How to visit and what to see in historic Masada (Israel): schedule, prices

Un trip to Israel It is, above all, a Cultural trip where you can discover the places where great historical events happened.

In this regard, one of the places most visited by tourists who travel to Israel es Masada, One archaeological remains which are currently considered one of the National Parks from that country.

Masada It was a great fortress with palaces and other rooms, which the king ordered to be built. king herod in the year 30 BC on top of a large rocky promontory located near the Dead Sea.

Currently declared Heritage awarded by the Unesco, on your trip you can now visit archaeological remains that are preserved on the plateau occupied by this type of truncated pyramid 450 meters high with respect to the level of the Dead Sea.

I can tell you that from this enclave you will have spectacular views to the east. Panoramic views of the aforementioned Dead Sea.

As a curiosity, I will tell you that said sea is 400 meters below sea level. Mediterranean coast, and in front of Masada you have the mountains of the current territory of Jordan the background.

And to the west you will see the landscapes that correspond to the judean desert.

Masada siege history

However Masada It is especially known for a great event that in history has remained as symbol of the heroism of the Jews.

This is how the collective suicide that occurred in Masada is considered, in some ways similar to what happened in the Celtiberian city of Numancia during the Roman occupation of Spain.

After the death of Herod, the great fortress of Masada, characterized by its impregnable location due to the cliffs that surround it, was left in the hands of the Roman empire.

In the year 66 AD, after beginning the First Jewish Roman War, a community of the most violent group of Jews of the time, the zealotsThey attacked by surprise Masada and they occupied it.

After finishing the aforementioned revolt with the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple, in the year 70 AD Rome decided to send Masada a legion that established eight camps that surrounded the impregnable fortress with the aim of starting a siege.

But the truth is that Masada It had stored food that could last up to seven years, as well as an ingenious water supply system.

After two years of siege, the Romans finally decided to attack the fortress.

To this end, the slaves began to build a big ramp of land more than 100 meters high that allowed us to approach the walls of the fortress.

After several weeks of construction, the Romans built a large wooden tower with catapults so that the troops would be able to carry out a definitive assault.

Faced with this situation, the Jews met and decided that they preferred to die before being captured to become slaves.

To carry out the collective suicide, they decided to draw lots among the men so that it was decided who would be the last one left alive.

Each man killed his family and the last killed all the men in the community before committing suicide.

When the Romans finally carried out the final assault, they were met with the dramatic scene of mass suicide.

I remind you that of the history of Masada director Boris Sagal filmed a TV mini-series in 1981 starring Peter O'Toole,

Before climbing to the plateau where the remains of Masada, in the Visitors Center you will be able to see a documentary presentation of the enclave which includes scenes from said film.

How to climb Masada

For visit the Masada fortress, maybe you might be interested in meeting her in one of the tours with guide in Spanish that come out so much from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.

If instead you prefer  go up to visit the archaeological remains of Masada On your own, we show you the three options you have.

On the one hand, and what is most common among visitors, is get to Masada by road that runs along the banks of the Dead Sea, where you will access the Visitors Center and to the museum.

You can walk up a very steep and winding path, known as the Serpent's Path, whose access opens to the public one hour before dawn, and which will take you an hour to walk.

Or what most visitors do, ride a cable car to the top of the plateau.

And the third option is to get to Masada along a winding road that passes through Arad Access the west side of the park, and walk up the Ramp Road.

This is the same route that the Romans used for the final attack, and it will take you a walk of just under half an hour.

What to see in Masada

Once you reach the plateau where the old fortification is located, on your walk through it you will be able to see numerous archaeological remains, among which what stands out is what was the palace of the king herod.

In this area you can look out to the terraces from where you have impressive views.

You will also see some roman baths, with areas that preserve mosaics and painted murals, and also the remains of the large storage rooms, especially for cereals, wine and oil.

You will also pass through corners that correspond to what was a mikveh (Jewish ritual bath), a synagogue, watchtowers or even an ancient Byzantine church.

By all the Masada archaeological site There are rest areas with benches and canvas covers, which is essential for tourists since the visit during much of the year is very very hot.

In these areas there are information panels that explain the history of the various corners of the enclosure, or curiosities such as the fortress's water supply system.

In short, a truly essential visit due to the imposing desert landscapes that you can see and the dramatic history that surrounds it.

Masada Schedule

The times to visit Masada They are, every day of the week, from 8 in the morning to 5 in the afternoon, except on Fridays, when the national park closes at 4 in the afternoon.

In winter the park closes an hour earlier.

Here you can consult all the Useful information for visiting Masada, including ticket prices.

How to get to Masada