It is worth saying that the proper way to start a day in a beautiful archaeological park is on a full stomach. As we are a wine tour company, we chose Sadot Winery in the village of Sde Ya’akov for an incredible breakfast with a view of their vineyards [cheese platters. Smoked fish, fresh salads from Greek to Burrata, freshly baked breads and the best coffee one can find in the Jezreel Valley, truly set the tone for the great day ahead.
Tzipori is full of contradictions. On one hand. A place where the Jewish people surrendered to the Roman Empire and was not a part of the Great Revolt. On the other hand, it is the city where the Mishna, one of the most important and commonly found books in the Jewish cupboard, was signed by Rabbi Yehuda Hanasie in 300 AD.
More contradictions are found in the Acropolis of the city. On one hand, Jewish residences easily identifiable by the dozens of Mikvao’t [Jewish ritual baths] all in close proximity to a Roman Compound, a sizable Roman Theater and a Roman Villa are all found one next to the other.
After the fall of Jerusalem and Mesada by the hands of the Roman Empire, the importance of Tzipori for Jews grew. It became the center for the Sanhadrin and the abundance of Jews in this city is believed to be the reasons why there were 17 Synagogues found there.
The additional name for Tzipori is the land of the Mosaics, as there are over 40 elaborate and colorful moury saics the most impressive of which are from early 3rd Century and onto 5th Century Byzantine works.
It is believed that the large abundance of mosaics in the Nile House were for decoration purposes and as a physical portfolio from which out of towners could order custom made mosaics to their city. In the Roman Villa of Tzippori the most impressive mosaic is found in a Treclinum made with over 3 million stones in 23 different natural colors. This is where the Mona Lisa of the Galilee can be found.
After exploring the Crusader era tower and the view from its roof, we continue to explore the audio visual program in the main 5th Century Synagogue with exquisite Zodiac Mosaic.
We love finishing our day in the part by visiting the ancient water systerm Tzipori. As the city surrendered tot the Roman Empire. A system of aquadcuts was built in order to supply the city with water. The Romans had built the water system so on one side of it the soil is rather soft chalk where the Nazerteth Mounain range is made of harder limestone. The water system has each stone covered according to its ability to retain water. A 6 pier system is walkable and very neat to explore by foot.
