Upgrading of an abandoned fort in Ashdod has made it a spectacular attraction right on the shoreline • Many couples recently got married there for free following the cancellation of events in the halls

• The abandoned building that became a romantic attraction

  Photo: 

  Mike Edrey

In the southern part of the beach in Ashdod is a fortress, probably more than a thousand years old. So far, the fort was abandoned but now the Ashdod municipality have decided to renovate and make it accessible to travelers who come to the area. The fort is right on the waterline and the pictures that come from there are simply stunning.

In recent weeks, wedding events have been canceled following the spread of the Corona virus. Many couples decided to take advantage of the fort's renovation and performed the canopy ceremony right on the waterline, among the ancient stones. Ashdod municipality allowed those couples to celebrate the wedding for free.

The fort is located at the southern end of Ashdod. It was built in the early Arab period (1099-640). Over the years, rooms have been restored and exposed cooking stoves and antiques from the ancient period. You can enjoy a tour of the citadel at all times of the year, especially in late summer, so you can see the bloom of the night candle and the lily of the beach and enjoy the sunset.

The fort will be open for free during all hours of the day and will be closed late at night. At present, the Ashdod Municipality has not yet set the operating hours, but for the romantic travelers you are advised to arrive in the evening when the lights installed in the ancient building are lit and illuminate the building. The works are part of a project that incorporates an ecological park spanning some 300 acres east and south of the citadel.

Ashdod Mayor Dr. Yechiel Lesri addressed the big issue around the Citadel, "After many years when Ashdod Citadel was the land of a few people, I am pleased to announce that this very important historic site will soon be opened and accessible to everyone. The conservation and development work carried out under the auspices of the Ashdod Tourism Society and in full cooperation with the IAA will enable tours of groups and students, families and individuals, and of course tourists from Israel and abroad. "