In 1871, the Templers, people from a breakaway German Protestant sect with apocalyptic visions, came to the Holy Land to prepare for the Messiah’s coming. Nearly 150 years later, Sabrina while on a visit to Tel Aviv, chances upon some painstakingly restored Templer-style houses, where they once lived. 

Tel Aviv’s German Colony 

In Jaffa, an old town which traces its roots to Biblical times, Sabrina comes across a port that’s been active for over 7000 years. Intrigued by Israel’s history, she goes on to visit Caesarea, which was the provincial capital of the Roman Empire. The roman ruins, including a massive theater and a palace built by the Jewish King Herod. Today, these stand as a testament to King Herod’s skills and vision in building an empire.

Caesarea’s Roman Ruins 

Israel is a young country with ancient roots. Sabrina realizes this when she learns about the Ottoman period at the El-Jezzar mosque in Acre, one of Israel’s ancient cities, and in Capernaum, the city which was the backdrop to many of Christ’s mighty miracles.

Israel’s Ancient Cities

Known as the holy land, Israel is home to many important Biblical sites infused with religious and historical meaning. In Nazareth, the place where Christ spent his childhood years, Sabrina is overwhelmed when she sees the cave where Mary was asked to be his mother. But she finds herself moved the most when she walks the course of Via Dolorosa in Jerusalem, the path that covers the journey of Christ from being condemned to being crucified. 

Israel’s Biblical Heritage

Jerusalem is a city with multiple layers of history and culture. Here, Sabrina vists the Temple Mount, a site which is holy for all the three Abrahamic religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam. A visit to the remains of King David’s palace, and a walk in a 4000-year-old tunnel built by Canaanites as part of their comprehensive drainage project, reveal to her how evolved Jerusalem was in ancient times while the city markets offer her a glimpse into the vibrant Jerusalem of today. 

City Of David, Jerusalem

While travelling through the stark Judean desert in Israel to get to the seaside retreat of Eilat, Sabrina stops at the refreshing springs of Ein Gedi, beside the Dead Sea, and explores Masada, the impenetrable fortress built by King Herod. 

Israel’s Seaside Getaway

Despite the breathtaking beauty of its hills and valleys, its undiscovered beaches and vibrant food scene, Israel is the Mediterranean’s most underrated destination. Sabrina discovers the rich history of the country when she visits the Biblical sites in Nazareth and Jerusalem, and at the Roman ruins in Caesarea. She also finds herself wooed by its modern charms at the seaside retreat of Eilat. 

Backpack Israel