Julis: Muna Gardens and Druze Heritage

Julis combines a landscaped green space with historical and Druze heritage. The Muna Gardens, the historic town center, and the story of Sheikh Amin Tarif offer different points of interest. If you are looking for a hotel in Julis, you can consider whether you would like to explore the town primarily through its gardens, its history, or both.

The Muna Gardens

The Muna Gardens in Julis are distinguished by well-kept plantings, wooden bridges, and flowing water. Hidden quiet spots lie among the landscaped areas. The character of the gardens is shaped not only by the plants, but also by the bridges, water, and peaceful places. If you are including the gardens in your travel plans, check the visiting conditions in advance.

Local History and Druze Heritage

The historic center of Julis, also known as Albalad Alqadima, is the original core from which the town developed. It is home to an olive press with millstones that were powered by a mule or another animal. The press adds a concrete detail about earlier working practices to the town's history.

An ethnographic museum in Julis displays old tools and objects that tell the story of everyday Druze life. This provides a look at everyday objects alongside the town center and its history.

To visit the Druze Heritage House, arrange your visit in advance and confirm the arrangements before traveling.

Sheikh Amin Tarif is also associated with Julis: 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 tomb is in Julis. His award, long-standing leadership, and tomb offer different historical connections to the town.

Archaeological Perspectives in the Northern District

In the wider travel destination of the Northern District, Tel Hazor and Tel Megiddo offer different archaeological highlights. At Tel Hazor, the visit focuses on the Upper City. Its archaeological features include Solomon's Gate, a gate with six chambers and two towers dating from the 10th century BCE, as well as a Late Bronze Age palace. The palace is considered the most elaborate in Israel and one of the most significant in the Levant.

Water supply is also part of Tel Hazor's archaeological history. The significant remains of an underground water collection system represent sophisticated engineering adapted to the geography for water storage. In the water system, three-meter-wide steps are cut into the walls of a vertical shaft. Water engineering and the structures of the Upper City thus offer different insights into the site's history.

Tel Megiddo offers a different perspective: its orthogonal Iron Age city plan has few parallels in the Levant. A temple complex from the Early Bronze Age is exceptional for the number of its temples, the continuity of cult activity, and its documented ritual practices. Tel Megiddo is one of three tells that preserve significant remains of cities with biblical connections and are closely associated with events in the Bible. Comparing it with Tel Hazor highlights their different archaeological focuses: here, the city plan and cult stand alongside the water collection system and structures.

Discover more destinations: Tel Adashim, Bar'am, Kafr Kanna, Barak, Kafr Manda, Karmi'el, Peki'in HaHadasha, Safsufa

For the wider travel overview: Northern District.