Yechiam Fortress National Park

September 13th 2010

Yechi’am Fortress National Park is a crusader fortress located in the Galilee, about 20 minutes from the city of Nahariya. The fortress was built by the crusaders in the 12th century and destroyed in 1265 by the Baybars. In 1946, Kibbutz Yechi’am was built in its place and they used the walls of the fortress later on as protection against Muslim attack during the 1948 War of Independence. At the national park, there is also a mosque, assembly hall, and a watch tower that affords visitors amazing views of the western Galilee from different angles. Visitors to the park can also watch a short documentary about the role Kibbutz members played during the war in 1948. Many festivals are held at this national park during the year.