- Address: Kiryat Shmona, Israel;
- Website: parks.org.il;
- Phone: +972 4-694-9277;
- Opening hours: from April to September - from 08:00 to 17:00, from October to March - from 08:00 to 16:00;
- Admission: adult - $ 5, child - $ 2.
There is one attraction in Israel , which can truly be called a record holder by the number of legends, false theories and dubious historical assumptions that surround it. For a long time, researchers could not recreate the picture of the origin of this structure on the top of the mountain. And why was it named after a biblical character who does not have anything to do with this architectural monument? But let this remain food for thought to inquisitive scientists. Tourists come here not for answers to ancient riddles, but for incredible impressions, which leaves after themselves a visit to the amazing Nimrod fortress in Israel .
History
On one of the picturesque mountains of the Golan Heights, above the steep bank of the Saar, right at the junction of Mount Hermon and the majestic Golan, are the famous ruins of the Nimrod fortress. The local lands have seen much in their time. They were conquered by Persians, Egyptians, Hellenes, Romans, Mamluks, Crusaders and Ottomans. However, no one ever took the castle on the mountain by storm. If it were not for destructive earthquakes, perhaps, up to now, would have come more than isolated fragments of ruins.
There are many legends about the erection on the high hill of the fortress. Some of them are associated with the name of King Nimrod, which is mentioned in the sacred books, both Christians and Muslims. Although neither the Bible nor the Qur'an indicates the visit of the Golan lands to Nimrod. He is credited with only the construction of Mesopotamian cities and the legendary Tower of Babel. It is evident that the local inhabitants decided that such a monumental fortress should be associated with an outstanding historical character, therefore they used the rebellious glory of Nimrod, who dared to rebel against God.
In 1230 the fortress of Nimrod was almost completed. Its walls and towers stretched out over the whole mountain range.
After the death of the last Ayyubid Sultan, in 1260, the Golan government passes to the Mamluks under the leadership of Sultan Beibars (on the walls of the fortress there is a symbol of the government of this eastern monarch - the figure of the majestic lion).
In 1759, the fortress finally turned into ruins after a major earthquake.
In the twentieth century, they again recalled the defensive military facility. In the 1920s, the French reflected the attacks of the Druze and the Arabs from the walls of the fortress, and in 1967, during the Six-Day War, they even placed the point of adjusting the artillery fire of the Syrians.
Today, the Nimrod Fortress in Israel is a popular tourist destination, which is visited annually by guests from around the world.
Features of the structure
There is no doubt that if it were possible, the fortress of Nimrod would have successfully sustained more than one long siege. Massive walls, underground passages, windows cut in huge stones, secret tunnels and imposing bastions. All this strategic and defensive potential is combined with the rational allocation of economic buildings and beautiful interior decoration. Vaulted galleries, the combination of several masonry techniques, arches of different shapes. All this gives the castle Nimrod a kind of charm and makes you treat the erection of defensive structures as a real art.
In the courtyard is a small arch, which served as the central gate earlier. They were specially made so narrow that riders could not get inside.
Climbing the stairs, you will find yourself on a large terrace, from where you can enjoy stunning views of the Golan. Here, walls preserved using cyclopean masonry have been preserved. The huge stone blocks are interconnected so perfectly that for many centuries between them there was not the slightest gaps.
On the terrace there are also two arches: one is laid, and the second leads to the fortress. The entire castle can be divided into two parts. Originally erected the upper, in the lower - it is already completed by the Mamluk construction in 1260.
The main buildings and structures of the fortress Nimrod:
- The North Tower ;
- patern (secret tunnel);
- outdoor swimming pool ;
- Beautiful (round) tower ;
- drinking fountain ;
- The Western Tower ;
- the fortress moat ;
- The eastern tower ;
- donjon (inner fortress);
- South-west tower ;
- large reservoir ;
- North-west tower .
In the eastern part of the fortress of Nimrod there is a large dungeon tower called Bashura. It is surrounded by smaller towers. The western sector is separated from the eastern inner ditch. The Donjon is the last line of defense. Here was located the citadel and the most important strategic objects.
The northern tower is also called Prison. It is very well preserved, unlike the southwestern buildings. Here the Mamluks kept the prisoners.
There is in the fortress Nimrod and one round tower. It is called Beautiful. Six loopholes are punched along its inner perimeter, and in the center there is a large column, which at the top diverges into seven "petals" supporting the arch.
The north-west tower was once the palace of the Mameluke ruler. A secret tunnel leading through the walls of the fortress is laid out of it. It is built of powerful figured stones weighing about 38 tons, has a length of 27 meters.
Separate attention deserves a large reservoir, which was used to collect and store water, as well as an external pool, where they took water for cattle and watering.
The fortress of Nimrod is located in a picturesque corner of Israel. On the slopes of the mountains grow olive trees, pistachio trees, European purple, blooming brightly pink flowers, various shrubs. Often, near the ruins, you can meet damans - small rodents, similar to marmots.
Information for tourists
- near the main entrance to the fortress there is a car parking, a toilet and a small buffet;
- an adult ticket costs $ 5, a child ticket costs $ 2;
- From April to September, the Nimrod Fortress is open to visitors from 08:00 to 17:00, from October to March from 08:00 to 16:00;
- You can order a group excursion (tickets for it are slightly cheaper: adults - $ 4, children - $ 2) or a combined excursion with the national park "Banias" (adult ticket - $ 8.5, child - $ 4).
How to get there?
If you are traveling by car, follow the route number 99. On the way, you will meet Tel-Dan, then Banyas . Near the Saarfall, take the No. 989 road. From the exit to the Nimrod fortress, drive a couple of kilometers.
Nearby there is a bus stop. Here there is a bus number 58 from Kiryat Shmona (journey time about half an hour) and bus number 87 from Ein Kiniy (25 minutes).