Julis brings together Muna Gardens and a tangible historical and Druze heritage. This gives you a concrete choice when deciding on a destination: are you more drawn to a landscaped garden, the history of the town center, or the memory of an important religious leader? These themes offer different perspectives on Julis and help you set the priorities for your trip.
Gardens and quiet spots
Muna Gardens features carefully maintained plantings, wooden bridges, flowing water, and secluded quiet spots. The gardens highlight both landscaped green spaces and water, as well as small, sheltered places. If you would like to consider a garden alongside cultural attractions when choosing a destination, these features offer a concrete point of reference. Check current opening hours before planning your visit.
Historic town center and Druze heritage
The historic town center of Julis is also called Albalad Alqadima. It is the original core from which the town developed. The two names therefore refer to the same historic area. There is an oil press there with millstones that were powered by a mule or another animal. This technical detail makes historic olive-oil production tangible: the millstones were turned by animal power.
Sheikh Amin Tarif is also closely associated with Julis’s cultural heritage. He received the Israel Prize for his significant contribution to the Druze community and the State of Israel, as well as for interfaith cooperation. For many years, until his death, he served as the head and spiritual leader of the Druze community. His burial place is in Julis. His award, long-standing leadership, and burial place offer different ways to understand his significance: public recognition, spiritual responsibility, and a specific place of remembrance.
Visits to the Druze Heritage House are arranged in advance. Plan this part of your itinerary ahead of time and arrange your visit before you arrive.
Archaeological sites in the Northern District
In the wider Northern District destination, Tel Hazor offers a distinct archaeological focus. The visit centers on the upper city. Among its notable structures is Solomon’s Gate, with six chambers and two towers dating to the 10th century BCE. The underground water collection system also demonstrates sophisticated engineering adapted to the geographic conditions for storing water. The excavated shaft is 45 meters deep, with steps three meters wide cut into its walls. The Canaanite palace, used by the kings of Hazor in the 14th and 13th centuries BCE, offers another historical layer. The Late Bronze Age palace is considered the most elaborate in Israel and one of the most significant in the Levant.
Tel Megiddo is also in the wider Northern District destination. Its Early Bronze Age temple complex is considered exceptional for the number of its temples, the continuity of cult activity, and the documented ritual practices. The orthogonal Iron Age city plan has few parallels in the Levant. Tel Megiddo is also a biblical tell with significant remains of a city connected to biblical accounts. The temple complex and city plan represent different periods and archaeological themes. Together with the finds from Tel Hazor, they provide a regional cultural context that is distinct from Julis’s historical and Druze themes.
Discover more destinations: Migdal haEmek, Majd al-Krum, Karmi'el, Lotem, Me'ona, Sheikh Danun, Kafr Manda, Harashim
View the regional travel overview: Northern District.
