Gan HaGat, meaning "Wine Press Garden" in Hebrew, is a hidden gem of Tel Aviv that perfectly encapsulates the juxtaposition of ancient and modern in Israel.Located among the city buildings and accessible only by a small side street, this public garden is relatively unknown. It is frequented mainly by young families, whose children enjoy the playground with slides and swings. But a small flight of steps leads to an archaeological discovery of great importance: a wine press dating from the Hellenistic period, around 400-200 BCE.The wine press consists of three parts: a flat surface where the grapes were trodden, a shallow silo to separate the residue, and a deep silo where the grape juice was collected. Stone pillars and millstones from the same period can also be found in the garden, scattered here and there and often used as makeshift benches by visitors.This garden has an interesting history: in the 1940s it was a transport base for the British Army, but it passed to the Israel Defense Forces after Israel’s independence in 1948. In the following decade, the IDF planned to develop the base for its own purposes, but during construction tractors accidentally bumped into the archaeological remains.The Tel Aviv municipality then modified the plans. It called in archaeologist Dr. Yaakov Kaplan, who spent the next ten years excavating the wine press and dating it to the time of the great king and high priest Alexander Janeus. The municipality further developed the site for public use, planting trees of the Seven Species – olive, palm and pomegranate – to reinforce the Israelite atmosphere. In 1971, the site was officially opened to the public and declared a public garden.As you admire the wine press and sit on the ancient stone pillars, be sure to check out a small hidden staircase to the left of the press. As you descend into what looks almost like a cave, be sure to touch the impressive walls made of thin layers of kurkar (lithified sand dune) rock and drink the water that flows from the fountain hidden in the rock. The bench in front of the fountain is often frequented by lovers because of its secluded location.Gan HaGat is a fascinating place that embodies the essence of Tel Aviv, combining its thousand-year history with the city’s vibrant modern life. It offers a unique experience combining history, archaeology and natural beauty. It is an ideal place for a quiet stroll, a relaxing break, or simply to soak in the fascinating atmosphere of an ancient winemaking tradition in the heart of a modern city.
