Amuka lies in the heart of Biriya Forest, 700 meters above sea level. The small communal settlement was founded in 1980 as part of the Mitzpim program. Its forest setting and elevation complement the character of the settlement. If you are looking for a vacation rental, you can first consider whether a stay in this small settlement, with its connection to Biriya Forest, suits your travel plans.
Biriya Forest is considered the largest planted forest in Galilee. Across the wider region, it covers approximately 21,000 dunams. Amuka thus combines the description of a small communal settlement with a location in a forest that extends across the region.
Archaeological Sites in the Northern District
In the broader destination of the Northern District, Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo are among the archaeological highlights. Both are biblical tells with significant remains of cities associated with the Bible. The sites have different emphases: Tel Hazor is known for its buildings, water engineering, and fortifications, while Tel Megiddo is known for its temple complex and city plan.
Tel Hazor: Upper City, Buildings, and Water System
A visit to Tel Hazor focuses on the Upper City. Notable structures include Solomon’s Gate, a six-chambered gate with two towers dating to the 10th century BCE. The Canaanite palace at Tel Hazor was used by the kings of Hazor in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE. These dates are separated by several centuries; the gate and palace therefore offer different historical perspectives on the site.
Tel Hazor preserves significant remains of an underground water-collection system, an advanced engineering achievement adapted to the geography for water storage. In the water system, steps three meters wide are carved into the walls of a vertical shaft. An excavated shaft at Tel Hazor is 45 meters deep. The fortifications are also among the notable archaeological features: they are considered the best example of their kind in the area from southern Turkey to the northern Negev.
To reach Tel Hazor National Park, take Route 90 from the north or south toward Ayelet Hashahar. Check your navigation before setting out.
Tel Megiddo: Temple Complex and City Plan
Tel Megiddo is also a biblical tell with significant remains of a city associated with the Bible. The Early Bronze Age temple complex is exceptional for the number of its temples, the continuity of cult activity, and the documented ritual practices. Another highlight is the orthogonal city plan from the Iron Age, which has few parallels in the Levant. Tel Megiddo therefore offers a different archaeological focus from Tel Hazor: here, the emphasis is on the history of worship and urban planning.
Discover more destinations: Petah Tikva, Kfar Blum, Yesod Hamaala, Elifelet, Beit Hashita, Nir David, Hararit, Geva Carmel
Return to the main travel overview: Israel.
