Ashdod Travelers guide

Around Ashdod 171 of dunams, and served as an important center during the Philistine era, as well as 23 historical strata - the earliest of which dates to the middle Bronze age and the latest to the late Byzantine period. About two hundred meters north of the archaeological site, a huge complex was unearthed, which experts say was used as the Assyrian governor's palace. Numerous items of alabaster, clay and metal were exposed in the palace's compound, as well as an icon of a sitting Egyptian goddess dated to the 12th century BC, which earned the nickname "Ashdoda". Some of the many items discovered in the excavations conducted here are now displayed at the Museum of Philistine Culture in the city. The archaeological site, which dominated the ancient sea route (Via Maris), rises to a height of about ten meters above sea level. Among other things, it includes the remains of the Arab village of Isdud and the remains of the entrance to the Philistine city, through which the Holy Ark was brought in. Some of the village buildings still show signs of bullet holes from the fierce battles that took place here during the War of Independence. At the top of the site stand the remains of the mosque that was located in the middle of the village, and was named after Salman Al Farsi, who was, according to legend, the personal barber of the Prophet Muhammad. To the west of the mosque there is a khan that was built during the Ottoman period and used as a resting place for pilgrims passing through. Next to the 24 hours a day, throughout the year Free of charge South to the Ad Halom industrial zone Not accessible to the handicapped It is advised not to come with a private car that is not a 4x4. Park your car across from the Emunim interchange on Route 4, or in the center (About 400 meters from the Tel). Tel Ashdod