One of the most impressive Crusader fortresses in Israel is being returned to its former glory. At Yehiam Fortress in the Western Galilee, a complex preservation project is underway, investing around NIS 1 million, aimed at restoring the splendor of the nearly 900-year-old fortress.
"I feel like Michelangelo," reveals Asaf Kessler, head of the preservation team in the Northern District of the Nature and Parks Authority. "The preservation work at Yehiam Fortress is a masterful craft, requiring deep understanding of materials and ancient construction techniques. Each layer receives a different treatment; each is a different material."
Research Before Every Action
The legendary fortress, established in the 12th century and serving as a center of battles between Crusaders and Muslims for about 160 years, was neglected for centuries and now requires thorough work. The project, funded by the Ya'ara Foundation and executed by the Nature and Parks Authority, is expected to be completed by the end of the month.
Dr. Dror Ben Yosef, Heritage Commissioner in the Northern District of the Nature and Parks Authority, emphasizes the unique research approach: "We never just approach a wall and fill it with concrete because it needs to be protected from falling. First, we conduct research on which materials the ancients used since they knew better than us how to build and preserve the specific wall we encounter."
Preservation That Disappears
The team's unique approach is based on an interesting principle: The best preservation work is invisible. "We want people to see the grandeur and splendor built here. Our goal as preservers is that our work will not be visible," explains Elad Zahari, a preserver on the team. "We actually need to preserve it and also find solutions for parts that have been lost over time."
Yehiam National Park Manager, Adib Falah, sees the combination of the ancient site with modern facilities as key to attracting visitors. The fortress, standing tall for miles around, is now considered one of Israel's historical symbols and a focal point for tourists and history enthusiasts.
"At Yehiam Fortress, the stones tell a story thousands of years old, and we ensure that this story continues to be heard, felt, and relevant to each of us, passed down from generation to generation," summarize the Nature and Parks Authority on the project's goal.
The complex work reflects the great challenge faced by heritage guardians in Israel: How to preserve ancient sites while preparing them for a modern audience. In Yehiam’s case, the solution lies in a combination of deep historical research and advanced preservation techniques, aimed at restoring the fortress’s original glory without damaging its authenticity.