NOTE: This article is undergoing changes. There is very little material available on Ashkelon’s role in the Astir and the Marsis. The accounts that are available sometimes contradict each other. This post will be updated as I find more information. At the entrance to the Marina stands a sculpture by Dov Heller to commemorate the [...]
Located in the historic Migdal area, the Ashkelon Khan Museum is inside the 13th century mosque. The museum is small and the exhibits appear to have been built a while ago. There is also a gallery at the entrance to the museum's main display. Hours: Sunday to Thursday 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Phone: [...]
In addition to the sabil at the "main" entrance to city, another sabil is located in the heart of the city. This very impressive structure is located just outside of the Ashkelon Academic College on Eli Cohen Street near the intersection of Yitzhak Ben Zvi. The sabil was dedicated in 2004. Avi Cohen, senior lecturer [...]
At the north east corner of Eli Cohen and Yitzhak Rabin is a large field, partially overgrown with weeds, with the remains of a stone building in the corner. If it were not for the blue historical sign standing on the corner, you would likely walk by the field without paying any attention to the [...]
A sabil (Arabic) was a public drinking fountain or trough that was found at key locations for people to use on their journeys. The word sebil or sabil comes from the Arabic verb root sabala (سبل) meaning "to let fall, drop, to let hang down, to close eyes or to shed tear". Sabil initially meant "road" or "path" and is used both [...]
When you follow Sderot Ben Gurion down to the beach, you will see the Ashkelon National Park on your left and series of beautiful fountains that follow the contour of the road down to the sea. Spectacularly lit up at night, the fountains add another element of elegance to an already beautiful city.
Next to the Harlington Hotel is a large grassy roundabout called Kikar New York. At one end of the roundabout is a memorial for the thousands who were killed on September 11, 2001 in the attack on the World Trade Center in New York as well as the four Israelis who died that day. They [...]
Perched on the cliffs above the sea at the northern end of the city is a giant sundial. The project is almost completed and the fences around the project have been removed. Archeological evidence points to sundials being used in the middle east. This new sundial uses an ultramodern design and enables people to become [...]
Around the corner from the Byzantine Mosaic Floor, September 11 Memorial and the Harlington, is a the remnant of Byzantine church.
Right across from the Harlington Hotel and the New York Square is a mosaic floor - all that remains of another Byzantine church. It is surrounded by a low wall and not wheelchair accessible. If you are walking, you will need to jump down about 60 cm to get to the mosaic floor. Although it [...]
