Arbel synagogue, Synagogue ruin in Lower Galilee, Israel.
Arbel synagogue is a ruined structure featuring a square layout with Corinthian columns and stone benches positioned along three interior walls. The limestone entrance displays carved floral designs and opens toward the eastern side of the building.
The structure dates to the fourth century and was discovered in 1905 by archaeologists Heinrich Kohl and Carl Watzinger during excavations in the Galilee region. The finding helped scholars understand how Jewish communities built their prayer houses during late antiquity.
The synagogue demonstrates how worshippers oriented themselves toward Jerusalem, with the building's design reflecting the religious importance of that direction in Jewish tradition.
The archaeological site sits within Arbel National Park and welcomes visitors without charge for entry. The location offers open access for exploring the ancient remains and the natural landscape surrounding it.
The builders carved the entrance door with its medallion patterns directly from the natural limestone cliff at the site rather than importing stone. This resourceful approach of shaping the surrounding rock face into a finished architectural element was an uncommon practice for religious buildings of that era.
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