---
title: "Western Samaria - A Gem of Beauty 30 Minutes from Tel Aviv"
description: "Western Samaria is one if the most beautiful parts of the country, and it is less than 30 min away from Tel Aviv."
url: https://www.best-israel-tours.com/post/western-samaria-a-gem-of-beauty-30-minutes-from-tel-aviv
language: en
---

Home › Blog › Western Samaria - A Gem of Beauty 30 Minutes from Tel Aviv

# Western Samaria - A Gem of Beauty 30 Minutes from Tel Aviv

[Levi Zelkind](https://www.best-israel-tours.com/about-zelkind-bible-land-tours) · 1 May 2021

Western Samaria is one if the most beautiful parts of the country, and it is less than 30 min away from Tel Aviv. Migdal Zedek near the modern Rosh Ha-Ayin is an ancient citadel initially built over 4,000 years ago by the Pharaonic Egyptians and later rebuilt by the Romans, Byzantines, Crusades, and Ottomans.

Migdal Zedek fortress

The Deir Qala Byzantine fortress and monastery at the outskirts of Peduel in Samaria was once described by the British survey expedition as “perhaps the most beautiful and best-preserved of the ruined monasteries in Israel.” A cross is engraved on the lintel above the entrance to remind us that the citadel was built by the orders of the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th Century.

Dir Qala

And this place is also called "a Balcony of the country" as a breathtaking view of most of Central Israel opens from there.

Balcony of the Country

Remember? It's all less than 30 min drive from Tel Aviv!

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