Beit Guvrin / Eleuthropolis

Beit Guvrin is an archaeological site located in the Judean Shephela region. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved archaeological remains, especially from the Roman and Crusaders’ times.

History of Beit Guvrin

Beit Guvrin was founded in the 1st century, replacing neighboring Maresha, which the Parthians destroyed in 40 BC. Settled chiefly by Jews, during the Great Jewish Revolt (66-70 CE), the Romans destroyed Beit-Guvrin, but Later, they re-founded Beit Guvrin as a Roman city. They named it Eleutheropolis (From Greek: “City of the free”) and established it as a theater and a big bathhouse complex. Despite its pagan nature, the Jewish Talmud indicates Jews continued to live in the city in later periods, and some were even gladiators.

The Muslims conquered Beit Guvrin in the 7th century and reverted its name to “Beit Jibrin.” Centuries later, the Crusaders conquered Beit Guvrin, named it “Jiblin,” fortified it, and added a big church. In 1244 AD, the site fell again to the hands of the Muslims. They reversed its name and turned part of the church into a mosque.

In 1949 Israel established a communal fram (Kibbutz) next to the archaeological site. In 1981, kibbutz members tracked arched passages of the city’s Roman Amphitheatre. Archaeologists later unearthed the whole structure as well as an adjacent bath house. In 2014, UNESCO recognized Beth-Guvrin and neighboring Maresha as World Heritage Sites.

Touring Beit Guvrin

Beit Guvrin is a national park that welcomes visitors every day from 8:00 to 17:00. Its amphitheater is the best preserved in the Holy Land, yet most of the city is still waiting to be uncovered.

A tour of Beit Guvrin can be combined with a guided day tour in the Judean Foothills (the Shephelah).