Ashdod-Sea, Medieval castle ruin near Mediterranean coast in Ashdod, Israel
Ashdod-Sea is a fortress ruin on the Mediterranean coast with a central core enclosed by thick walls, several interior rooms with vaulted ceilings, and eight towers positioned around the perimeter. The site also contains remains of residential areas and religious spaces from different periods.
The fortress was built on Byzantine foundations and took its current form through multiple rebuildings between the 7th and 12th centuries by different rulers and cultures. A major earthquake caused significant damage, after which it was reconstructed.
The walls carry marks left by different faiths: crosses and Arabic inscriptions show how Christians and Muslims shared and shaped this space. Walking through reveals how multiple religions coexisted within the same structure.
Access to the ruins is straightforward, though the ground is uneven and some areas require caution. The best time to visit is early in the day or on cloudy days, as the sun on the exposed site becomes very hot without shade.
Ancient marble columns lie flat across the ground within the ruins, fragments from even older structures that were incorporated into the construction. There is a striking contrast between the weathered stones and bright yellow flowers that bloom in the cracks and corners of the site.
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