Masada

Masada

Masada

Where is it located?
Masada is a natural fortress in the Judea Desert which overlooks the Dead Sea in the Southern part of Israel.

A brief description
* The Masada complex, built by Herod the Great, King of Judaea, who reigned between 37 BCE and 4 CE, and particularly the "hanging" palace with its three terraces, is an outstanding example of opulent architectural design, elaborately engineered and constructed in extreme conditions.
* When this natural defensive site, further strengthened by massive walls, was occupied by survivors of the Jewish Revolt against Roman rule, it was successfully besieged by a massive Roman army.
* It is a symbol of the Ancient Kingdom of Israel, its destruction and the last stand of Jewish patriots in the face of the Roman army in 73CE.
* Today it is an archeological site of great significance. This site remained untouched for more than 13 centuries. The building and other evidence of human settlement gradually collapsed and were covered over until they were revealed in the 1960s.

* The property is managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, in cooperation with the Israel Antiquities Authority.
How do you get there?
Masada National Park is 11.2 miles (18 km) south from Ein Gedi, or 7.5 miles (12 km) north from Ein Bokek to the cable train. You can go to both places from Tel Aviv Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) by taxi, shared minibuses (sheruts) or by car (follow directions to Ein Bokek or Ein Gedi). Both, Ein Gedi and Ein Bokek, are accessible via Egged bus from Jerusalem (lines 486 and 487) and Tel Aviv (421, once a day from Arlozorov Station).
Opening hours: April - September 8 am - 5 pm, October - March 8 am - 4 pm. Fridays and holiday eves, the site closes one hour earlier.
Cable-car hours: Saturday - Thursday: 8 am - 4 pm; Friday and holiday eves 8 am - 2 pm.


Useful Visitor Information and Tips: The top of the plateau can be reached by cable-car from the Dead Sea side, or by two...

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