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, born in Fassuta, became interested in iron at the age of 40. After completing a short course in the field, he began to engage in iron sculpture and after a short period of time won first prize in an iron sculpture competition held in England. Since then, Walied has won several awards for his works, in England and Italy, where they are also displayed in museums. At Walied’s gallery in Fassuta, you can hear his story, see a variety of works, be impressed by the pieces he builds and watch his demonstration of iron work.
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, a native of the Christian village of Fassuta, will be happy to host you in her home, where you can enjoy home-cooked food that Aviva prepares herself ― authentic and full of love. Aviva hosts couples, families, and groups in her home for traditional Christian food.
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
