Judean Lowlands: Canaanite fortress reopens after major renovation
KKL-JNF spent 400,000 NIS on conservation and visitor infrastructure at the 12th-century BCE site near Kibbutz Gal On.
By Rafael Bailey ·
Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF) re-inaugurated the Gal'on Fortress on Thursday morning, marking the end of extensive conservation work. The 12th-century BCE site is located in the Guvrin Forest within the Judean Lowlands. The organization partnered with the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) to complete the project. This facility serves as a public access point for a structure believed to have protected local Canaanite inhabitants from foreign incursions, likely by Philistines.
The fortress measures approximately 18 by 18 meters in a square formation. It features a watch tower at each corner and a solid rock threshold weighing about 3 tons. Inside, stone plates covered the inner court, with columns placed at the centers. Living quarters and storehouses lined both sides of the court. Archaeologists found thousands of earthenware pieces in these inner chambers. Some items remained intact, suggesting they were used for worshiping local gods.
Dr. Saar Ganor and Dr. Itamar Weissbein, who led the 2018-2019 excavations, described the site as a glimpse into the geopolitical reality of the Book of Judges era. They noted that the Land of Canaan was still ruled by Egyptians at the start of the 12th century BCE. The arrival of Israelites and Philistines led to bloody territorial struggles. The fortress was built in a strategic location overlooking the main road connecting the coastal plain to the Judean Lowlands. This placement suggests it was part of a Canaanite or Egyptian attempt to manage the new geopolitical situation.
KKL-JNF invested approximately 400,000 NIS in the renovation. The funds covered preserving the citadel and coating buildings with a preservative that blends into the landscape. The organization also installed new visitor infrastructure. This includes parking, a new access road, a picnic area, and a new signage system. The site now offers handicapped-accessible parking and an accessible path to the citadel.
Eyal Ostrinsky, chairman of KKL-JNF, stated that preserving heritage sites is a responsibility to pass the story of the land to future generations. He said the fortress allows the public to experience a chapter of history firsthand amid the forest landscapes. Ami Shahar, conservation deputy director-general at the IAA, emphasized that archaeology continues through preservation and safeguarding. He invited the public to explore the remains and enjoy the combination of history, nature, and accessibility.
Heritage Minister Amichai Eliyahu commented on the site's relevance during periods of security vigilance. He noted that the struggle for the land is not a new story. He said that in the days of the Judges, communities faced conflicts with neighboring peoples. He added that visiting the site connects visitors to their roots and sharpens the responsibility to protect the land.
The renovation was part of a collaboration between KKL-JNF and the IAA to excavate, preserve, and develop the site. The goal was to maintain historical values while making the area accessible to the general public. The site is surrounded by conifers, broad-leaved trees, and Mediterranean shrub.
