"Rosh haNikra is a cliff at the sea, right at the northern border of Israel towards Lebanon. The name means "head of the cave", and tells us why this place is listed on showcaves.com: there are numerous impressive sea caves at the foot of the cliff, which may be reached by cable car. The longest cave is 200m long. The cliff consits of white chalk, and looks similar to the cliffs of Dover. The caves were formed by the work of the sea water, following fracture zones in the rock which are weaker than undisturbed rocks. The cliffs were always a problem for travel and trade. The mountains ridge orms a natural border, and so very early a tunnel was hewn into the soft chalk. Alexander of Macedonea (Alexander the Great) is credited for having hewed the first tunnel in 323 BC to create a passageway for his army after besieging Tyre. Later this road was used by the armies of the Seleucids and the Ptolemies. In 1099 AD it was used by the Crusaders. In World War I the British Army built the first road, which as accessible to motor vehicles. The latest and most impressive traffic route through the cliff was the Haifa-Beirut-Tripoli railway, which was built by the British during World War II. There were three tunnels, one on each side of the border and one crossing the border. The tunnel on the Israelian side may be visited. The railroad tracks are removed, but there is a sort of "tourist railroad". The caves are numerous interconnected branches totaling 200m. Formed by the work of the sea they are located around sea level at the foot of the cliff, and the only way to enter their natural entrance is with diving gear and rather dangerous. In 1968 a 400m long tunnel was opened to allow access to the caves. "..... Thanks for viewing and commenting. Copyrights (c) Nira Dabush
26 Comments
Vicki Pelham 27 Aug 2023
Very interesting history Nira, fascinating.... and such a lovely capture also!!!George Banks 19 Dec 2008
Beautiful...Brigitte Hintner 23 Apr 2008
The wonderful "TURQUOISE " caught my eye immediately ...I wish I could swim and dive in this fabulous colour .....great photo my friend !!! Just gorgeous !!!:-)John Enright 23 Apr 2008
and now I wanna go swimming...geoff cooper 23 Apr 2008
another great view, water looks inviting..Teresa Dominici 22 Apr 2008
Nira, this photograph is splendid.Mrs.David Jobes(Dee) Jobes 22 Apr 2008
GORGEOUS Artistic capture!!!Fantastic composition and lighting!!!The colors in this Photo are Outstanding and Gorgeous!!!Magnificent!!!FANTASTIC camera work,my Dear Friend!!!Thanks for sharing this Stunning Beauty and Thanks for the Very Informative Commentary!!!Hope You have a Superb Beautiful Day!!!((((Hugs)))))) :)Jodi Keys 22 Apr 2008
WOW AWESOME NIRA!!!!!!!! Stunning!Anonymous Guest 22 Apr 2008
AWESOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!mariaHiromi Green 22 Apr 2008
Thanks for the info Nira - beautiful place and lovely clean water which looks so inviting for a dip! Woderful photograph dear my friend!Joke Schotting 22 Apr 2008
Wonderful photo dear friend!!!!!José Fortunato 22 Apr 2008
This is Heaven ! Great photoAnonymous Guest 22 Apr 2008
Beautiful shot. GiselleWarren Ballard 22 Apr 2008
Great shot and an interesting narrative too!Martha Cable 22 Apr 2008
Nice photo.....the water looks so nice....John Fish 22 Apr 2008
you captured this scene perfectly and make such a wonderfully framed image. interesting description alsoSigridur Bachmann 22 Apr 2008
Outstanding photo for this beautiful colors and sparkly wather.!! Great:::Robin Mead 22 Apr 2008
wonderful photo.. excellent colors!!jamie winter 22 Apr 2008
so so beautiful ,such clear water. wowNelly van Nieuwenhuijzen 22 Apr 2008
HOW VERY VERY BEAUTIFUL!! love this Nirasje!Anneke Hut 22 Apr 2008
What a marvellous colours, Nira!! One must feel really humble standing on the cliff. Such beautiful nature.Joanna Jungjohann 22 Apr 2008
so fresh and sparkly beautifulTimothy McAninch 22 Apr 2008
Love the colour, and the story is interesting.Jacki Bowler 22 Apr 2008
The colour of that water is gorgeous, a beautifully framed shot :o))Alberto D'Assumpcao 22 Apr 2008
Love that blue!!! Splendid image, Nira!!!annette steens 22 Apr 2008
wonderful also the explanation Nira.