How a 25-ton ancient mikveh was moved intact

How conservators protected and moved a 25-ton Second Temple-period Jewish ritual bath from Carmei Gat, and the plan for its return.

TheStateOfIsrael.com
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A suspended stepped bath presents the entire structure as the load; the weight label explains its scale.
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A cutaway separates blue support beams beneath the stone shell from pale protective foam around it.
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Two location nodes distinguish the current storage place from the planned public setting; a dashed arrow represents the planned return.
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The Israel Antiquities Authority moved a 25-ton Second Temple-period mikveh from Carmei Gat to safekeeping at Beit Guvrin.

Four conservators spent about two weeks preparing it. Steel beams supported the structure, while gauze, adhesive and foam protected it for the lift and journey.

The authority plans to return it for public display when neighborhood development is complete. The move was reported on 17 September; its exact date was not specified.

Read the slides

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A whole mikveh, moved intact

KIRYAT GAT · HERITAGE A whole mikveh, moved intact. 25 tons This Jewish ritual bath from Carmei Gat, Kiryat Gat, is about 2,000 years old.

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Protection for the journey

BEFORE THE LIFT Support below. Protection around. Foam around Steel beams below Gauze and adhesive held the old plaster in place before the lift.

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Safekeeping before public display

WHAT COMES NEXT A temporary move for safekeeping. Beit Guvrin Now Carmei Gat Planned public display The Israel Antiquities Authority plans its return after local development is complete.

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