Ancient caves near Jerusalem, Israel, with historical inscriptions.
Historic cave system in Jerusalem, Israel. Located in the Jerusalem District, the caves are part of a limestone hill 214 meters above sea level. The caves were used during the Roman and Byzantine periods, and contain columns, inscriptions, and burial chambers. Accessible by foot or rappelling. Nearby are remains of ancient roads and Russian buildings.
Luzit Caves are a series of bell-shaped caves located on a flat hill in the Jerusalem District of Israel, approximately 1 km southeast of the settlement Luzit. The caves are interconnected and form large chambers and halls. They date back to at least the Hellenistic period and were used until the Arab period. Some caves contain columbaria—square and triangular niches carved into the walls for raising pigeons. Inscriptions, crosses, and a Roman soldier's inscription from Bar Kokhba’s revolt are also found within the caves. Visitors can access the caves on foot or by rappelling. Nearby are networks of water caves, underground passages, an Antillean well 30 meters deep, cisterns, and ruined buildings. The hill was formerly home to the Arab village Dir Dab'an until 1948. The Israel Nature and Parks Authority has declared the site unsafe for visitors due to safety concerns. Nearby attractions include a network of water caves and underground passages, as well as an Antillean well, cisterns, and ruined buildings.
