Daughters of Jacob Bridge Bridge

The Daughters of Jacob Bridge (Hebrew Bnot Yaakov, Arabic Jisr Benat Ya’qub) is a crossing of the upper Jordan River in northern Israel. The site is historically significant for its strategic river ford and for medieval military activity in the area.

In the 12th century a Crusader fortress known as Chastelet was built at Jacob’s Ford and was destroyed by Saladin in 1179 after a siege, an event recorded in Crusader chronicles. The crossing has continued to be of local strategic and transport importance through later periods and is commemorated in modern parkland and archaeological remains.

Today the vicinity is managed as a national park and visitor area in Israel, with visible river crossings, ruins and interpretation relating to the medieval history and the river environment. The bridge and nearby access points lie in the northern Jordan River valley above the Sea of Galilee.

• Crusader fortress: Site of the Crusader fortress at Jacob’s Ford that was destroyed by Saladin in 1179, a key episode in the Crusader-Muslim conflicts of the 12th century.

The bridge is located on the northern Jordan River corridor and is reachable by road from nearby towns. Access and specific crossing details can vary due to security protocols-check local authorities for current conditions before visiting.

• Combine a visit with a walk along the River Jordan on the Israeli side-both bridges have different atmospheres and histories.
• The site is on politically sensitive ground; check local conditions and access, particularly near border security installations.
• Bring binoculars-the area offers good birding and river views from the bridge approaches.