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See the Sights I Underground Adventures

There needs to be a really good reason to wave goodbye to open air and travel underground. Here are six of them, in the shape of unique sites, each drenched in history, meaning, and adventure. Join us on this journey through time and geological layers \ By Ya’akov Shkolnik An Underground Journey Through Time

Tzipori National Park An ancient rock-cut water system

Flavius Josephus, the first-century Romano Jewish historian described Tzipori as the “ornament of all Galilee”, and indeed to this day, visitors of this ancient site are met with spectacularly beautiful mosaics and constructions, notably Roman aqueducts that once pumped water from the mountains of Nazareth. One of them led the water through a 250m-long, 10m-high, and 4m-wide rock-cut water system. The water system is segued by a 90m tunnel you need to squat through to visit. After the tunnel, a 700m walk leads to the entrance of the park. Entrance fee applies; flashlight necessary to complete the visit; parks.org.il.

Photos: Yaakov Shkolnik

Located on the Rehovot kibbutz hill, the Ayalon institute tells the story of one of the lesser-known chapters of Israel’s foundation. In 1945, an 8-meter expanse was dug up there, and atop it a bakery and laundry were erected as a means of disguising the expanse’s true purpose, i.e., to serve as a clandestine ammunition factory. Around 4 million 9mm bullets were produced here in utter secrecy until 1948, when the factory ceased to operate. Visitors can learn about this fascinating story via the VR exhibit set up there today, before taking a rest by one of the eucalyptus grove picnic tables. Entrance fee applies. Visits need to be booked in advance; shimur.org The Ayalon Institute, Rehovot An underground Haganah ammunition factory

20 ATMOSPHERE OCTOBER 2022