Tell Qasile

Tell Qasile is an archaeological site in the Tel Aviv District that contains multiple layered temples and residential quarters built along the Yarkon River. The site sits within the Eretz Israel Museum grounds and allows visitors to explore remains from different time periods in one location.

The site was established as a port city by Philistines in the 12th century BC and became the first archaeological excavation undertaken by Israel in 1948. This early project marked the beginning of systematic archaeological research in the country.

The religious area displays temples built from mud brick with numerous offering vessels and sacred objects that show how ancient people worshipped here. Visitors can see these spaces today and understand the role they played in daily spiritual life.

The excavations are located within a museum, so a museum visit is required to see the remains. It makes sense to plan time for both areas and wear comfortable shoes since the grounds are uneven.

Two important ostraca, ancient pottery fragments bearing Hebrew inscriptions that served as shipping documents, were uncovered at the site during 1945 and 1946. These fragments are rare examples of written records surviving from this early period.

Location: Tel Aviv District

GPS coordinates: 32.10137,34.79408

Latest update: December 11, 2025 11:05