Luzit Caves

The Luzit Caves - hidden caves and crawling tunnels.
A complex of rock-hewn bell caves, connected to a large space.

The Route:
The "Luzit Caves" or the "Bell Caves" are centuries-old, dating back to the Hellenistic period. They were quarried by humans and were discovered in the coastal plain.
The caves were hewn in a soft chalk bedrock and resemble bells, the ceiling is a thick layer called "Nari," with a thickness of up to three meters.

Most of the caves were dug to a depth of a few meters. Some caves were dug to a depth of about 20 meters. The quarrying form gave these caves the nickname the Bell Caves. A multitude of bell caves created a combination of several caves that formed very large spaces with several openings in the ceilings made of Nari.

The material that was dug out of the caves was used for local construction, and, for the manufacture of lime. The huge spaces that were created were used by the local residents for various purposes such as storage, columbarium, plastered water cisterns, workshops, and more.

Inscriptions and cross marks engraved by the quarry were found on some of the cave walls and preserved in the site. There is an inscription of a Roman soldier from the period of the Bar Kokhba Revolt.

The cave walls consist of triangular and square niches, both widthwise and to the top of the walls. These niches were believed to have been used for the cultivation of carrier pigeons, sacrificial pigeons, and as sources of food. The niches were used for nesting and laying eggs. It was further assumed that the farmers used the pigeon eggs to improve the soil for agricultural crops.

What more?
Crawling through the tunnels is dirty, so it is recommended to come with comfortable clothes that can get dirty.
The crawling caves are crowded and narrow, it is recommended not to enter with bags and if there are children crawling it is highly recommended for an adult to lead. In the middle of the crawl you will reach a step about a meter and a half in height, and be careful, inside the tunnels is very dark and a flashlight must be used.

How to get there?
Using WAZE, write Moshav Luzit. Opposite the entrance to the moshav, there is a dirt road, turn left (south) and drive on a dirt road to the parking lot near the Luzit Caves.
For those coming from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv on Highway 1, exit at the Sha'ar Hagai interchange to route 38/Beit Shemesh - Beit Jubrin, past Ella junction, continue about 2 km to the Sarigim Li-On intersection, turn right towards Luzit/Agur. 
Continue for about 9 km on Route 353 until Moshav Agur and turn left with the road towards Luzit, until you enter Luzit (to the right).
Opposite the entrance on the left is a dirt road, turn left and drive on a dirt road (unmarked) to the parking lot located near the Luzit Caves.