Hyrcania, Archaeological site in Bethlehem Governorate, Israel.
Hyrcania is an archaeological site in an isolated valley east of Jerusalem, where remains of a fortress and later monastery sit on the same hill. The building fragments are scattered across the terrain, showing traces of both military construction and later religious structures.
The site began as a fortress, was later reinforced by Herod, and then held prisoners who opposed the ruler. It eventually transformed into a monastery that served religious purposes for centuries afterward.
Monks occupied this place and created written texts in a regional form of Aramaic that local communities spoke. Their religious work shaped how the buildings were arranged and used across the site.
Reaching the site requires effort, as it sits on remote terrain with a challenging walk to get there. Bring sturdy shoes and plenty of water, since shade is scarce and there are few facilities at the location.
Archaeologists have discovered ancient tunnels near the fortress whose purpose and connections are still being studied. These underground passages suggest the site was part of a broader network of settlements in the region.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
