Hotel Dan Gardens Ashkelon
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Dan Gardens Ashkelon Hotel
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Modern Ashkelon lies at the center of Israel's long Mediterranean coastline - 54 km south of Tel Aviv and 71 km west of Jerusalem.
A vibrant, youthful resort city, Ashkelon is graced with long stretches of fine beaches, history-filled parks, modern malls, promenades and an impressive new marina.
A sunny climate, remarkable tourist sites and easy access to every major point of interest all make Ashkelon a superb vacation destination.
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History
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Lapped by the shores of the Mediterranean, the tranquil character of Ashkelon belies its tempestuous past. References to this seaside-trading center can be found in Egyptian texts from as early as the 19th century BCE. While life was never quiet for long, the city was liberated from Egyptian rule and became one of the Philistines five main cities and it was during the rule of the Judges that Samson, hero of the Israelites, went to Ashkelon and slew 30 men.
A series of invasions followed; Alexander the Great in 332 BCE and the Arabs in 636 BC. However the city's greatest period of prosperity was under Roman rule and it was then that it became a major producer of wines considered among the world's finest.
With the arrival of the crusaders in 1153 CE, Ashkelon developed into a principal port until the arrival of Saladin in 1191 CE. The ruined metropolis was never rebuilt, remaining uninhabited until the mid 20th century.
Ashkelon's modern history really began after the Israeli War of Independence in 1948 when new immigrants from South Africa and Morocco began restoring it to its former glory. |
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Main Attractions
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| Ashkelon is a paradise for sports enthusiasts, offering sailing, a water amusement park, horse riding farm, scuba-diving school and para-gliding facilities. After dark, there's an active nightlife with nightclubs, cinemas and pubs in all parts of the city. |
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National Park
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The park shelters some of ancient Ashkelon's most impressive ruins. Massive fortified ramparts from biblical times run all the way around the park. Excavations in progress have unearthed remarkable finds. Among the most notable is a Canaanite silver calf that is clearly linked to the biblical tale of the golden calf, and actual Philistine streets. The park includes an ancient basilica with a splendid archaeological sculpture garden displaying a thrilling selection of exhibits. Follow trails to a Byzantine and Crusader church, and countless other vestiges from the past. The park also boasts an amphitheater for outdoor performances.
For more information check the Israel NatureNational Parks Protection Authority Web site - click here. |
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Other Sites in Ashkelon
 Oriental market - Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Delilah Center - on the sea with fish restaurants and diving center.
Ashkelon Khan - museum, art galleries, and more
Byzantiane Church
Sheik Awad Tomb
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Sites near Ashkelon
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Hamei Yoav Hot Springs - modern spa with healing properties - 13 km.
Beit Guvrin Park - featuring a fabulous network of underground caves and tunnels used in ancient times - 36 km. |
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Hotels
Reservations
