Susita (Hippos) National Park

Susita (Hippos) National Park: The Hellenistic Crown Overlooking the Sea of Galilee

Susita (Hippos) National Park is widely recognized as one of the most magnificent and strategically significant archaeological landmarks in Northern Israel. Located on a distinct flat topped hill in the Golan slopes: directly opposite Kibbutz Ein Gev: this ancient city offers an unparalleled window into the Hellenistic: Roman: and Byzantine eras. The name Hippos in Greek and Susita in Hebrew both translate to horse: referring to the unique shape of the mountain ridge. Visiting Susita (Hippos) National Park through the Nativa travel portal allows you to walk through a city that was part of the famous Decapolis league and witness the ruins left behind by a massive earthquake in the year seven hundred forty nine AD. As a protected natural area and a historic monument: Susita (Hippos) National Park stands as a world class tourist destination combining ancient excavations with breathtaking scenic hiking trails.

Key Archaeological Highlights and Features:

• The Roman Forum: The administrative and social heart of the city within Susita (Hippos) National Park. Surrounded by grey granite columns: the forum was the center of trade and daily interaction. Beneath the square: visitors can explore a massive underground water reservoir covered by limestone vaults: demonstrating the advanced engineering of Susita (Hippos) National Park.
• The Grand Basilica: Measuring thirty by fifty five meters: this impressive structure served as the city’s indoor marketplace and courthouse. While walking through Susita (Hippos) National Park: guests can see the ashlar stone walls and the systematic urban planning that characterized this Roman power center.
• The Odeon and Theater: A specialized roofed theater for musical performances and intimate lectures. The presence of an odeon in Susita (Hippos) National Park highlights the sophisticated cultural life of its ancient inhabitants. This semi circular building is a rare architectural gem within the Galilee region.
• Byzantine Church Complexes: Susita (Hippos) National Park is home to eight ancient churches: reflecting the city’s transition to a Christian center. Visitors can admire intricate mosaic floors and Greek inscriptions. A famous discovery within Susita (Hippos) National Park is a fresco of Tyche: the goddess of fortune: found within a Christian context: representing the unique cultural blending of the era.
• The Kalybe (Imperial Shrine): A rectangular structure dedicated to the cult of the Roman emperor. Standing three meters high: it remains an important cultural heritage site within Susita (Hippos) National Park: illustrating the political loyalty of the ancient city to the empire.

Nature and Biodiversity: The Mouse-tailed Bats:

Beyond its ancient excavations: Susita (Hippos) National Park serves as a vital biodiversity hotspot. The ruins provide a unique habitat for the Mouse-tailed bat (Rhinopomatidae). These large insectivorous bats form colonies of hundreds within the caves and abandoned buildings of Susita (Hippos) National Park. They are known for their seasonal migration and their ability to store fat in their tail membranes for winter hibernation. Protecting these rare mammals is a primary mission for the Israel Nature and Parks Authority at Susita (Hippos) National Park.

Recent Finds and Modern Heritage:

The history of the area occupied by Susita (Hippos) National Park continues to surprise researchers. In September two thousand twenty five: a significant hoard of gold coins and jewelry from the Byzantine period was discovered: hidden by residents during the Persian invasion of six hundred ten AD. Furthermore: Susita (Hippos) National Park preserves modern military history: including trenches and a historic cable car built in 1948 by David Laskov. A memorial for Lieutenant Rami Zayit stands on the western edge: adding a layer of contemporary national heritage to the site as featured on the Nativa portal.

Opening Hours and Essential Visitor Information:

Please note that entry to Susita (Hippos) National Park closes strictly one hour before the official closing times listed on the Nativa portal.

• Summer Season: Sunday to Thursday and Saturday from 08:00 until 17:00. Friday and holiday eves until 16:00.
• Winter Season: Sunday to Thursday and Saturday from 08:00 until 16:00. Friday until 15:00.
• Special Holidays: On Rosh Hashanah: Passover: and Yom Kippur eves: Susita (Hippos) National Park closes early at 13:00.
• Important Notice: The road from Ampi Golan to the park is currently blocked due to landslides: and driving on it is strictly prohibited. We highly recommend checking the official website of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority for the most up to date information before your visit to Susita (Hippos) National Park.
• Pre registration: Booking in advance via the Nativa visit coordination system is recommended to ensure your entry during peak holiday periods into Susita (Hippos) National Park.

How to Get There?

• By Car: Enter into Waze: Susita (Hippos) National Park. The site has recently undergone extensive development to provide accessible paths and a modern visitor service center with a panoramic observation deck.
• Accessibility: The park offers accessible routes to the main forum and observation points: making the wonders of Susita (Hippos) National Park available to all visitors.

Nativa Recommendation: Don't miss the new films screened within the historic structures: which bring the vibrant history of the city to life. The Nativa portal invites you to discover the secrets of the Decapolis and the majestic beauty of the Golan at the magnificent Susita (Hippos) National Park.