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Ancient fortress, Ashdod Beach While the beaches in Tel Aviv are perhaps the most famous, the coastline in Israel in fact runs down a substantial part of the country. And the beach in Ashdod, half an hour’ s drive south of Tel Aviv, even boasts its very own fortress.
The ruins of the ancient fortress at Ashdod Yam. Photo by Michael Stein via Shutterstock. com To Table of Contents
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First built by Arab rulers in the seventh century, the fortress was used in later centuries to unsuccessfully defend the Holy Land from the Crusaders, who after taking over the area also took ownership of the stronghold. Nowadays, the fortress remains strike a magnificent picture against an otherwise empty strip of sand, even leading couples to choose the venue to tie the knot in small, corona-era wedding ceremonies.
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The rooftop of the Austrian Hospice in Jerusalem’ s Old city offers magnificent views. Photo by Thomas Marchhart via Shutterstock. com
Austrian Hospice rooftop, Jerusalem The Old City of Jerusalem has many rooftops from which to take in the breathtaking views, with one of the best – and relatively accessible – ones belonging to the Austrian Hospice. Opened in 1863, the building first served as the Austrian Catholic Church’ s pilgrim hostel before turning into a military convalescent home during World War I, an internment camp during World War II, a hospital and again a present-day hostel with its very own Viennese coffeeshop.
While the coffeeshop is famous for its hot chocolate and apple strudel, those looking for a different experience would do well to saunter up the staircase to the roof, from which they can comfortably view the very heart of the Old City.
The Russian Orthodox Saint Peter’ s Church looms over southern Tel Aviv. Photo by Eyal Asaf
Saint Peter’ s Church, Tel Aviv The bright pink Russian Orthodox Saint Peter’ s Church towering over treetops makes an unusual addition to an otherwise rather nondescript residential area of southern Tel Aviv. Built in the 19th century, the complex includes both a church and a monastery and is open to the public for only a short time each week, very much adding to its secretive status. Enjoyed mostly by locals, the complex and the surrounding park are a breath of fresh air in the metropolitan area.