Beit Guvrin National Park

Beit Guvrin National Park is a site in southern Israel containing over 800 caves carved into limestone with varying shapes and sizes. The bell-shaped chambers reach ceiling heights of up to 18 meters (59 feet) with openings to the surface, and the ancient city of Maresha displays extensive underground systems developed during the Hellenistic period.

The ancient city of Maresha developed from the Iron Age through the Hellenistic period, showing how settlement patterns evolved over centuries. Most of the underground systems were created between 400 and 200 BCE, reflecting periods when different cultures controlled and used the region.

The burial caves contain detailed frescoes showing mythological figures, animals, and plants that reflect the diverse communities who lived in this region. These artworks reveal the beliefs and daily life of ancient inhabitants.

The site is divided into northern and southern sections connected by road 35, each offering separate paths for exploration. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since many paths cross uneven ground, and the caves can remain cool even on warm days outside.

The site contains 22 ancient olive oil production facilities with crushing stones, pressing weights, and collection vessels dating to biblical times, revealing the region's commercial output. These workshops demonstrate how systematically residents managed production and trade.