'Little Rome' in the heart of Israel

Text and photos: Thu Giang

Miniature Rome

Located 40km north of Tel Aviv on the road to Haifa, Caesarea was built by King Herod the Great before Christ and named in honor of the Roman Emperor Caesar Augustus. In the past, wherever the Romans went, they built walls, moats, ramparts, and fortresses to mark their territorial sovereignty. The Romans established the most modern infrastructure of their time everywhere. King Herod the Great not only built cities but also seaports – a magnificent architectural feat, complete with all the amenities of a civilized society of that era.

The city had castles, temples, theaters, markets, racetracks, public baths, and an aqueduct system to serve over 100,000 inhabitants at the time. It can be said that Roman culture permeated the lives of the Israeli people, most clearly demonstrated in the architectural structures that successively sprang up in Caesarea.

It's hard to imagine the beauty of this city, as it truly is a magnificent architectural masterpiece, with long columns stretching from the city's edge to an open-air theater with a capacity of up to 4,500 spectators, which, fortunately, has been preserved almost intact. Fragments of over 1,300 columns have been found at sea. These columns were built of marble imported from Italy and Egypt. Numerous warehouses were built along the harbor to store goods arriving from many countries around the world.

The traces of the past are vividly alive.

Traces of Caesarea's former glory and grandeur are still visible in the ruins I witnessed here. I was deeply moved and couldn't help but admire the talent of those who came before us 2,000, even 3,000 years ago. At one time, this city was considered more important than Jerusalem. It was in the 7th century that Muslim invaders attacked and destroyed Caesarea. Five centuries later, the Crusaders extended the aqueduct and restored the city as a great fortress, and this architecture still stands today.

I was most impressed by the Colosseum – a testament to ancient Roman architecture with its oval arena, wooden platforms, and cleverly designed staircases and corridors for quick escape. A large plaza with approximately 3,500 seats was built, and it was also the site of many executions. The two-tiered arena was large enough to accommodate the entire city's population at the time. The exit consisted of numerous corridors. Standing here, I felt as if I had traveled back in time to the Roman era, to the horse races that entertained the kings and queens. The Romans considered horse racing a religion, an indispensable part of their spiritual life. Therefore, they donated a great deal of money to buy good horses, spared no effort in building this arena, and even recruited top racers, paying generously for high-level training courses.

Next to it is an ancient Roman theater with distinctive architecture. All these structures are located within a complex and have been restored into a resort and tourist attraction. The creativity and skill of talented architects have blended the "new" with the "old"; these ancient buildings have been transformed into bars, restaurants, and souvenir shops right on the beachfront, attracting many curious tourists. Imagine sitting and gazing at the sea and the ancient structures nearby during sunset. The golden sunlight shining on the stones makes this place extraordinarily beautiful.

Another unique feature that attracts tourists is the modern restaurants designed within the ancient architectural structures. It made a strong impression on me from the moment I arrived. Outside, you see the ancient golden stone blocks of the remaining buildings, while inside, the modern design amazes every visitor. The restaurants and souvenir shops are elaborately and beautifully decorated, inviting tourists to step inside.

At a bar built right on top of an ancient fortress overlooking the sea, I ordered a beer and a tabouleh, a local tradition. Not far away was the Roman aqueduct, a true reflection of Roman engineering prowess. To supply the city with water, sometimes from very far away, they built numerous underground aqueducts or elevated aqueducts. Water from the sea flowed through pipes buried underground. These aqueducts, installed to bring clean water from about 10 miles away to the city, stood majestically on the stunning Caesarea beach. As the last rays of the setting sun faded over the vast ocean, the sky transformed from golden to fiery red and then deep purple—a moment of breathtaking sunset.

Watching the sun set over the sea suddenly calmed my heart; all the worries of a long, busy day seemed to vanish. I walked to the beach, leaned against the arches of the aqueduct, the golden light reflecting off the rocks as if someone were burning a fire… All of this created an unforgettable Caesare in my memory.

Additional information:

-How do I get there?

Fly from Ho Chi Minh City with Thai Airways to Tel Aviv, with a layover in Bangkok; a round-trip ticket costs approximately 1,500 USD. From Ben Gurion Airport to Caesarea, it takes about an hour by car. You can rent a car or take a bus from the airport.

- Weather:

Like other parts of Israel, winter in Caesare is very cold. Autumn (late September to early November) is one of the two best times to visit Israel.

- Packing list:

Throughout the autumn and winter months, there is a significant temperature difference between day and night. Therefore, you should bring a thick jacket to ensure you stay warm while enjoying the wonderful atmosphere by the campfire and gazing at the bright stars in the night sky.

You should also pack comfortable clothes for sightseeing. In addition, you should bring sunscreen to protect your skin from the harsh desert weather.

- A small note:

You should exchange money to make shopping here easier. The currency of Israel is the Shekel.

Regarding visas: you should request a separate visa card from the embassy and avoid affixing it to your passport to prevent difficulties when traveling to other Muslim countries later.

-Recommended souvenirs to buy:

+This book is about Caesare in the past and present, offering a clear picture of the city.

+ Black and white sketches

+ Handicrafts made of Judaica porcelain.

The Thanh