Page 35 - Holyland Magazine - 2025 Edition

Mount Arbel. Photo: Yuval Gassar

Banias (Caesarea Philippi) park displays remains spanning multiple Jewish Revolt against Rome in 67 CE.
Just a short drive from Tel Dan lies Banias, periods: the Hellenistic shrine to Pan, Herodian Josephus Flavius vividly described how
known in the New Testament as Caesarea structures, and Byzantine remnants. Visitors thousands of inhabitants either perished
Philippi. Here, against the backdrop of can hike along several trails of varying difficulty, in battle or leapt from the cliffs rather than
ancient pagan worship at the grotto from leisurely walks to more challenging surrender.
dedicated to the god Pan, Jesus asked his routes connecting the upper archaeological
disciples, "Who do you say that I am?" and area to the waterfall below. The remarkably preserved ancient synagogue
declared to Peter that upon this rock He at Gamla ranks among the oldest ever
would build His church (Matthew 16:13-20). Elevated Sanctuaries: Gamla and Mount discovered in Israel, offering profound insight
The spiritual significance of this location is Arbel into Jewish worship during the Second
enhanced by its physical beauty. Temple period. The site's natural setting is
Gamla equally impressive, featuring a spectacular
The Banias waterfall - the tallest in Israel - Perched on a steep ridge resembling a lookout point where visitors can often spot
cascades dramatically through a basalt canyon, camel's hump (hence its name "Gamla" in griffon vultures soaring above the valley. The
creating a spectacular view accessible via a Aramaic), this ancient Jewish city earned Israel Nature and Parks Authority maintains a
suspended walking path. The archaeological its reputation as the "Masada of the North" vulture conservation program here, adding
through its tragic siege during the Great

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