Ashdod Attractions

Ashdod is a seaside town located on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea. Its name was received as an inheritance from the ancient Israeli settlement that once existed in this locality. However, Ashdod is not just a resort with golden sands, azure water, developed infrastructure and mild climate. In Ashdod, there really is something to see. In our article we will tell you about the most interesting places that you should definitely visit.

Historical monuments

1. The ruins of the temple of Dagon . Tradition says that many thousands of years ago Ashdod was a city of giants. In the Bible, this ancient city is mentioned repeatedly. After the conquest of Ashdod by the Philistines, a temple was built on its territory in the name of the god Dagon. Ashdod is the only city in Israel, where to this day remains the ruins of this ancient temple.
2. Tel-Ashdod Barrow . Tel-Ashdod is located on the site where several centuries ago stood the main city fortress. The height of the mound reaches 15 meters and spans 6 kilometers from the modern city.
3. Sea Fortress . This monument belongs to the architecture of the Early Arab period. The fortress was erected in 640 to protect the city from the invasion of the Byzantines. The building stands on the beach. This place is especially beautiful in the beginning of summer, when the coastal zone is decorated with burgeoning daffodils and an ash-tree.
4. Signal tower . In fact, today, from this site in Ashdod, there are only ruins. However, in ancient times this tower was used to alert city residents about the Byzantine attack. At that time, the tower was the connecting link between the Arab city of Ramle and the port city of Ashdod, respectively. Remains of the signal monument are in the heart of the old residential quarter.

Natural attractions

1. Ionov hill . Legend has it that the Prophet Ion rests on the top of the hill. Regularly, crowds of tourists and pilgrims come here. In addition, the hill offers a stunning panoramic view of the city. From here you can see not only the residential quarters, but also the port, the sea, and even the neighboring cities - Ashkelon and Palmachim. There is also the Nahal Lahish Nature Reserve, where many different kinds of animals live. In specially designated hours visitors to the reserve can even feed its inhabitants.
2. Hell Halom . A well-kept green park, which is perfect for family walks and picnics. On the territory of Hell Haloma you can rent a bicycle, rollers or accessories for badminton and table tennis. In the park, you should visit the Viking and Philbox stele, a military glory monument dedicated to the participants in the military actions for independence, and a monument erected in memory of the Egyptian victims.
3. Lahish . PaLa is the largest and well-maintained city park. Half of its territory is cultivated, and the second - is presented in a natural way. On hot days in the park you can see the deer, zebras and ostriches, measuring warmly in the sun's rays. The main feature of Lakhish is that it harmoniously combines flora of streams and dune vegetation.
4. Ha-Shita Ha-Malbina . If you are in Israel in the winter, include Ashdod in the list of attractions that you need to visit and the Ha-Shita Ha-Malbina Park. At the end of winter here begins the flowering of anemone, Saaronian tulips, irises and poppies. For a fee, you can hire a guide who will tell the story of the park and introduce its feathered inhabitants. If the tour does not interest you, visit "Ha-Shita Ha-Malbina" for a picnic. On the territory of the park there are pretty tables, benches and spacious gazebos.
5. The big dune . The reminder that once in the coastal zone of Ashdod was a special beautiful world, which today is extinct in the sea depths. The height of the dune is 35 meters, and the length exceeds 250 meters.

Sights of Ashdod

1. The city museum . In the museum of Ashdod you can see an exhibition that introduces the Philistine period. The exposition is represented by objects of burial, clothing and music of that time. There are also regular exhibitions of young and already famous artists. By the way, the museum looks rather unusual both outside and inside. In the building there are two large halls, twelve galleries and a pyramidal space where cultural events take place.
2. The Mediterranean market . In the list of interesting places in Ashdod there was also a traditional Arabian bazaar, where brisk trade is conducted every Wednesday morning to evening. Several hundred traders offer thousands of buyers to buy various products. But on Tuesdays in the second half of the day on this site they sell used cars.
3. Quarter of Ha-City . Every person who drives along a highway bordered by rows of palm trees and running to the east of the square where a sculpture with sailing boats is installed, certainly saw the modern center. It is this place that is the heart of the city. Here is the "White House", the center of arts and pedagogy, as well as the cultural center "Yad Le Banim", office centers and a bus station. On the square, which is located immediately above the tunnel, you should certainly pay attention to the statue of freedom, on top of which there is a laser beam, rising to the sky at 8 meters. This lighting solution gives Ashdod a modern look.
4. "The Blue Country" . Such a poetic name is artificially created bay, which can accommodate as many as 550 boats and yachts. By the way, it is the "Blue Country" that is the largest harbor of the Mediterranean Sea. Here you can go on a yacht or rent a board to surf. Beginners in this business can always take the help of a professional instructor who will give a pair of lessons and explain how to stay on the surf.
5. Street Rogozin . This street is the oldest city street and, according to local residents, is also the best. Here, literally at every step are cute restaurants, cafes and small shops. The territory of the street is decorated with growing ficus trees, which, covering the roofs of the cafe, create an amazing atmosphere and hide the heads of passers-by from the scorching sun.
6. City garden . A huge green area where families with children gather. In the center of the garden there is a playground. Regardless of the time of year, crowds of visitors are drawn into the garden to enjoy the abundance of colors and its unusual appearance.
7. Playground for rally . In the north of Ashdod , right at the port crossroads, there is a playground where the rally is passing. Today, there are races in which Israeli and foreign racers take part. These competitions are very prestigious and are very popular in Israel. On the basis of the same site, there is an automobile exhibition where cars from the beginning of the last century are presented.