Directions: Travel on Highway 89 towards Nahariya towards Mizrahi/Safed. Just before Hurfeish, turn left on Highway 8925 towards Fassuta/Elkosh/Abirim. Pass Elkosh and Fassuta and just before entering the village of Abirim there is a green sign with a cattle gate next to it. You can park your car there and start the route from there. Walk about 150 meters until you reach a sign that says “Knights Stronghold” (מצד אבירים), where you turn right and after 50 meters you reach the site.
The Knights Stronghold dates back to the Roman-Byzantine period (1500-2000 years ago), built of huge stones. When you climb the walls of the building, a breathtaking view opens up before us. The walk to the stronghold is through a Mediterranean forest where you can see pre-season bloom and be impressed by oak and sycamore trees.
From the Knights Stronghold, we will drive 5 minutes to a fascinating encounter with the blacksmith Walied Khoury in the Christian village of Fassuta.
Walied is a resident of Fassuta village who at age 40 developed an interest in iron. After finishing a short course on the subject, he began working iron and, not long after, won first place in a metal sculpting contest in England. Since then, he has received several awards in England and Italy, where his works are on display in different museums. At Walied’s gallery in Fassuta you can hear his story, see a variety of ironworks and furniture he makes and also watch a demonstration of his blacksmithing skills.
And now we will take a short tour of the colorful alleys of Fassuta, with Rima Khoury, a fascinating and groundbreaking woman.
Photo: Dr. Avishai Teicher
The tour of the Christian village of Fassuta offers beautiful and picturesque alleys, impressive churches, and encounters with fascinating local people. You can choose from the tours offered by Beit Rima ― an alley tour, a culinary tour, a combination of both. In any case, enjoyment is guaranteed.
Aviva Khoury, is a native of the Christian village of Fassuta and in her warm home, you can stay, hear her personal story, and most importantly – enjoy fresh, authentic, and loving food. Aviva hosts couples, families, and groups for traditional Christian food at her home.
Cooking workshops can also be booked.
Don’t forget to pre-order a meal with Aviva Khoury, a home cook who hosts traditional and delicious meals in her home.
Western Galilee Now is a registered non-profit grassroots organization (NGO) promoting awareness and appreciation for the region’s boutique wines, beers, food and produce, along with its cultural diversity, its historic traditions and the area’s scenic routes nestled between the mountains and the Mediterranean Sea acting as a Chamber of Commerce to boutique tourism operators in the region.
We expose the visitors to the unique heritage and hospitality through workshops, culinary events, art, music, guides tours, festivals and also through our Tourist Information Center in Akko, owned by JNF USA which we were chosen to operate since Jan. 2016.
Our vision is to develop local and foreign tourism based on close cooperation between all the interested parties in the region.
Come and Taste Experience Discover – the Westen Galilee is NOW!
עברית
