Israel

Arbel

WHS Score 0.0 Votes 3
Mount Arbel is a rock massif with high cliffs in Lower Galilee close to the Sea of Galilee. It is protected as a nature reserve. Mount Arbel is also the location of a historic cave fortress and the ruins of an ancient synagogue. This mixed site also includes two locations nearby, Nebe Shueb and the Horns of Hittim. Nebe Shueb is a Druze shrine that is traditionally identified as the tomb of the biblical figure of Jethro. The Horns of Hittim is the supposed site of a crucial battle between the Crusaders and the Arabs in 1187.
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Full Name
Arbel (arbel, nebe shueb, horns of hittim) (ID: 1475)
Country
Israel
Status
On tentative list 2000 Site history
History of Arbel
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UNESCO
whc.unesco.org
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UNESCO.org
News Article
  • June 30, 2016 jpost.com — Group reenacts Saladin’s Battle of the Horns of Hattin

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jpost.com 06/30/2016
Group reenacts Saladin’s Battle of…
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Community Reviews

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First published: 01/08/20.

Erezspeiser

Arbel

Arbel (On tentative list)

Arbel by Erezspeiser

The complex of the Horns of Hittin, Mount Arbel, and Nebe Shueb encompasses a wide range of historical religious and natural wonders.

  1. Mount Arbel:
    The mountain is only 181 meters above sea level, but it rises steeply 380 meters from the Sea of Galilee. If you drive on Route 90, along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, the impressive sight of the high cliff rising directly 400 meters above the road cannot be ignored. Mount Arbel is indeed impressive when you look at it from below, but the view from its summit is even more beautiful. Without a doubt, this is one of the most beautiful lookouts in Israel. The best way to visit it is by tackling the classic hike. Climb from the base to visit the Arbel fortress (see below). From the fort continue to climb to the summit. And go down via the ancient synagogue(See below) and Wadi Arbel. However, if you are not up to the steep climb, you can reach the summit with a 10 minutes easy walk from the National Park's entrance.

  2. Arbel Ancient Synagogue:
    The beautiful ruins of synagogue dates from 4th century CE. It was built from large limestone blocks in the center of the ancient Arbel village. The synagogue is believed to have been used continuously until the 8th century CE. The synagogue can be visited by car. It is located about one kilometer before the entrance to the National Park.

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First published: 25/09/19.

Gablabcebu

Arbel

Arbel (On tentative list)

Arbel by GabLabCebu

During my Holy Land trip back in April 2018, I decided a much more in-depth itinerary than most tourists take, and while it did take me and my family to some rather untouristic places, by far the place where we were most out-of-place was Nabi Shuayb. This is the holiest site for the Druze religion as the supposed tomb of the prophet Jethro, and our visit on the 25th of April accidentally coincided with the Druze feast day. And we wondered why the parking was so full of private cars! 

The normally serene sanctuary (at least according to the travel blogs I had read) was a bustling crowded mess - of only Druze people. We followed them in covering our heads (with raincoats) and removing our shoes before lining up to see the tomb up close, as well as a rock with Jethro's alleged footprint. And after a quick look of whatever we could, we left, a bit shocked from the strange cultural immersion. 

Does Nabi Shuayb have OUV? I'd say yes as it is a great show of Druze culture and religion, which is not represented on the list yet, but as a site, i don't think it can stand an inscription alone, not having enough importance as a structure. The surrounding areas, while beautiful and of great historic value, don't have much tangible cultural claim, and therefore, no OUV. If the Horns of Hittim are inscribed for being the setting of an important war, should we …

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First published: 15/05/11.

Assif

Arbel

Arbel (On tentative list)

Mount Arbel (or Arbel Cliff) is a mountain near the Sea of Galilee with a lovely view of the lake. Apart from this I can hardly see any reason for its inscription. It is, however, of historic significane with Jewish and Druze archaeological sites. It also holds the holiest Druze site. A major reason highlighted in the nomination file is the fact it is the site of the historic battle between the Mameluks and the Crusaderes.

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