The Archaeological Park of Tiberias, which is open to the public, preserves the remnants of a city shaped by the turbulent era of the Crusades. In 1099, following the conquest of Jerusalem, knights led by Tancred of Normandy entered Tiberias unopposed, claiming the city for their cause. Nearly a century later, in 1187, Saladin’s forces captured Tiberias and delivered a decisive blow to the Crusaders at the Battle of Hattin.
Strolling through Tiberias today, visitors can marvel at structures that stand out due to their unique character, built from black basalt and white limestone. This striking contrast in materials reflects the region's unique geography: the western shore of the Sea of Galilee, where Tiberias lies, is rich in limestone, while the eastern side, of volcanic origin, abounds in basalt. Throughout its history, the city's builders skillfully utilised these natural resources, crafting an architecture that not only embodies the landscape's distinct character but also intrigues the onlooker with its distinctiveness and enduring legacy.
A stroll along the Tiberias promenade, a mere hour-long, is a journey through time. It's a place where the lives of Prague and Vitebsk rabbis intersect with the legacies of Israeli generals and politicians. Here, the figures of Roman rulers, Jewish sages, medieval knights, and Muslim merchants, a diverse ensemble of history, come to life.
Initially, it may appear as a modest waterfront in a small lakeside town. However, it harbours numerous unexpected twists of history, stories that are now known to only a few, offering a surprising peek into the layered past of this remarkable city.
