EN HOD

The merit of this slight detour is immediately evident. En Hod is one of those dreams come true . . . a picturesque retreat nestled against the hillside of the Carmel overlooking the blue Mediterranean. It beckons to the visitor with its peace and beauty. Here painters, sculptors, ceramicists, potters, weavers, photographers, print-makers, writers, dancers, and musicians work and make their homes.

After the War of Independence (1948) this ruined and deserted (Arab) village was earmarked for demolition. The painter Marcel Janco implored the government to allow him and other artists to resettle it as an ``artists' colony.'' The request was granted, and with the help of the City of Haifa, the area was turned into a garden-spot not only for those who live there but for all who visit. The ruined Arab houses were restored with additions fashioned in the stone of the area so that, from a distance, the village seems to be one with the landscape. The Janco-Dada Museum is dedicated to Janco and includes a permanent exhibition of fifty of his works. Tel. (04)842350.

A visitor can stroll through the village and see two well- preserved oil presses and visit the communal Gallery- Bazaar in which the works of the resident artists are displayed for sale. The Gallery-Bazaar is open every day, all year, from 9.30 a.m. Closing time is 5.30 p.m., except on Fridays when it's 4.30 p.m. Entrance fee.

During the summer, there is a programme of music or other entertainment in the amphitheatre. The restaurant- cafe is open to all and it serves as a meeting place for the villagers. It is often the scene of impromptu parties and get-togethers.
The village also has student classes in painting, sculpture, drawing, ceramics and allied arts, and enquiries are welcomed.

Further enquiries may be made by telephoning (04)9942029. A word of caution: the ruins of the Crusader castle at Athlit, on the seashore, which can be seen from En Hod, are closed to the general public as they lie within a military area. From En Hod there are three choices open to you to continue to nearby Haifa.

You may get back onto the main highway (No. 2), although this seems unnecessary in view of the proximity of Haifa. Or you can turn right and drive along the old road (No. 4). (If you turn left, you're at Kibbutz En Carmel where artists sell their work to visitors to their studios. You can buy paintings, jewellery, and so on directly from the artists.)

A longer, but more scenic, route takes you over the Carmel range, past an ancient Roman quarry and ``Little Switzerland'' (see Route No. 13), so that you approach Haifa from its suburbs on the heights of Mt. Carmel. To follow this route, return to the old road, turn right and very soon right again (on Road No. 721) for the 7 km. stretch to Kibbutz Bet Oren. However, just before reaching Bet Oren, take the right fork, and shortly afterwards, the left fork. This road (No. 672) will take you past Haifa University and, eventually, into the heart of Haifa.