Abraham’s Gate reopens

This item appears on page 48 of the December 2009 issue.

In northern Israel, the 4,000-year-old Abraham’s Gate at the Tel Dan Nature Reserve reopened to the public in March after extensive work by the Nature & National Parks Protection Authority.

Composed of sun-dried mud brick on a foundation of large basalt stones, the gate has been restored to its original height of 22 feet. It serves as a link between the two towers below its arches, the earliest complete arches ever found in the world.

The reserve (wheelchair accessible) is located on Route 99 near Kibbutz Dan. Visitors also can explore three hiking routes and the remains of the biblical city of Laish. Park hours are 8 a.m.-5 p.m April-September and 8-4 p October-March. NIS23 ($5.50) adult, NIS12 child. Visit www.goisrael.com or www.parks.org.il.