Page 34 - Holyland Magazine - 2025 Edition

NORTHERN ISRAEL'S
SACRED LANDSCAPES
From ancient testimony to natural wonder
Courtesy of INPA l Photos: INPA
N orthern Israel isn’t just a
region - it’s a living, breathing
crossroads of history, faith,
and natural beauty. Here,
ancient stories aren't tucked
away in dusty books; they rise from the
ground itself, carried by rivers, whispered by
mountains, and etched into stones.
From the flowing headwaters of the Jordan
River to dramatic cliffs that scrape the sky,
northern Israel invites travelers to walk
through history with the earth underfoot
and wonder overhead. This land has
witnessed pivotal moments that shaped
civilizations, and it still stirs the soul of
anyone who comes today.
34 l HOLY LAND
Biblical Waters: Tel Dan and Banias
Tel Dan
At Tel Dan Nature Reserve, history and
nature intertwine in perfect harmony.
This archaeological site contains one of
the most significant biblical discoveries of
the 20th century - the Tel Dan Stele with
its famous "House of David" inscription,
providing archaeological evidence for the
Davidic dynasty. The site's massive mud-
brick gate, dating back 3,800 years to the
Canaanite period, stands as one of the
world's oldest intact arched structures. This understanding both Israel's biblical past and
area has profound biblical connections -
it was to Dan that Abraham pursued the
armies who had captured his nephew Lot
(Genesis 14:14-15), a journey spanning
hundreds of miles that demonstrated both
his determination and faith.
The reserve surrounds visitors with lush
vegetation fed by the Dan Spring, one of
the Jordan River's primary sources. Walking
paths lead through dense forest canopy
alongside flowing streams, creating a
refreshing retreat even during the hottest
summer months. The combination of
archaeological treasures and natural
beauty makes Tel Dan an essential stop for
ecological present.