Meet Caesarea
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History
Before Caesarea became the magnificent city it is known for, a small coastal settlement called "Straton's Tower" existed here. It served as a modest trading point and harbor, chosen for its strategic coastal location. This early foundation later enabled the creation of one of the most impressive cities of the ancient world.
King Herod founded Caesarea as a grand Roman port city, naming it after Emperor Augustus Caesar. A massive artificial harbor, one of the largest in the ancient world, was built here alongside a theater, markets, bathhouses, and planned streets. Caesarea became a symbol of power, innovation, and prestige.
Caesarea became the administrative capital of Roman Judea. The city flourished as a center of governance, commerce, and culture, with a diverse population and advanced infrastructure, including impressive water systems that supported sophisticated urban life over many years.
During the Byzantine era, Caesarea reached another period of prosperity. Public spaces expanded, magnificent buildings and intricate mosaics were constructed, and the city served as an important regional hub and capital of Palaestina Prima province.
Following the Muslim conquest in the 7th century, Caesarea underwent gradual transformation. Some urban systems declined, yet its strategic importance as a coastal city remained. This era represents transition, adaptation, and ongoing life.
During the Middle Ages, Caesarea became a fortified city with walls, a fortress, and commercial areas. Its urban character evolved to meet the complex security realities of the Crusader era.
In the 13th century, Caesarea was destroyed by the Mamluks and declined for centuries. Only toward the end of the Ottoman period did a small coastal village reemerge alongside the ancient ruins, a humble yet meaningful return of human presence.
In February 1948, an attack on a bus by the Lehi militant group prompted most residents to flee. The Palmach, under the command of Yitzhak Rabin, then captured the village. The houses were demolished and the site was opened for archaeological excavation.
In 1952, modern Caesarea was founded alongside the ancient city, managed by the Caesarea Development Corporation under the spirit of the Rothschild Foundation. A rare blend of world heritage, Mediterranean coastline, luxury living, museums, a living amphitheater, and a UNESCO World Heritage candidate site.
What Makes Caesarea So Special?
Caesarea offers a rare and exceptional blend between an extraordinary historical legacy, luxury and quality of life, between past and present and between preservation and innovation when everything merges in complete harmony.
It brings together everything you are looking for: breathtaking nature, privacy, space, an outstanding community, proximity to the sea, tranquility, and an exceptional living standard!
Once an ancient port city built by King Herod during the Roman Empire, Caesarea now offers a unique residential experience at the heart of one of Israel’s most prestigious and refined communities.
Here you’ll find remarkable archaeological sites, one of Israel’s most beautiful beaches, fine dining, galleries, a world-class golf course, and carefully designed architecture that beautifully blends elegance with aesthetics.
Caesarea is thoughtfully planned – preserving privacy, serenity, and a perfect balance between nature and development.
The quiet, the sense of security, the meticulous planning, and the feeling that every detail is considered – all create a rare living environment in Israel; a place where you can truly live comfortably, breathe, dream, and host.
Caesarea is far more than a location – it is a lifestyle. It offers much more than a home:
a diverse, high-quality community, excellent educational opportunities, immediate access to Israel’s main highways connecting north and center, and close proximity to Tel Aviv and Ben Gurion Airport – along with a truly luxurious living experience.
For international residents and Olim, Caesarea offers a gentle and welcoming landing – a safe, comfortable, and accessible lifestyle, with a supportive international community and the option to live in a place that speaks your language.
For investors, Caesarea preserves property value thanks to strong demand, limited supply, an exclusive community character, and growing interest from both Israeli and international buyers.
Caesarea is not just a place to live – it is an opportunity to create a new life, in an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Israel.
Caesarea Management
Caesarea is managed under a unique model unlike any other in Israel, led by the Caesarea Development Corporation (CDC), established at the initiative of the Rothschild family. The corporation is responsible for planning, developing, and managing the entire town – including infrastructure, public spaces, environmental quality, and cultural and leisure areas.
Municipally, Caesarea belongs to the Hof HaCarmel Regional Council.
The Rothschild Family & Caesarea – A Vision That Continues to Live
The Rothschild family’s connection to Caesarea is rooted in a long-term vision of developing the land with responsibility, excellence, and public purpose.
Baron Edmond Benjamin de Rothschild, known as “The Well-Known Benefactor,” purchased the lands of Caesarea and dedicated them to future development for the benefit of the public.
Today, this vision lives on through the Edmond de Rothschild Caesarea Foundation and the Caesarea Development Corporation, which together manage the town while preserving its heritage and ensuring an exceptional quality of life for generations to come.
Caesarea’s Unique Land Ownership Model
Caesarea operates under a unique land management model in Israel: the land in the town is not state-owned and does not belong to the Israel Land Authority. Instead, it is managed by the Caesarea Development Corporation, an organization established by the Rothschild Foundation.
As early as the second half of the 19th century, the Rothschild family began purchasing land in the Caesarea area. After the establishment of the State of Israel, a change in land ownership took place: the Rothschild family transferred all of its properties and real estate in Israel to the state free of charge, including the Caesarea lands (approximately 30 square kilometers).
In the late 1950s, a new partnership model was formed between the State of Israel and the Rothschild family for the development of the Caesarea region – the Caesarea Foundation (Edmond de Rothschild Caesarea Foundation).
This partnership structure is jointly owned by the State of Israel and the Rothschild family, and it was determined that Caesarea’s lands would be jointly developed through a dedicated corporation. As a result, the Caesarea Development Corporation (CDC) was established as the foundation’s executive arm.
Over the years, residential Clusters, a business park, and tourism and leisure areas have been developed throughout Caesarea, fulfilling Baron Edmond de Rothschild’s vision, under a strict management framework that ensures high construction standards, architectural consistency, and careful preservation of environmental and lifestyle quality.
This model enables Caesarea to maintain its unique character: a prestigious, green, and tranquil community, planned and managed much like leading international premium communities, offering residents planning stability and an exceptional standard of living.
Local Taxes
Various municipal services for Caesarea residents are provided partly by the Caesarea Development Corporation (CDC) and partly by the Hof HaCarmel Regional Council.
Therefore, local tax payments are divided into two: a bi-monthly payment to the CDC, and a bi-monthly payment to the Hof HaCarmel Regional Council.
Want to Discover More?
Explore the different neighborhoods in Caesarea and find the perfect home for you.