Hippos (Golan Heights) Archaeological Site

Address: Hippos (Susita) archaeological site, Golan Heights

Website: https://en.parks.org.il/reserve-park/susita/

Hours: Open daily; seasonal hours vary - check operator before visiting

Admission: Entrance fee applies (managed by Israel Nature and Parks Authority)

Hippos, also known by its ancient name Sussita, is an archaeological site on a prominent ridge in the Golan Heights overlooking the Sea of Galilee. It was an important Greco-Roman and Byzantine city and a member of the Decapolis.

Excavated remains include a Roman theatre, a colonnaded cardo, public baths, basilicas and city walls, with visible layers from Hellenistic, Roman and Byzantine periods. The raised site provides clear views across the Sea of Galilee and the surrounding plain, which is a principal reason visitors come.

Founded in the Hellenistic era and developed strongly under Roman rule, the city became a bishopric in the Byzantine period and was largely abandoned after a major earthquake in the 8th century. Excavations have been conducted since the 20th century by international archaeological teams.

Hippos occupies a plateau on the eastern edge of the Golan Heights; the ruins are exposed on the hillside above the lake and the site is reached by road from settlements on the Golan and Israeli sides of the lake.

• Views over the Sea of Galilee: The site sits above the eastern shore of the Sea of Galilee and offers extensive panoramic views across the lake and surrounding plain from the excavation area.
• Visitor conditions: Archaeological trails are laid out across the hill and suitable walking shoes are recommended; much of the site is exposed and best visited in cooler months.

What to See#

• Theatre: A Roman theater and associated seating carved into the hillside remain visible and date to the Roman and Byzantine occupation of the city.
• Cardo and streets: The main north-south colonnaded street (cardo) and sections of paved roads show the urban grid and connect public buildings across the site.
• Basilica and church remains: Ruins of basilicas, domestic buildings and bath complexes attest to the city’s Byzantine phase and Christian community before abandonment.

• Visit early morning or late afternoon for the best light on the ruins and the sweeping view of the Sea of Galilee - the hilltop panorama is the site's standout feature that many visitors miss.
• Follow the marked trail to the summit and open‑air ruins rather than just viewing from the parking area; the mosaics and city layout are scattered across terraces and are easy to overlook without a short walk.
• Combine Hippos with nearby Golan sites (e.g., Gamla or Mount Bental) on the same day to make the most of the remote drive and regional viewpoints.