Horvat Yarda – Yarda Ruins

Yarda Ruins hold archeological finds from various  periods from the Roman to the Ottoman. The impressive stone structure, with its arched entrances, used to be a Turkish manor house. This manor house was built at the end of the 19th century in the form of a square around an internal courtyard with a cistern in the center.

Yarda was a very small Arab hamlet whose residents fled during the Israeli War of Independence. It was here that the Cease Fire Agreement between Israel and Syria was signed in July, 1949.

The Battle of Yarda

The toll of the Israeli War of Independence in the Battle of Yarda was 101 casualties. This was the most western point to which the Syrian forces penetrated during the Israeli War of Independence.

After the UN Security Council’s declaration of partition in November 1947, the site came under attack from Fawzi al-Kaukji’s Arab Liberation Army. During Israel’s War of Independence, the outpost at the site was held by forces from the Oded and Carmeli Brigades. These defenders fought against the Syrian army. The Syrians had broken through into Israel via the road that ascends from the Gesher Bnot Yaakov bridge and via Mishmar HaYarden. Fighting in the area was fierce, especially since the Syrian troops had occupied Mishmar HaYarden (adjacent to where Kibbutz Gadot stands today). Eventually, in July 1948,after several conquests and retreats the Carmeli Brigade occupied the site. This occupation prevented the Syrian army from advancing further into Galilee.

The talks on a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Syria took place here, opposite Yarda, on the highway that leads from Mahanayim to Mishmar HaYarden.

Yarda Ruins IDF Memorial

Directions: Drive eastward from Mahanayim Junction in the direction of Gesher Bnot Yaakov (“Daughters of Jacob Bridge” – Route 91). Continue for 3.2 kilometers, and before you reach Moshav Mishmar Hayarden. Turn northwards (left) on to a road that makes its way between orchards. A signpost along the road indicates the way to Horvat Yarda.

Free Parking. No entrance fee.

Ein Yarda

Yarda Spring flows here in the channel of Mahanayim Stream A visit to Ein Yarda is a unique opportunity to enjoy a fascinating heritage site and a pleasant babbling brook .

How do you get to Yarda Ruins?
Drive eastward from Mahanayim Junction in the direction of Gesher Bnot Yaakov (“Daughters of Jacob Bridge” – Route 91). Continue for 3.2 kilometers, and before you reach Moshav Mishmar Hayarden, turn northwards (left) on to a road that makes its way between orchards. A signpost along the road indicates the way to Horvat Yarda. Drive for another 800 meters or so until you reach a crossroads. Turn left for Ein Yarda (the track is unsuitable for private cars) and continue straight on for another 250 meters or so until you reach the Horvat Yarda parking lot.

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