Tiberias

About

Founded in around 20 CE, Tiberias is said to have been built on the site of the ancient Israelite village of Rakkath. Around 150 CE, the Jewish court settled here and cemented Tiberias as the Jewish political center in the Land of Israel. While much of the modern city is marred by architectural eyesores from the 1970s, this Galilee resort town is still dotted with reminders of its rich past. Most notably, the Hammat Tiberias National Park preserves the ancient spa that was so famous that Roman Emperor Trajan had a coin minted in its honor. Death is also a big draw in Tiberias, with the Old Cemetery offering both Jewish and Muslim sections, and the Tomb of Meir Ba'al Hanes standing as one of Judaism's holiest sites. There are also medieval churches, and remnants of Muslim rule, like the citadel that dominates the beach.