Mount Tabor

Destinations in Israel

Mount Tabor is located in Lower Galilee, Israel, at the of the Jezreel Valley, not so far from the Sea of Galilee. In the Hebrew Bible (Like in Joshua, for example), Mount Tabor is the site of the Battle of Mount Tabor between the Israelite army under the leadership of Barak and the army of the Canaanite king of Hazor, Jabin, commanded by Sisera. In Christian tradition, Mount Tabor is the site of the transfiguration of Jesus.



Mount Tabor: It’s Geology

The Mount is geologically a Horst. In other words,  a mass that was raised above its surroundings due to tectonic activity. The displacements of the Syrian-African Rift have caused many geological faults in the Galilee mountains. Including those near the Nazareth Mountains. Specifically the Turan Mountains, and near the Tavor River.

So the result is the appearance of elevated areas, called the horst. It is assumed that Mt. Tabor was formed as a result of this geological activity. To the west and northwest of Mt. Tabor is an area that includes limestone, dolomite, and chalk. So that type of rock formation made it possible to create natural caves on the mountain. The local rock was used to build buildings on the mountain. Very few water sources are to be found in the area. In fact, The Lower Galilee region suffered from a lack of groundwater. On Mount Tabor, there are storage cisterns for water, in which rainwater is collected, using a drainage system on the roofs of the buildings on the mountain.



Mount Tabor was completely covered with vegetation until the days of Ottoman rule. During the First World War, many trees were cut down for the purpose of burning the valley train locomotives. As part of the Jewish National Fund’s efforts, forests have been planted on the mountain trying to restore the original vegetation. The mountain is covered with pine and carob trees.

 
apt-stamp-white@2x
arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik Haglili, an Israeli native who decided to dedicate his life to share my knowledge about the Holy Land to those that are interested to know more about this amazing piece of land. My career as a private tour guide started at the International School For the Studying of the Holocaust and the rest is history.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Beth Alpha Synagogue

RELATED POSTS

Carmel Market

The Carmel Market is ideal for food lovers! I invite you to explore the Carmel market with my Culinary Tours that I offer daily.

Chapel of Adam

The Chapel of Adam is located beneath the Golgotha Hill in the church and is believed to be where Adam, the first man, was buried.

Tel Zafit

Tel Zafit National Park encompasses the ruins of the ancient city of Gath, the birthplace of the legendary biblical figure, Goliath.

Gamla Nature Reserve

Gamla Nature Reserve in days past was a Jewish city in the Golan Heights. Gamla was destroyed by the Romans in the Great Revolt.

Saint Joseph Church

Saint Joseph Church is located in the heart of Nazareth. According to medieval tradition, it was built on the site of the workshop of Joseph.

Church of Mary Magdalene

The Church of Mary Magdalene is a church located on the Mount of Olives, near the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem. Click here for more!

Montfort Castle

Montfort Castle is one of the most beautiful sites to visit in Israel. Nestled in the Galilee just above Kziv Stream. It's the place to ...

Room of the Last Supper

The Room of the Last Supper (The Cenacle) is believed to be the site of the Last Supper where Jesus ate his last meal with ...

Tel Hai Monument

The Tel Hai Monument is a Jewish national monument in Upper Galilee commemorates the deaths of eight Jews who fell in the Battle of Tel ...

Mount Meron Nature Reserve

Mount Meron Nature Reserve, located in Galilee, is the largest Mediterranean nature reserve in Israel. Declared a national park during the British era, this spacious ...

Need help?