Some 2km/1.25mi south of the town center of Ashkelon, in a National Park (camping site, picnic areas, restaurants, beautiful bathing beach), are the remains of ancient Ashkelon. A trail at the foot of the Crusader wall of the city, built by Richard Coeur de Lion in 1192, offers a lovely view of the park, the sand dunes south of Ashkelon, and present-day Ashkelon. In the center of the park are remnants from the biblical Tel Ashkelon, although admittedly the more impressive ruins at the site are from the Roman period. Most striking are the pillars from the basilica, the public building for the use of all citizens. The artwork and architectural remains on view near the basilica include a status of Atlas holding the world on his shoulders and one of Nike, the winged goddess of victory.
At the south end of the site, by the old harbor, is the mound on which the Philistine town once stood; it is reached by taking a path which bears right off the main avenue.
Phone # 972-8-6736444
Open: Sun-Fri 8am-5pm (April–September), 8am-4pm (October-March). On Fridays, all year around, last entrance one hour early.
Some 2km/1.25mi south of the town center of Ashkelon, in a National Park (camping site, picnic areas, restaurants, beautiful bathing beach), are the remains of ancient Ashkelon. A trail at the foot of the Crusader wall of the city, built by Richard Coeur de Lion in 1192, offers a lovely view of the park, the sand dunes south of Ashkelon, and present-day Ashkelon. In the center of the park are remnants from the biblical Tel Ashkelon, although admittedly the more impressive ruins at the site are from the Roman period. Most striking are the pillars from the basilica, the public building for the use of all citizens. The artwork and architectural remains on view near the basilica include a status of Atlas holding the world on his shoulders and one of Nike, the winged goddess of victory.