Man-made caves: Hazan and Luzit
Hazan caves
A beautiful scenic road leads to Hazan caves, near Lachish, south of
Kiryat Gat. Hazan caves are a network of artificial caves built in the
second century A.D. under a small agricultural farm. The inhabitants were
engaged in olive oil production, and built an olive press in the main
cave. Jews used the caves as a hiding place, in the time of Bar Kochba
revolt against Romans. The caves served as halls, kitchens, store rooms,
water cisterns; they are connected by narrow passages, where we had to
crouch or even crawl, it was a lot of fun. The caves are well lit, the
site-keepers screen a short film about the site.
(NB: Some time ago Hazan caves were reported closed for general
public. Check before you visit.)
Luzit caves
The bell-shaped Luzit caves, north of Kiryat Gat, are of different nature.
Actually they were limestone quarries, much like the caves of Bet Govrin. Some of them are partially
exposed to daylight, and get beautifully painted with sunset colours. But
some of them are dark, and are better explored with a
good flashlight.
Pictures
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