Jerusalem Hills

Remains of Palmach armored vehicles that were destroyed by the Jordanian Legion forces while trying to break the blockade of Jerusalem during the 1948 Arab-Israeli war. You can see the vehicles along the side of Route 1 as you drive by. You might be able to stop for a closer view by exiting Route 1 at the Shoresh interchange (just to the east of the vehicles).

The historic caravanserai at the entrance to the Shaar Hagai valley. Now a museum commemorating the convoys which broke the blockade on Jerusalem.

Originally a Crusader fortress, by 1948 the Arab village of Al-Qastal was located here, strategically overlooking the road from Jaffa to Jerusalem. The site is mostly known for the key battles which were held there in April 1948 (Operation Nachshon) ending in Jewish capture of the village. The national park includes a memorial for the Jewish soldiers whom died in these battles (including a monument designed in 1980 by Yitzhak Yamin) and a memorial for the armored vehicles used in attempts to break through the blockade of Jerusalem.

A synagogue built on the remains of an ancient building estimated to be from the Crusader period. The synagogue was built in 1871 by Joshua Yellin to be used as a motel for people traveling to Jerusalem from Jaffa. An archaeological site is adjacent to the synagogue which contains artifacts from the Second Temple period.

An ancient archaeological site containing the remains of the Crusader Belmont fortress.

A very large and elaborate water cistern carved in a rock. During the First Temple period water used to be stored in it as it was mainly used for agricultural purposes. After the destruction of the First Temple, and after the Jewish population returned to the region after the Babylonian exile period, the cistern was used as a Mikveh (bath used for the purpose of ritual immersion in Judaism). During the 4th century the site became a popular place of pilgrimage and worship for John the Baptist, and on the caves walls drawings were carved which relate to John the Baptist or to Christianity.

"And to them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name." - Isaiah 56:5. This 18-m (60-ft) Israeli memorial to John F. Kennedy on a hill overlooking Jerusalem is shaped to resemble a stump of a felled tree, representing a life cut short.

A cave full of stalactites, stalagmites, and other impressive rock formations. It's an especially good choice in summer due to the cool underground air. You have to enter on a (free) organized tour (which often includes an entire class of school kids). You will need to wait at least 20 minutes for a tour, so be sure to arrive at least an hour before closing time. Tours are normally in Hebrew, but Arabic or English ones can be arranged. Beware that the nearest public transportation is about 5 km away, in Nes Harim or Beit Shemesh. When you turn off road 3866 to get to the cave, there is a nice picnic spot on your right, with a great view in all directions. If you're lucky, the gate to the lookout tower will be open and you can see the view from there (say hi to the fire-spotter, if he's up there).