around, on top of, and beside each other. So cool!

It's called the Tower of David because tradition holds that in that same location, 3,000 years ago, was a massive tower built by David. The Byzantine Christians started calling it that in the 5th century AD.

Today, it's a popular place for shows, concerts, and big events. Messianic artist Joshua Aaron even recorded a live album here a few years ago. How cool is that?

My favorite parts, however, were the 360 view on top of the Phasael Tower and walking around in the moat.

Ready for the tour?

There are remains in this section from both Hasmonean and Herodian periods:

Hasmonean Era ballista stones (around 200 BC):

There's a cistern here dating back to the Byzantine period:

Statue of David:

Medieval Statues:

There are also 3-D maps of Jerusalem during different periods, and also some of the citadel, but I don't have any good pictures of them.

As you can see, the minaret was under construction while I was there:

I wish I had a better description for everything inside; there aren't that many signs and the brochure I was given doesn't have much information. I wasn't able to listen to the audio tour because they were closing in less than an hour. But you can walk all through here on protected paths, as well as go up the walls and walk around the top (and up the towers. It's amazing!

But the view is what made me want to linger. It was gorgeous!

This is looking outward from the Old City:

The King David Hotel! You can't see it in the picture, but I could see both American and Israeli flags flying on top. That's because the American President was visiting that week.

Looking inward:

A very hot, sweaty me:

But that's not all, because you can walk around outside the citadel as well, around the moat and through Herodian Pools (dry in summer) and see the construction from the outside. It's incredible! And, a lot more shade available, making it a great place to sit and eat an apple.

That's it for this tour. Until next time... when I have more time and can listen to all the audios, or go to a night show. The Tower of David was actually closed for a good part of this year for renovations, so it will be cool to see what is 'new'.

What a cool place!