Ashdod (Jerusalem, Israel)

The ancient port of Ashdod is actually the port to Tel Aviv, located on the Mediterranean coast of Israel. it is situated between Ashkelon to the south (20 km/12 miles away) and Tel Aviv to the north (32 km/20 miles away). Jerusalem is 53 km/33 miles to the east. The city is also a major regional industrial center. According to Israel Central Bureau of Statistics, the city Ashdod had a population of 220,170 in 2015, on an area of 47,240 dunams (47.240 km2/18.240 mi2).

In ancient times the city was famous as Jaffa, and traces of its first settlement were discovered on top of the hill above the harbour. Jaffa is a former Arab town with winding streets and old buildings, while Tel Aviv features wide avenues lined with modern apartment houses and trees. Ashdod is the gateway to one of the most captivating cities in the world, Jerusalem. From here tourists can visit Bethlehem and Church of the Nativity, and see the shrine built over the site where Christ was born, or the Dead Sea and Massada.

The Greeks, Maccabees and Phoenicians, each ruled Jaffa for a time. The introduction of Christianity started with the preachings of Apostle Peter. During the 11th century, the Crusaders fortified the town, and in more recent times, in 1948 the forces of Israel captured the city from the Arabs, declaring it the state of Israel.

Ashdod cruise terminal