Latrun
Latrun is a hilltop in Shfelah overlooking the road between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, 25 kilometers west of Jerusalem. The hill is home to several sights.
Understand
The name Latrun is derived from a medieval Crusader castle which was located at the hill. During the 1948 ArabโIsraeli War the hilltop and surrounding areas was the site of several major battles. Due to its significance, the official memorial site for fallen soldiers from the armored corps is located at Latrun.
Dotted around Latrun are several small villages and kibbutzes, most notably Neve Shalom. Known as Wฤฤงat as-Salฤm in Arabic the village was jointly founded by Israeli Jews and Arabs and offers opportunities for educational work.
Get in
On foot
- See also: Israel National Trail
The national trail which runs Israel's full length north to south passes by Latrun.
Get around
See
- ๐ Yad La-Shiryon (ืื ืืฉืจืืื). Israel's official memorial site for fallen soldiers from the armored corps. The site also features a tank museum with over 100 different tanks, some of Israel's own and others captured during combat. Entrance โช30.
- ๐ Mini Israel (ืืื ื ืืฉืจืื). Features more than 350 replica models of historical, religious, archaeological and modern sites in Israel. While once a popular destination, it is now reported to be somewhat run-down, and not worth the price. Entrance โช69.
- ๐ Latrun Abbey. A Roman Catholic monastery and winery.
- ๐ Castle Latrun. Only fragments is left of the old castle, reputedly built in 1130 AD. However the views are magnificent and well worth the hike.