Ramat Hanadiv

This is a theater, not an amphitheater.

On a particularly clear 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 Metzad Shuni, where we received an interesting explanation about the structure of the place. Itzik emphasized that this is a theater and not an amphitheater, since an amphitheater is built in a double and encompassing shape, while this is a split structure. From there we continued walking into the Ramat Hanadiv area, a very large area spanning about 4,500 dunams, which is maintained and cared for regularly by the Rothschild family. Within the area are also the Hanadiv Gardens, very well-kept 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”, the one described as “the quarry that was enveloped in silver light.” From there we continued to climb gradually until we reached Khotem HaCarmel, the prominent point that looks like a nose facing west. From the observation point, there is a wide view towards Ma’agan Michael, Jisr az-Zarqa, Binyamina, and in the background also Hadera, and it was even possible to see Netanya. In this place, I took the first panorama of the day.

Arch in Horvat Aqav

During the photography, I noticed a structure in the north direction, which later turned out to be our next station. This is Horvat Aqav, with another beautiful view, and I also took a panorama from it, although it is actually the same view as before, at least in the west direction. In the place there are several rooms with arches, a winepress, a water pit, and a mikveh, which adds to the understanding of the use of the site in the past.

After that, we started a long descent on a narrow path full of vegetation. On the way we passed a herd of goats and sheep grazing in the area, and the bells on their necks accompanied us for a few minutes. We continued and passed next to Horvat Eleq and Tel Tzur, until we reached Ein Tzur. This is the beginning of the aqueduct that led water to Shuni, and the impressive thing is that the water still flows in 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.