PLACES OF INTEREST BACK

Byzantine Church: on the cliff-top in the Barnea Quarter. Ruins from 5th or 6th century. (Bus No. 5). Mosaic Floor: Barnea Quarter about half a kilometre northwest of Byzantine church. Also from Byzantine period.

National Park: south of Afridar beach, set amidst thousands of trees, Crusader ruins and sculptures of Atlas, Nike, Eirene, goddess of peace and others. Log tables and benches for picnicking, spacious lawns. Entrance fee. Open seven days a week, all hours, because there's a camping site here. Entrance fee to the camping site does not include entrance to the park.The Sarcophagi: in December 1972, two 3rd-century CE Roman sarcophagi were discovered while foundations were being dug for a villa. The subjects carved on the sides were taken from Roman mythology. They are on view in Afridar. Open daily 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. and Fri. 8.30 a.m. - 2.30 p.m. Closed Sat. Admission free.

The Ashqelon Khan is situated in Atzmaut Square in the north of the Migdal district. The area has been restored and in one section is the Museum of Modern Ashqelon and the history of the settlement. Open Sun.-Thurs. 9. a.m.-1 p.m., 4 p.m.-7 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. T

Shopping Centers: Giron - Hutzot - Lev Askelon - 4 shops, cinemas and restaurants.

The Pedestrian Mall in Migdal shops, restaurants and cafes.

Ashqeluna Watersport Park: On the Delilah beach is the largest water-sport park in the country. Beautiful lawns, five gigantic water-chutes, a water carousel and three swimming pools - one specially designed for toddlers.

Take the main road out of Ashqelon and turn right onto Road No. 4 which takes you to Yad Mordechai, passing through harder landscape abounding with cacti. The entrance is on the right, about 8 km. south.