Israel 2010 Caesarea

In honor of our daughters 18th birthday, she requested to come to Caesarea National Park. We had visited on a previous trip, and it was her favorite archaelogical site. The site is facinating due to the many years it existed as a maritime port under different rules, different influences and a variety of periods influencing the style, designs, craftmanship and such.

To begin with, there are numerous areas of what I call grave yards, not of people, but of stones, columns, and architectural elements that are so numerous they are left in piles or groups, unclaimed for reconstruction, but beautiful to look at, none-the-less.




I collected pictures like I do most things, with a passion. There were over 300 taken. On top of the count, when I loaded these, which takes quite a while with limited access, they are loaded backwards from our procession of the day. I don't know that it matters. The place leaves me in awe of handiwork. And also the awe of how it can pass away.



I love Israeli signs, to the point.






Here new buildings are incorporated in the old as everything from restaurants, art studios, shops, museums, and more.



The blue waters of the Mediteranean are so intense, it does not seem real to my eyes.



In the area where new is added to the old, there is a section of artist and it is referred to as the cats quarter. There is a reason why, of course. They are everywhere. Here one observes another catching a small mouse amongst the ruins.




While this picture shows so much, it does not include areas beyond or behind, just to get an idea of it's size.



A wonderful display of columns, caps, and more are displayed in such a manner to remind us of the original glory these once held in architectural elements, before their fall.




It would be interesting to know which artistic design were from which era.


A collection of column caps by the theatre.



The amphitheater from the gate by the Hippodrome.





This area is called Hippodrome, commonly used for horse or chariot races. It is complete with stadium seating, stall areas, and more. This entire length is inclusive.




I love scenes where the old is with the new, such as the power plant in the far distance.



Evidence of pottery shards, absolutely everywhere. You step on them everywhere you go. When first arriving you are all to aware of them. After a while is much like the abundance of sea shells that are as thick as gravel.



This is a view from the older area, towards some of the shops built in.



There are so many arches of different sizes, shapes, and most likely uses, all from different time periods. Speculation is the best I can consider.


This is the actual entrance, from a tourist point.

At the end of the day, many couples had gathered for the sunset. It was breathtaking. And while we were here for most of a day, there was much we did not explore or had to rush through to just view.