Beautiful Banias

The Banias Spring flows at the bottom of Mount Hermon and emerges powerfully through a canyon for 3.5 km. Leading down to the Banias Waterfall, the most impressive cascade in Israel. Nine kilometers from its source, the Hermon Stream meets the Dan, and together they form the Jordan River.

A path near the spring goes to the Banias Cave. Nearby, five niches carved into the cliff wall are a remnant of the temple to Pan. Which gave the site its name: Paneas or Pameas (pronounced Banias in Arabic). Remains of a temple built by Herod are in front of the cave. After Herod’s death, his son Philip inherited this area, and in 2 BCE Philip founded his capital near the Banias Spring, calling it Caesarea Philippi.

 

At the site of Caesarea Philippi, this is where Yeshua asked his disciples, "Who do men say I am?" This is in Mark chapter  8:27. 27 and Yeshua went with his disciples, to the villiges of Caesarea Philippi; and on the way he asked his disciples, "Who do men say I am?" 28 And they told him, "John the Baptist, and others say Elijah; and others of the prophets." 29 And he asked them, "But who do you say I am?" Peter answered him, "You are the Christ." 30 And He charged them to tell no one about him.  

Now the beautiful Banias Springs. This is truly the most beautiful path in Israel. It is a breathtaking journey through a cooled path below the normal ground level. If you were up at the parking lot, it was very hot but as soon as you enter the path next to the springs, you are totally cooled down and are in awe. Its absolutely beautiful through the Banais. Its really indescribable…you would have to experience it yourself to fully understand.

A 45-minute loop trail passes Roman and Crusader period sites. The trail to the waterfall takes about 90 minutes. About 150 m along that trail, it crosses the Govta Stream under a Roman bridge. It continues to the hydroelectric power station and the reconstructed, water-powered Matroof flour mill, where Druze pita with labaneh (goat cheese) is for sale. The Officers Pool, 350 m farther along, now a habitat for Capoeta damascena fish, was used by Syrian officers before 1967.

 









Just from the pictures I bet your saying, wow! It's georges! Your seeing just the pictures, but you havent seen the real thing until you go and see it yourself. :)