Victor Travel Blog

Ruins of Caesarea, Israel

I was lucky. It was one of those rare days when it rains in Israel. That’s why I was alone in Caesarea, at least for the first half of the day. Later, some of the most stubborn enthusiasts of history still landed on the territory of the ancient city from their buses. Thank God, in the corner of a hippodrome, somebody has constructed for them something like a chariot with stylized horses made of iron rods in order that the guides could direct tourists there and suggest they take some pictures.

Hippodrome in Caesarea

Herod the Great built Caesarea in honor of the Roman Emperor Octavian Augustus with his own money in 25-13 BCE. Herod was fascinated by construction and rather successful at it. Moreover, the Roman Empire provided him great scope by giving him extra money for that.

Herod I the Great built Caesarea in honor of Roman Imperor Octavian Augustus

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I could not sleep the first night in Jerusalem, therefore I went to investigate the way of the cross—Via Dolorosa—at 4.00 a.m. The Via Dolorosa is the path that Jesus passed on the way to his crucifixion, carrying his cross.

Streets of the city were empty in this time, and you can hear only your steps, muezzin’s call to prayer, church bells ringing and cock’s songs. Yes, yes, a cocks in the center of the big city! Under such an accompaniment, you will walk on the way of the cross.

It was my first attempt, and it was only half successful. I have not find the entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and there where no people around to ask the way.

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