For visitors
In the footsteps of the Maccabees
A day around Hashmonaim and Modi'in on the Maccabean story, good for Chanukah week. You need a car; the forest sites are off Route 443.
The plan
- 1
09:00
Kfar Hashmonai, Shilat
Parks, trails & springs · Shilat junction
Reconstructed Hasmonean-era village by Moshav Shilat; check visiting arrangements on the listing.
Directions (opens in a new tab) - 2
10:45
The Maccabean Graves, Ben Shemen forest
Parks, trails & springs · Hevel Modiin (nearby sites)
Popular on Chanukah; the tombs are actually from centuries later.
Directions (opens in a new tab) - 3
11:15
Horvat HaGardi
Attractions & sights · Hevel Modiin (nearby sites)
About 800 m from the graves; once proposed as the Hasmonean family tomb.
Directions (opens in a new tab) - 4
12:30
Lunch at Biga, Shilat
Kosher restaurants & cafés · Shilat junction
Sun-Thu 09:00-22:30, Fri 09:00-14:00.
Directions (opens in a new tab) - 5
14:00
Hasmonean Heritage Museum, Modi'in
Museums & heritage · Modiin
Guided tour, interactive room and a 3D film ride.
Directions (opens in a new tab) - 6
16:00
Umm el-Umdan
Attractions & sights · Modiin
The excavated synagogue and bathhouse that may be ancient Modi'in.
Directions (opens in a new tab)
Source
- ModiinApp: the Maccabean Graves (opens in a new tab)
- ModiinApp: Horbat HaGardi (opens in a new tab)
- ModiinApp: Hasmonean Heritage Museum (opens in a new tab)
- ModiinApp: Umm el-Umdan (opens in a new tab)
Opening hours and prices change: check each place before you set out.
All day plans