Caesarea

These coastal ruins, named as a tribute to Julius Caesar, are a remarkable reminder of Israel’s varied past; the town of Caesarea is thought to have been built around 25 BCE by Herod the Great, but later served as an administrative port for the Roman Empire and shuffled between Jewish, Persian and Muslim control. Now a national park, the stunning seaside ruins are a joy to behold, especially later in the afternoon when the sunlight reflects off the bleached stones of the Roman theatre.