Mi'ilya: Archaeology, Winery and Olive Press

Mi'ilya brings together archaeological traces from different periods and traditional oil production. Excavations have uncovered settlement layers and the remains of a wine-making facility; the cellar of Chateau du Roi contains a Crusader-era winery from the 12th century and a Roman cistern. El Maazara continues to produce oil using a donkey-powered millstone. This lets you explore the place through different interests: the history of its settlements, archaeological structures or continuing olive oil production.

Archaeological traces from different periods

An excavation in Mi'ilya, reported on in 2022, uncovered settlement layers from the Crusader, Mamluk and Ottoman periods. Based on the finds, a cistern was constructed no later than Roman times. Thus, three named settlement periods meet an even earlier structural trace. For travelers interested in history, these findings offer several points of connection across time, rather than limiting the focus to a single period.

During an excavation in Mi'ilya, the remains of a facility used as a winery were uncovered. It comprises an eastern wing (Area A) and a western wing (Area B). This east-west division illustrates the facility's spatial layout; its use as a winery also offers a clue to its function. Those interested in archaeological structures can therefore consider not only the facility's function but also its layout.

Winery and cistern in Chateau du Roi

The cellar of Chateau du Roi in Mi'ilya contains a Crusader-era winery from the 12th century and a Roman cistern. After dining at Chateau du Roi, visitors can view the antiquities found in the cellar. This combines a meal with a specific historical attraction: the winery and cistern represent two distinct architectural features.

Traditional oil production at El Maazara

El Maazara is a 400-year-old, family-run olive press in Mi'ilya. It continues to produce oil using a traditional method in which a donkey powers the millstone. El Maazara is defined not only by its age: its method of production is also still in use. If you are planning a visit, arrange the details with the operator.

Choose the focus of your trip

The themes differ in character: the excavations focus on the history of the finds and the facility's layout; at Chateau du Roi, the cellar antiquities can be viewed after a meal; and El Maazara represents continuing oil production. When looking for a holiday apartment in Mi'ilya, you can consider which focus will shape your trip most. Would you like it to be centered more on archaeology, the opportunity to visit Chateau du Roi, or traditional crafts? This comparison can help you choose Mi'ilya to suit your cultural and travel interests.

A cultural connection in the Northern District

In the Northern District, Tel Megiddo is one of the biblical tells that UNESCO describes as representative of sites with significant remains of cities associated with the Bible. This broader cultural connection offers a different angle from Mi'ilya's archaeological traces and continuing oil production.

Discover more destinations: Kidmat Tsvi, Shomera, Ramat Gan, Matta‘, Paran, Daliyya, Ma'ayan Baruch, Ka'abiyye-Tabbash-Hajajre.

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