The Digging at the Central Bus Station

During the reconstruction of the Central Bus station, workers accidentally found the remains of a building that dates back to 500 A.D. Experts estimated that the central bus station was built on the remains of a Byzantine city that existed in the region in the fifth and sixth centuries CE. Several important findings from that period were discovered nearby. For example, the Negev shopping mall was built on the remains of a Byzantine church, and another church is located under the parking lot of the nearby municipal market. In addition, the market itself and the Muslim cemetery are located on the remains of a Roman-era military camp. A bathhouse, residential buildings and industrial installations of the same period were also found in the area. In fact, researchers estimate that the construction of the station in the 1970s involved the demolition of several Byzantine remains that had survived over the years. The recent excavation focused on the underground spaces in the Byzantine period. Among other things, potsherds, cellars that served as storerooms, oil lamps, copper coins and glass vessels were exposed.

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"Mifalei Tahanot" which built the new station, decided to combine some of the architectural findings and put them on display at the entrance to the new bus station. Watch your step so you do not miss history under your feet!