The Serpentine Turns

Beit Shemesh, IL

The Serpentine Turns
The Serpentine Turns
Location
Beit Shemesh, IL
Category
iconic bucket list
Coordinates
31.8071997, 34.9929437
Best time
Morning or early afternoon
Weather tip
Check the local forecast before visiting.

Overview

The Serpentine Turns, or 'HaSivuvim HaMetutalim,' represent a critical engineering feat from the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Located in the rugged terrain near Beit Shemesh, these hairpin turns were hastily carved into the mountainside to facilitate the transport of essential supplies to a besieged Jerusalem. During the War of Independence, the main road to the city via Latrun was blocked by the Jordanian Arab Legion, necessitating an alternative route. The 'Burma Road' was conceived as a secret, makeshift track to bypass these enemy-held positions. The Serpentine Turns were specifically constructed to allow heavy trucks to navigate the steep, treacherous incline of the Judean Hills, which were otherwise impassable for vehicles laden with food, water, and ammunition. Today, the site stands as a somber monument to the ingenuity and determination of the Israeli forces and civilian volunteers who laboured under darkness to break the siege. For those planning a trip to the area, visiting this historic route offers a unique perspective on the logistical challenges of the conflict. As you consider various places to visit in the region, the Serpentine Turns provide a poignant link to the past, serving as a testament to the resilience of those who fought to keep Jerusalem connected. It remains a significant stop for those exploring the history of the War of Independence and seeking deeper context on local attractions.

General information

The Serpentine Turns, or 'HaSivuvim HaMetutalim,' represent a critical engineering feat from the 1948 Arab-Israeli War. Located in the rugged terrain near Beit Shemesh, these hairpin turns were hastily carved into the mountainside to facilitate the transport of essential supplies to a besieged Jerusalem. During the War of Independence, the main road to the city via Latrun was blocked by the Jordanian Arab Legion, necessitating an alternative route. The 'Burma Road' was conceived as a secret, makeshift track to bypass these enemy-held positions. The Serpentine Turns were specifically constructed to allow heavy trucks to navigate the steep, treacherous incline of the Judean Hills, which were otherwise impassable for vehicles laden with food, water, and ammunition. Today, the site stands as a somber monument to the ingenuity and determination of the Israeli forces and civilian volunteers who laboured under darkness to break the siege. For those planning a trip to the area, visiting this historic route offers a unique perspective on the logistical challenges of the conflict. As you consider various places to visit in the region, the Serpentine Turns provide a poignant link to the past, serving as a testament to the resilience of those who fought to keep Jerusalem connected. It remains a significant stop for those exploring the history of the War of Independence and seeking deeper context on local attractions.

Did you know

  • The Burma Road was named after the famous supply route in Asia during World War II.
  • The road was often constructed at night to avoid detection and shelling by the Jordanian Legion.
  • Many of the trucks used on these turns were modified to handle the extreme gradients of the Judean Hills.

History

During the 1948 War of Independence, the strategic bottleneck at Latrun prevented the passage of supplies to Jerusalem. In June 1948, Israeli forces surveyed a rugged, mountainous path that bypassed the blockade. This route, later dubbed the Burma Road, required the rapid construction of the Serpentine Turns to allow heavy logistics vehicles to climb the steep terrain. The work was carried out under immense pressure, often by hand, to ensure the survival of the Jewish population in Jerusalem, who were suffering from severe shortages of water and food. The successful completion of this road is credited with shifting the strategic balance of the war in the Jerusalem corridor.

Cultural significance

The Serpentine Turns serve as a physical embodiment of the 'Spirit of 1948.' They are culturally significant as a symbol of improvisation and national survival. The site is frequently visited by school groups, veterans, and history enthusiasts to commemorate the logistical efforts that saved Jerusalem. It represents the transition from the desperate defense of the city to the establishment of secure supply lines. The preservation of this site ensures that the narrative of civilian and military cooperation during the siege is passed down to future generations, underscoring the high cost of the road to independence.

Geography and landscape

The site is situated within the Judean Hills, characterized by steep limestone ridges and deep wadis. The landscape is rugged and historically difficult to traverse, which is precisely why the Serpentine Turns were engineered with such sharp, winding curves. The area is largely Mediterranean scrubland, offering dramatic views of the surrounding valleys. The terrain is rocky and uneven, typical of the Jerusalem corridor's topography, which provided both a natural barrier to movement and a strategic advantage for those who knew how to navigate its hidden paths.

More facts

  • Imported from OSM batch

Nearby attractions