Tel Hazor National Park

Tel Hazor National Park: The Biblical "Head of All Kingdoms" and World Heritage

Tel Hazor National Park is widely recognized as one of the most important archaeological landmarks in the Middle East: boasting a prestigious position on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Identified as the biblical city of Hazor: it was once the largest and most powerful city in the Southern Levant during the Late Bronze Age. Biblical texts describe it as the head of all those kingdoms: reflecting its immense political: military: and economic dominance. Visiting Tel Hazor National Park offers a unique opportunity to explore the remnants of ancient Canaanite and Israelite civilizations through perfectly preserved ruins. The Nativa travel portal provides all the essential information to plan your journey into this historic monument and cultural heritage site in the heart of Upper Galilee.

Archaeological Highlights and Major Landmarks:

• The Gate of Solomon: One of the most famous features within Tel Hazor National Park is the six chambered gate dating back to the tenth century BCE. This massive structure represents the royal building style of the Israelite monarchy: identical to the gates found in Megiddo and Gezer. While exploring Tel Hazor National Park: you can also see the remains of the casemate wall that once formed the city’s defense system.
• The Canaanite Royal Palace: This magnificent structure from the thirteenth and fourteenth centuries BCE served as the seat of the kings of Hazor. Tel Hazor National Park protects these ruins with a specialized roof to prevent damage from the elements. Inside: visitors can see the throne room: a ritual courtyard: and massive basalt column bases that guarded the entrance to this ancient power center.
• The Ancient Water System: A pinnacle of ancient engineering located in Tel Hazor National Park. This massive project includes a forty five meter deep vertical shaft cutting through the layers of the mound down to the bedrock. From the bottom: a twenty five meter tunnel leads to the water table. Constructed during the reign of King Ahab: it allowed the residents of Tel Hazor National Park to access water during sieges without leaving the city walls.
• The Israelite Citadel: Located in the western section of the upper city: Tel Hazor National Park preserves the remains of a strong fortress from the Iron Age. The high quality masonry and strategic planning are evidence of Hazor’s role as a vital northern outpost for the Kingdom of Israel.
• Residential Dwellings and Warehouse: A classic example of the Israelite four space house from the eighth century BCE and a public pillared warehouse. These structures were carefully moved to the northern part of Tel Hazor National Park to ensure their preservation while allowing for deeper excavations.
• The Basalt Staircase: A grand passage that once connected the upper city to the lower city of Tel Hazor National Park. Here: a ritual platform made of a single two ton basalt slab with drilled indentations probably served as the base for a royal throne or cultic object.

History Heritage and Global Significance:

The history of the area occupied by Tel Hazor National Park spans thousands of years: from its Canaanite glory to its eventual destruction by the Assyrians in seven hundred thirty two BCE. The site remains a primary source for understanding the transition between the Bronze and Iron Ages in the region. Today: Tel Hazor National Park stands as a world class tourist destination: inviting visitors from across the globe to witness the layers of biblical history and ancient excavations that define the magnificent Tel Hazor National Park.

Opening Hours and Essential Visitor Information:

Please note that entry to Tel Hazor 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 to 17:00. Friday and holiday eves until 16:00.
• Winter Season: Sunday to Thursday and Saturday from 08:00 to 16:00. Friday and holiday eves until 15:00.
• Special Holidays: On Rosh Hashanah: Passover: and Yom Kippur eves: Tel Hazor National Park closes early at 13:00.
• Important Notice: The ancient water system and the Hazor Museum may be closed for safety and maintenance reasons. We highly recommend checking the official website of the Israel Nature and Parks Authority for up to date information before your visit.
• Pre registration: Booking in advance via the Nativa visit coordination system is recommended to ensure your entry to Tel Hazor National Park during busy periods.

How to Get There?

• By Car: Follow Highway 90 (Rosh Pina to Kiryat Shmona) and turn toward Kibbutz Ayelet HaShahar. The entrance to Tel Hazor National Park is located directly opposite the kibbutz gate.
• Accessibility: Tel Hazor National Park offers accessible paths to several major attractions: ensuring that the wonders of the ancient world are available to all visitors.

Nativa Recommendation: We suggest wearing sturdy walking shoes and using sun protection: as the majority of the site is outdoors. Don’t miss the Hazor Museum in Ayelet HaShahar (by appointment for groups) to see the original basalt statues and imported artifacts found within the grounds of Tel Hazor National Park.