The stalagmite and stalactite cave in the Avshalom Reserve (a.k.a. Me'arat Ha-Neti-
fim or Soreq Cave) contains spectacular speleological splendors. Discovered less
than 30 years ago when a routine blast at a nearby quarry exposed a view into the
cave, this site has been transformed into a major tourist attraction. The artificial
lighting and paved pathways may disappoint adventurous spelunkers but can't
etract from the natural majesty.
Bus #404, 409, 433, or 435, from either Jerusalem (30min. every 30min. NIS16.90) or
Ramla (15min. NIS14.90). Ask the driver in advance to stop in Latrun and remind him.
N EAR JERUSALEM
A stern hilltop sentinel on the highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, Latrun
blends monasticism with an ancient tradition of miUtarism. The Bible says Joshua
fought the Canaanites here, and Latrun later served as base camp for the Romans,
Richard the Lionhearted, and Salah ad-Din. In 1917, the British took Latrun from
the Turks and built a giant police fortress. Israeli forces tried unsuccessfully to
capture Latrun in 1948 in order to get supplies to the besieged city of Jerusalem.
Only by carving out a new road (dubbed the Burma Road) almost overnight to cir-
cumvent Latrun were Israeli forces able to defend Jerusalem. In 1967, the Israelis
recaptured Latrun from the Jordanians and were able to build a more direct high-
way between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
The Armored Corps Museum, above the Alon filling station, contains 120 armored
battle vehicles from Israel and surrounding countries. Highlights include an
exhibit of stamps featuring armed forces from all over the world and a model of
the tank planned by Leonardo da Vinci over 500 years ago. There is also a memo-
rial to the 4864 armored corps soldiers killed in battle. (Call ahead
to arrange a tour with an EngUsh guide at no extra charge. NIS20, students NIS15,
children NIS10. Open Su-Th 8:30am-4:30pm, F 8:30am-12:30pm, Sa 9am-4pm.)
Famous for its wine, the hillside Latrun Monastery offers beautiful views of the
surrounding area's nearby biblical sites, including Emmaus, Agalon, and Betho-
ron. A church and peaceful gardens sit beside the monastery. On Saturdays, a
short film describing the life of a monk is screened. The French Trappist Order,
part of the great monastic family of St. Benedict, founded the monastery as a cen-
ter for silent contemplation and reflection. The shop near the main gate offers a
wide selection of wines and spirits. To reach the monastery, whose orange roof-
tops are visible across the Tel Aviv Jerusalem highway, go right and downhill from
the gas station. Pass the front of the monastery; the entrance road will be on your
left. Church and gardens open M-Sa 8am-noon and 3:30-
5pm; shop open M-Sa 9am-lpm and 2:30-6:30pm.)
After his resurrection, Jesus was said to have appeared to two of his disciples on
the site of the Emmaus (Nicopolis) Church (Mark 16:12-13, Luke 24:13-31), now the
French Prehistorical Research Center. To reach the church, turn left out of the gas
station and walk along the Tel-Aviv-Jerusalem highway for about 15 minutes.
Another 100m along the road is the entrance to the Canada Park, a beautifully for-
ested area with water holes and the remains of an amphitheater.