Ramat Hanadiv

This is a theater, not an amphitheater.

On a particularly bright Friday, after a stormy and rainy week, I went on a trip with a group led by Itzik Stauber to the Ramat Hanadiv area. We started at Shuni Fortress, where we received an interesting explanation about the structure. Itzik emphasized that this is a theater and not an amphitheater, since an amphitheater is built in a double, embracing form, whereas here we are dealing with a semicircular structure. From there we continued walking into the area of Ramat Hanadiv, a very large area spanning approximately 4,500 dunams, which is regularly maintained and cared for by the Rothschild family. Within the area are also the Hanadiv Gardens, very well-maintained gardens that contain the burial estate of the Rothschild family, but we did not enter them this time.

The quarry that was enveloped in silver light

During the walk, we saw the quarry mentioned in Ehud Manor’s song “Nahal Taninim,” which is described as “the quarry enveloped in silver light.” From there, we continued to ascend gradually until we reached the Carmel Promontory, the prominent point that resembles a nose facing west. From this vantage point, a wide view stretched towards Ma’agan Michael, Jisr az-Zarqa, Binyamina, with Hadera in the background, and Netanya was also visible. At this location, I photographed the first panorama of the day.

Arch in Horvat Aqav

While photographing, I noticed a structure to the north, which later turned out to be our next stop. This is Horvat Akav, offering another beautiful viewpoint, and I also photographed a panorama from there, even though it essentially features the same view as before, at least towards the west. The site includes several rooms with arches, a winepress, a cistern, and a ritual bath (mikveh), which adds to the understanding of the site’s past use.

Afterward, we began a long descent along a narrow, overgrown path. Along the way, we passed a herd of goats and sheep grazing in the area, and the bells around their necks accompanied us for several minutes. We continued past Horvat Alak and Tel Tzur, until we reached Ein Tzur. This is the starting point of the aqueduct that supplied water to Shuni, and what is impressive is that water still flows through it today.

All in all, it was a very enjoyable trip, with a good combination of scenery, history and a pleasant walk. It was fun, good that it was, and I’m already looking forward to the next trip.