Background – Hotel Initiatives in Ancient Structures in Israel and the World
The most exclusive and in-demand lodging locations are in ancient structures. This is true concerning Palaces of Maharajas in India, British estates, French chateaus, ancient Caravansaries and official residences in Turkey, Paradores in Spain and estates in Italy. However, in Israel, despite its rich and glorious past, there are only a few examples of such hotels, though in recent years we have witnessed a number of initiatives to develop hotels in ancient structures and areas. Kedem's experts predict this field will continue to develop as demand for it rises. Thus, we are working on mapping and locating potential sites for this purpose. Kedem's team can accompany the entrepreneurs in the site development process leading to the operation of the projects.

Pros and Cons
The advantages of a tourist project in an ancient structure are clear to all who consider the list presented above. An ancient structure creates a sense of the unique and the exclusive, and provides a special experience for the tourist. We must keep in mind, however, that such initiatives also have disadvantages. Conserving and reconstructing old structures is more costly than conventional hotel construction. Using an ancient structure requires the developers to leave significant parts of the structure accessible to the public as a cultural and heritage asset. It is not possible to carry out arbitrary changes in the interior design of a structure designated for conservation, and thus interior spaces do not always match planning needs.

Procedure for developing a tourist initiative at an antiquities site
Most antiquities sites in Israel are in areas belonging to the Israel Lands Administration. Kedem's experts can provide developers with information regarding the property, as well as educated estimates on the expected position of the administration concerning the initiative. Well before resolving the site's status, it is possible to begin mobilizing resources for uncovering the site, conducting the necessary archaeological excavations, conducting an architectural and engineering survey, and conducting preliminary conservation work. Once the site's status has been resolved, the project can be planned using a Kedem conservation architect and engineer. After the planning concept is consolidated, and often before receiving the construction permit, it is possible to begin conservation and reconstruction. Kedem's conservation team will accompany the entrepreneur from the onset of the work until the project is fully operational. Kedem's experts can help also in investigating the background historical materials, which can be used as a source when designing the hotel, to capture the essence of the structure and time period it operated in. 

Example of a Project Gov Yosef Khan (Arabic: Jub Yusuf)
This inn is hidden within the fields of Kibbutz Amiad, not far from the Amiad junction – a spot traversed by all who travel to the Upper Galilee. The inn was constructed in the middle of the 15^th century (Mameluke period) and identified hundreds of years earlier as the pit Joseph was thrown into by his brothers (even though the Bible describes this story as taking place in the Dothan valley in Samaria).

The inn is mentioned in many historical descriptions. Its measurements are 47 x 34 meters – approximately 0.4 acres, and its state of preservation is better than all other known non-urban inns in Israel. There is a spectacular view from the inn towards the Sea of Galilee.  Inside the inn there is a water cistern which provided water to its guests.

Plan for Gov Yosef Khan

There are a number of important historical sites around the inn. Among them are: a structure identified as Jacob's house, the historical pit Joseph was thrown into, the "Birka" – an accumulation pool for run-off water - and the tomb of a Sheikh.

East of the inn is an area of uncultivated rocky land, owned by the Israel Lands Administration. Modern guest rooms can be built in this area, while the inn itself can be used as the public and business center of the hotel (restaurant, bar, reception, shops, etc.). 

A drawing of the inn in 1839, by Bayron.