ISRAEL TOURISM
November 2026
the ruins of a magnificent Byzantine church featuring intricate, colorful mosaic floors that recall the area’s opulent heritage. The recent enhancement efforts focused on preserving this ancient treasure while
Discover Tel Shikmona: Israel’s Ancient Purple Empire Reopens on the Haifa Coast
making it effortless for international tourists to explore. Archaeological excavation walls across
various layers of the mound were carefully stabilized, and new walking paths, clear interpretive signage, and comfortable seating areas were installed throughout the park. Every phase of the restoration was carried out with extreme precision to safeguard undiscovered historical layers as well as
delicate finds that have been protected beneath
Following a comprehensive two-year restoration, Haifa’s oldest archaeological gem offers international travelers a seamless blend of 3,500 years of coastal history, stunning Mediterranean views, and modern urban convenience T ravelers looking to step off the beaten path and back to the 15th century BCE. Dating back over 3,500 years, this multi-layered
the surface. Adjacent to the mound lies the Shikmona Marine Nature Reserve, offering scenic ocean vistas where history seamlessly meets the natural beauty of the Mediterranean coast. Whether you are a passionate history enthusiast, a lover of coastal landscapes, or a traveler exploring the northern coast of Israel, Tel Shikmona offers a perfect stop. Located directly beside the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research institute, the national park is free to enter and easily accessible either by car via Hubert Humphrey Street or on foot along Haifa’s southern beach promenade.
accessible and engaging visitor experience. Led by the Israel Oceanographic and Limnological Research Institute alongside the Nature and Parks Authority, Haifa Municipality, the University of Haifa, the Israel Antiquities Authority, and local community activists, the project brings one of the Mediterranean region’s most captivating archaeological sites back to life. As the oldest archaeological site within the city of Haifa, Tel Shikmona boasts a rich historical narrative stretching
explore Israel’s rich coastal history have a brand-new destination to add to their itinerary. Tel Shikmona National Park, situated along the breathtaking shoreline of Haifa, has officially reopened to the public following an extensive two- year restoration project. Supported by an investment of approximately 3 million NIS from the Open Areas Protection Fund, the site has been meticulously upgraded to create an
mound served as an essential trading post and a renowned center for the production of prized royal purple dye extracted from marine snail shells. During the Byzantine era, the site was known as Porphyreon, named directly after this valuable crimson- purple dye that adorned royalty throughout the ancient Mediterranean. Today, visitors can wander through the ancient settlement and explore
6 • www.itn.co.il
Made with FlippingBook. PDF to flipbook with ease