Around Chorazin, ancient paths lead to an almost completely preserved olive press. The nearby Korazim National Park also offers insight into the archaeological remains of the area, with the quarters of an ancient settlement and other olive presses. For trip planning, it is worth looking at the different routes and archaeological sites individually: one path loops around a ridge, while another follows a stream to Capernaum National Park.

Paths to Ancient Sites

The family-friendly Olive Press Trail in Korazim National Park follows an ancient path, loops around the western ridge, and leads to an almost completely preserved ancient olive press. It is in the immediate vicinity of Chorazin. Check the park’s current information before your visit.

The four-kilometer Korazim–Capernaum Trail follows Nahal Korazim and ends at Capernaum National Park. Along the way, it passes an inactive ancient farm. Its described route is therefore quite different from the Olive Press Trail: the stream, the farm, and the endpoint are all part of the route description. Check the latest park information before your visit, and for this trail, also check the latest notices at the site.

Quarters and Olive Presses in Korazim National Park

Five quarters of the ancient settlement are known in Korazim National Park. The central quarter, considered the wealthiest, has been partially excavated and restored. A few buildings in the western quarter have also been restored. The information thus distinguishes between work on part of the central quarter and the restoration of individual buildings in the west.

Three ancient olive presses have been found in the park. One is on the edge of the western quarter, dates from the 4th or 5th century CE, and has been partially restored. The partially restored press on the edge of the western quarter dates from the 4th or 5th century CE; the almost completely preserved press is on the Olive Press Trail.

More Archaeological Topics in the Northern District

In the broader Northern District destination, Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo offer additional archaeological points of interest. Both are biblical tells with significant remains of cities connected to the Bible. The two sites have different points of focus: at Tel Hazor, these include the upper city, gate, and water system; Tel Megiddo is notable for its temple complex and urban planning.

A visit to Tel Hazor focuses on the upper city. The site includes Solomon’s Gate, with six chambers and two towers dating to the 10th century BCE. A palace from the Late Bronze Age is considered the most elaborate in Israel and one of the most important in the Levant. The fortifications of Tel Hazor are also of particular importance: they are considered the best example of their kind in the area from southern Turkey to the northern Negev.

Tel Hazor also preserves significant remains of an underground water-collection system, a feat of engineering adapted to the geography for storing water. The excavated shaft is 45 meters deep, with three-meter-wide steps carved into its vertical walls. You can reach Tel Hazor National Park from the north or south via Route 90 toward Ayelet Hashahar. Check your navigation before setting out.

At Tel Megiddo, the Early Bronze Age temple complex is exceptional for the number of its temples, the continuity of its cult practices, and its documented ritual activities. Also notable is its orthogonal Iron Age city plan, which has few parallels in the Levant. The Northern District thus brings together different archaeological questions: water engineering and fortifications at Tel Hazor, for example, and cult history and urban planning at Tel Megiddo.

Choose a Focus for Your Trip

If you’re looking for hotels in Chorazin, the paths and archaeological sites nearby can be the local focus of your trip. Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo add the broader context of the Northern District. First consider whether you want to plan your trip mainly around the paths and olive presses near Chorazin or around the different archaeological topics across the wider destination.

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View the broader travel overview: Israel.