|
Yehi'am Fortress National Park |
|
|
Crusaders, Ottomans and pioneers all in one fortress |
|
|
Level of difficulty: slightly strenuous |
|
|
Yehi'am Fortress is located on the grounds of Kibbutz Yehi'am, which was founded in 1946 by pioneers who first lived in the fortress ruins.
During the War of Independence the pioneers were besieged behind these huge walls; visitors can see their restored defensive positions, which tell their story.
The construction-date the Yehi'am Fortress is unknown, but it was apparently originally part of the Ma’iliyah estate, and was later sold to the Crusader Teutonic knights, who also purchased nearby Montfort Fortress.
The Mamluk Sultan Baibers conquered and destroyed the fortress in 1265.
Most of the remains date from the time of the Bedouin Sheikh Daher al-Omar, who ruled the Galilee in the 1760s. He built new walls and towers, and surrounded the fortress with a moat.
Lovely views of the Western Galilee are revealed from the top of the fortress. Art festivals are occasionally held here, among them the Renaissance Festival, during Sukko.
Conservation of the floor level in the colonnaded hall of Yehi'am Fortress National Park |
|
Celebrate your special event at Yehi'am National Park.
Tips for a tour across the Galilee: From Yehi'am to Mount Meron, Rabbi Shimon Bar Yohai’s tomb and the Amud Stream.
|
|
|
|
How to get there:
Located at Kibbutz Yehi'am, 20 minutes’ drive east of Nahariya. Turn off the Nahariya-Tsfat road (no. 89) at Ga‘aton junction and take road 8833.
|
|
|
|
| Useful information |  | Length of tour: | 1–2 hours |  | Best season: | year-round |  | Don't miss: | Reconstructed defensive positions from the War of Independence
Other facilities and attractions: Restaurant; snack-bar; picnic grove; movie; lookouts
|  | Other facilities and attractions: | |  | Hours: | April–September: 8 A.M–5 P.M.
October–March: 8 A.M.–4 P.M.
Fridays and holiday eves: 8 A.M.¬¬––3 P.M.
Last entry one hour before above closing hour.
|  | Phone: | 04-985-6004 |  | Fax / Email: | 04-987-9107; 04-985-6085 |  | Entrance fee: | Adult: NIS 13; child: NIS 7
Group rate (over 30 people): Adult: NIS 12; child: NIS 6
Senior citizens 50% discount
overnight camping:
Adult: NIS 40; Child: NIS 30 |  | Entrance to dogs: | Animals may be brought into the park, but not into buildings |  | Accessibility: | The site has accessible paths for wheelchair-users, and wheelchair-accessible toilets. | | | |
|
|
|
Main tourist sites in the vicinity:
Goren Park, Yehi'am Convoy memorial, Tefen Museum, Montfort Fortress |
|
|
|
|