The Ancient Aqueducts to Caesaria
The Roman, Byzantine and Crusader inhabitants of the region built a series of aqueducts to channel water to Caesarea.
- A High Aqueduct from sources further east: Ein Tzur, Einot Shuni [or Shummi] (3), Ein Ami (2), Ein Amikam and Ein Tzabarim – Zabrin Springs (1).
- The first high aqueduct was built by Herod (37BC to 4BC) at the time the new city was founded to bring water from the southern side of Mount Carmel, at Shuni.
- A second high aqueduct was built by Emperor Hadrian (2nd C AD) to bring water from the Nahal Taninim, from further than Einot Shuni.
- These twin parallel aqueducts, termed today as the High Aqueducts, continued to supply water for 1200 years.
- A Low Aqueduct from the area of Taninim Nature Reserve (7)
- A lower aqueduct was built during the Byzantine period from a new source of water: the springs at Maagan Michael.
The Modern Nahal Taninim Waterworks
This modern waterworks project, just as the “second high aqueduct’ above, is also based on Nachal Taninim. The Taninim Stream is considered the last of Israel’s clean coastal streams. The stream was named Taninim (crocodiles) because these reptiles inhabited the nearby Kebara swamps until the beginning of the 20th century. Although the sources of the stream are saline, they still support many species of flora and fauna.
The modern Nahal Taninim Dam and canals control and divert the Nahal Taninim watershed.
Alona Park, Mei Kedem
The main attraction in Alona Park is a water tunnel extending 280 m out of Mei Kedem, which was built more than 2,000 years ago, in the period of Herod and Hadrian. The water tunnel was part of an engineering system designed to supply water to ancient Caesarea. A visit includes walking through water 40-70 cm. deep, so be sure to bring shoes and clothing suitable for walking in water, as well as flashlights. Tours are suitable for groups and individuals – by advance reservation. A small museum describes its construction and its path since the Byzantine period.
Parking is free. There is no disabled access.
Opening Hours: Winter – by advance reservation; summer – daily 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Tel: +972-(0)4-6388622
Gan Ehud Efrati
“Ehud Garden” was established near by in memory of Ehud Efrati, a member of one of the founding families of Zichron Yaakov. Ehud Efrati fell in the southern Gaza Strip.
How to reach Gan Ehud Efrati? Turn right on Route 652 between Binyamina and Zichron Yaacov, opposite Ort Shomron High School and continue several kilometers on a paved road which becomes an unpaved road till you see a large, ancient oak tree.
