The hefty bones of this sizeable cathedral are visible near the main Al Mina site. It was built in the 12th century and destroyed by the Mamluks who conquered Tyre in 1291. You can appreciate the scale of the three-aisled basilica, built from the local sandstone, from its foundations. Some of the red granite columns have been re-erected. It's not always open; check with the caretakers there.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Upper Galilee Museum of Prehistory
24.1 MILES
Israel is home to some of the world's most important prehistoric sites, several of them in the Hula Valley. This gem of a museum, which draws…
26.27 MILES
These restored wetlands are one of the best places in Israel to see cranes, pelicans, storks and an incredible 400 other bird species. To cover the 8.5km…
13.37 MILES
Bone-white limestone cliffs seem to burst from the deep blue sea at this geological beauty spot straddling the Israel–Lebanon border. A cable car descends…
28.21 MILES
The gushing springs, waterfalls and lushly shaded streams of Banias Nature Reserve form one of the most beautiful – and popular – nature spots in the…
27.51 MILES
Migrating birds flock to the wetlands of Israel’s first nature reserve, founded in 1964. More than 200 species of waterfowl mingle happily with cormorants…
27.02 MILES
Decorated with Middle Eastern arches, hanging lamps and bookshelves heavy with holy texts, this synagogue – like the street it’s on – is named in…
26.96 MILES
Founded in the 16th century by Sephardic Jews from Greece, this venerable synagogue looks much as it did 150 years ago. It stands on the site where,…
1.15 MILES
This sprawling site lies 2km east of the centre, entered off the highway. Just past the entrance is a vast funerary complex, with hundreds of ornate…
Nearby attractions
0.11 MILES
The most curious building at the Al Mina site is this 4th-century rectangular arena that would have held up to 2000 spectators. Its exact use is unknown;…
0.13 MILES
From the entrance of the Al Mina archaeological complex, you pass down this street paved with geometrical Roman and Byzantine mosaics, on each side of…
3. Al Mina Archaeological Site
0.17 MILES
Dating from the 3rd millennium BC, these atmospheric ruins cover a large area leading down to an ancient submerged harbour. Highlights include a street…
0.17 MILES
This unusually large bathhouse at the Al Mina ruins complex dates from the 2nd or 3rd century AD. You can clearly see the masses of brick columns that…
0.83 MILES
Part of the Al Bass archaeological site, these aqueducts run parallel to the Roman road and once supplied the city with fresh water from the inland hills.
0.88 MILES
Part of the Al Bass archaeological site, this well-preserved Roman hippodrome was built in the 2nd century AD and once held more than 20,000 spectators. A…
0.91 MILES
This impressive archway towers over the Roman road that runs beneath it. It marked the entrance to the city and probably dates from the time of Emperor…
0.98 MILES
A Roman road stretches for about 1.6km through an impressive 20m-high monumental archway that probably dates from the time of Emperor Hadrian (2nd century…