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Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
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.
Al-Qastal was a Palestinian village located eight kilometers west of Jerusalem and named for a Crusader castle once standing on the hilltop. Used during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War as a military base by the Army of the Holy War, virtually all of its residents fled during the fighting and the village was eventually captured by the Palmach. It is currently the site of the Israeli Castel National Park, which commemorates the 1948 battles fought for the control of this strategic height.
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A small national park and nature reserve located about 7 km west of Jerusalem which contains natural springs and the remains of a fortified crusader farm.
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.
Climbing, ziplines, paintball, and other activities for adults and children.