Masada Fortress

On a 400-meter cliff overlooking the Dead Sea are the ruins of Masada Fortress. It is one of the most famous sites in the country and should not be missed when traveling to the Dead Sea, not only because of its archaeological treasures and magnificent view, but also because of the place the fortress holds in history books and in the hearts of the people of the country – it is the last stronghold of the Jews in the land captured by the Romans. After capturing the fortress, the Zealots, a socio-political and religious movement in Judea, held it for seven years, repelling continuous Roman attacks. When their resistance was finally broken, they all committed suicide, preferring death to captivity. Today, young recruits are brought to Masada, and it is a major pilgrimage site.

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General Information

The powerful fortress of Masada was built in the 1st century AD as the opulent palace of King Herod, with luxurious baths, a huge palace complex and a swimming pool.

The grounds of the complex are very large, and excavations have uncovered a lavish Roman villa, storerooms with huge jars, and eight Roman camps on the lower part of the slopes – for Roman soldiers defending the fortress. Archaeologists have found the remains of a synagogue – believed to be the oldest in the world, dating back to the Second Temple era.

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There are two roads leading to Masada: one from the Dead Sea and the other from Arad. A funicular takes visitors up the steep cliff, and for the more energetic there is the Roman embankment (from Arad) and the so-called snake path (from the Dead Sea side) – rather difficult but enjoyable hiking routes. At the foot of the rock on the Dead Sea side, an impressive museum complex has been built, which houses many of the artifacts discovered during the excavations. And on the other side of the cliff, unique light and sound shows are organized, telling the history of the fortress.

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Tel: (08) 658-42-07 / 8

www.parks.org.ilOpen: April – September daily 8.00-16.00, October – March daily 8.00-17.00 (closes one hour earlier on Fridays).Entrance feeBuses: 486, 487 (Jerusalem), 421 (Tel Aviv), 384 (Be’er Sheva), 444 (Eilat).

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