Banias is a national park and archaeological site located in the Golan Heights region of Israel. The area is known for its natural beauty, including waterfalls, pools, and lush greenery. It is also a historically significant site, known in ancient times as Caesarea Philippi, and is mentioned in the Bible.
Banias is home to a large natural spring that feeds the Banias River, which flows into the Jordan River. The area has been a site of human settlement since ancient times, and the Greeks and Romans built temples and other structures in the area, including a temple to the god Pan.
In the Middle Ages, Banias was a strategic stronghold, and the castle and fortifications that remain today date back to the Crusader period. The Ottomans also occupied the area, and remnants of their presence can still be seen.
Today, Banias is a popular tourist destination, offering hiking trails, picnic areas, and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Visitors can explore the ruins of ancient structures, including a theater, temples, and a large bathhouse. The park also includes a visitors center with exhibits on the history and ecology of the area.