Hyrcania, Archaeological site in Bethlehem Governorate, Israel.
The fortress ruins stand on an isolated hill 200 meters above Hyrcania valley, 5 kilometers west of Qumran and 16 kilometers east of Jerusalem.
Constructed by Hasmonean rulers in the second or first century BCE, the fortress was later expanded by King Herod and served as a prison for political opponents.
The site transformed from a military fortress into a Byzantine monastery named Kastellion, where monks produced texts in Christian Palestinian Aramaic during the seventh century.
The archaeological excavation project accepts volunteers and students, offering accommodation at Kibbutz Guesthouse Kalia with meals included for participants.
Recent discoveries of ancient tunnels near the fortress suggest potential underground connections to surrounding settlements, adding new dimensions to archaeological research.
Location: Bethlehem Governorate
GPS coordinates: 31.71900,35.36600
Latest update: March 3, 2025 15:18
Qumran
9.3 km
Talpiot Tomb
12.9 km
Holy Lavra of Saint Sabbas
3.7 km
Tomb of Lazarus
12 km
Armon Hanatziv
12.9 km
Russian Convent of the Ascension
13.1 km
Ein Feshkha
8.3 km
Armon Hanatziv promenade
13.1 km
Herod's Palace at Herodium
13.2 km
Good Samaritan Museum
10.9 km
Monastery of St. Theodosius
7.9 km
Laura of Euthymius
8.6 km
Tolerance Monument
12.7 km
Nuaman
11.8 km
Khirbet Mazin
8.3 km
Moshe Castel Museum of Art
9.8 km
Kloster St. Lazarus in Bethanien
12 km
Mughr ar Rubūd
4 km
Al Khāş
10.7 km
Jubbit adh Dhīb
12.8 km
Al Ka‘ābinah
10.5 km
Qarn al Ḩajar
7.9 km
Al ‘Ubaydīyah
7.2 km
Ash Shaykh Sa‘d
10.5 km
Bayt Ta‘mar
12.7 km
An Nabī Mūsá
9.8 km
Maghārat Abū Ţabaq
4.7 km
Maghārat as Saddah
2.2 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes