- Address: Zikhron Ya'akov, Israel;
- Website: ramat-hanadiv.org.il;
- Phone: +972 4-629-8111;
- Working hours: daily from 08:00 to 16:00 (Fridays to 13:45).
Whatever may be said about the excessive economy and frugality of the Jews, in history there are many examples of unprecedented generosity of representatives of this nation, especially when it comes to the welfare of the native people. One of them is connected with the life of the French Baron Rothschild, a native of Israel , who made an invaluable contribution to the development of Jewish settlements, sacrificing a colossal amount of money (more than 40 million francs) for that time. To perpetuate the memory of the nobility of Rothschild was decided by creating a special park, symbolizing the beauty and breadth of the soul of the Baron.
The history of the Rothschild park
Everything began in the distant 1882. At this time, several dozen participants of the organization "Hovevei Zion" decided to organize a winery on the slope of Mount Carmel, in the Zammarin area, having bought 6 hectares of land from a rich Arab from Haifa . However, things went badly, stony soil was heavily cultivated, there was a catastrophic lack of money. So the idea of creating a new settlement in the past would remain, if the employee of Baron Rothschild did not appear in these parts. He told his master about the setbacks of the settlers. The Baron ordered the purchase of the best winemaking equipment and transferred money for the development of production.
Soon the former wasteland was not recognized. In its place grew a real city, which was decided to name Zikhron-Yaakov (in honor of the father of the baron-benefactor). It was one of the first Jewish settlements that appeared on the map thanks to Edmond de Rothschild. In all there were about 30.
In 1914, the Baron visited Israel, and then began talking about his cherished desire - to be buried in the Promised Land. In 1934 the heart of the great patron stopped in France. But nobody forgot about his request. Not far from Zikhron-Yaakov was created a beautiful memorial park with a burial vault for the Baron and his wife, who died immediately after her husband. In 1954, the remains of the pair were transported to Israel and buried in a park named after Rothschild. The second name of this place is Ramat-ha-Nadiv, which translates as "philanthropist hill" or "garden of the lavish".
What to see?
On the main gate there is a forged emblem of the Rothschild dynasty with the motto of the dynasty, which in Latin means "Consent, diligence, honesty".
Baron Rothschild's park covers an area of 500 hectares. You can select individual locations:
- "Cascade" - the flowers here are planted on large flower beds, located in the form of a kind of wide staircase (this zone is on a hill, which allows one to contemplate a picturesque view from the observation deck at the very top of the "Cascade");
- rosary - apart from fragrant roses of different varieties, there is a beautiful fountain and a sundial that together create an original sculptural composition;
- the tomb of the Rothschild family - the crypt was created in the likeness of ancient Jewish burials, the structure itself is made of dark stone, and the sarcophagus is made of black basalt, beautiful flower beds and artificial ponds with flowering lilies and water lilies;
- garden of irises - the collection has about 50 varieties of this beautiful flower, among which are a few very rare representatives of this family;
- palm grove - here palm trees are gathered from different corners of the globe;
- aromasad - in this area there is an incredible atmosphere, the air is literally soaked with fragrant spicy smells, on the flower beds are plants with a pronounced aroma: rosemary, laurel, lavender, sage, etc.
In Rothschild Park in Israel you will make stunning photos at any time of the year. When some plants fade, others blossom. In addition, there are several beautiful fountains, recreation areas with carved benches and figured shrubs, waterfalls, decorative ponds with fish. More than 50 gardeners work in the Rothschild Park so that you can admire all this splendor.
Information for tourists
- the entrance is free;
- The park is open daily from 08:00 to 16:00 (Fridays to 13:45);
- on the territory it is forbidden to light a fire, walk with dogs, walk on lawns, arrange picnics;
- in the park of Baron Rothschild there is a cafe, a children's playground, a parking lot;
- sometimes there are entertainment events, concerts, various show programs.
How to get there?
Access to the Rothschild Park can be done by personal or excursion. There are no buses here.
If you are traveling by car, hold onto Route # 4. At the intersection of Binyamina, do not miss the ramp to the No. 653 road. Then you should drive to the road ring, then turn left. You will be taken to Derekh-ha-Atmut Street. After passing along it to the next ring, take the street Derekh Nili (to the right). On the way, you will have a tunnel, after which you will have to turn on highway No. 652, leading to Zikhron-Yaakov. Next, follow the signs for the road. In 10-15 minutes you will be in place, near the park of Baron Rothschild.