Zippori

ציפורי

An ancient hilltop city with impressive Byzantine mosaics, including the famous Mona Lisa of Galilee, and ruins spanning Greek, Roman, and Byzantine periods. Now a national park, it offers beautiful gardens alongside archaeological treasures and panoramic views of the Galilee landscape.

Things to do

• View the Mona Lisa of Galilee — Admire the stunning 5th-century Byzantine mosaic portrait of a woman in the Villa of Dionysus, one of the most celebrated ancient artworks in the region.
• Explore the Roman Theater — Walk through the partially restored 2nd-century Roman amphitheater that once hosted performances and could seat hundreds of spectators.
• Wander the Byzantine Churches — Visit the remains of multiple Byzantine-era churches with intricate floor mosaics depicting geometric patterns, animals, and religious imagery.
• Hike the Garden Paths — Follow scenic walking trails through manicured gardens and olive groves that wind between archaeological sites with panoramic Galilee views.
• Visit the Antiquities Museum — Browse artifacts and explanatory displays about Zippori's layers of history from Hellenistic through Islamic periods in the on-site museum.
• Climb to the Hilltop Summit — Ascend to the highest point of the archaeological park for 360-degree vistas across the rolling Galilee landscape and neighboring regions.

Food to try

• Hummus with Za'atar — Creamy chickpea paste drizzled with olive oil and topped with the local herb blend za'atar, a Galilean staple found at nearby restaurants.
• Galilee Fish from the Lake — Fresh tilapia or St. Peter's fish grilled with lemon and herbs, sourced from the nearby Sea of Galilee and served at local eateries.
• Fattoush Salad — Mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, and crispy pita chips dressed with sumac and lemon, representing Levantine tradition.
• Knafeh — Warm shredded phyllo layered with melted cheese and pistachios, drizzled with sweet syrup—a beloved Palestinian dessert sold at park vendors and nearby cafés.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect the Sacred Sites — Many mosaics and church floors are living archaeological records; stay on marked paths and avoid stepping on or touching the ancient artwork.
• Visit Early or Late for Comfort — Galilee summers are hot; arrive in early morning or late afternoon to enjoy the park without extreme heat and to see mosaics in better light.
• Learn the Multilayered History — Zippori was known as Sepphoris in antiquity and holds significance across Jewish, Christian, and Islamic heritage—understanding this context enriches your visit.
• Wear Sturdy Walking Shoes — The site involves climbing uneven terrain, ancient stone steps, and hilly pathways, so comfortable footwear is essential for safe exploration.