A touch of Venice in the Holy Land
Visitors to Raanana Park in central Israel can take a ride in first Zionist gondola; art lovers can also stroll through park which features huge sculptures
RAANANA - The country’s first-ever gondola has been imported to the Israel directly from Venice.
Interested parties can now forego the trip to Italy and enjoy the special experience at a small lake in central Israel’s Raanana Park.
If you find yourself in a romantic mood, head to the lake at dusk and sink into the gondola’s lavish seats. You will soon be surrounded by Italian music and swans lazily swimming around the barge.
Moshiko Silvas, who also serves
as the gondolier, imported the gondola.
Silvas, who hails from a Greek family of sailors and boat builders, says he came up with the idea after a local official turned to him for proposals to upgrade the lake.
“It took me a grueling month to refurbish this special vessel”, Silvas says.
He says most of his clients are hardcore romantics or couples who want to be photographed before their wedding, but adds that the experience is suitable for all ages.
“The gondola cannot be flipped or drown,” he says.
A standard 30-minute cruise will cost you NIS 150 (about $30), but you can opt for the ultimate experience and book an authentic troubadour to serenade you and your loved one. That pleasure, however, will set you back NIS 750 (about $150.)
To book in advance, call 972-57-7264144
Enjoying the park
If you make it to the green, clover-shaped Ra'anana Park, you may also want to put on your sneakers and hit the footpaths for a good hike. On the way you will encounter a small bridge and a 200-seat café by the water.
Be forewarned however, the food served there is not the cheapest, while the service leaves something to be desired on busy days.
Art lovers would also enjoy a stroll through the park, which features 18 huge sculptures. The works range from the figurative to the abstract and are made of stone, wood, and marble.
A gallery near the lake also hosts a variety of art shows.
If you bring your children along, head to the small zoo located on the premises, which features over 100 animals, including peacocks and goats. The park also offers a nice playground and a skating area, as well as soccer and basketball facilities.
City residents are admitted free of charge; outside visitors pay NIS 15 (about $3), while children 13 and under pay NIS 10 (about $2.)
For more information, call 972-9-7713275.
