Beit Itab

The Route:
Walking to the top of the mound is the remains of a Crusader farm from the 12th century AD, the farm was probably established by a European nobleman named Johannes Guttmann, known as the owner of the fastest horse in the kingdom, but which did not prevent him from being captured by the Muslim.
His family had to sell the estate in Bayt 'Itab to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher to free him from his captivity.
The building, which was well fortified, was established on a hill that was 665m high.
In the later period, an Arab village called Bayt 'Itab was established there. It was also there during the British Mandate. In the south-west, a grove of eucalyptus trees is planted in the landscape of the natural wood. These trees were planted in the British period by the British army, on the way from Emek Ha'Ela to Bayt 'Itab and served as a rest stop for the British soldiers.
During the War of Independence, the Arab village of Bayt 'Itab was abandoned. The remains of the Arab village, terraces, almond groves, fig trees, pomegranates and more are scattered around the area.
Above the roof of the building you can view a 360-degree view of the coastal plain and the Jerusalem hills, Moshav Bar Giora and Nes Harim.

What more?
In the parking lot, there is a children's playground, benches, and picnic tables.
The route starts from the car park. It is recommended to start the trail on the red marked path and return on a path marked in black. Walk in the wadi, about 200 meters, to the KKL-JNF signposts that turn left onto the hill. After a short walk, you will arrive at a natural grass lawn at the mouth of an open cave.
After a visit to the cave, you continue to climb the hill, through a natural grove to the top of the next hill, where the Crusader fortress in Bayt 'Itab will emerge.
The entrance to the fortress is forbidden due to archaeological excavations and the risk of collapse.