Masada
- Address: Masada
- Hours: Apr - Sept 8am - 5pm, Oct - Mar 8am - 4pm. Fridays and holiday eves, site closes one hour earlier.
- Admission: Cable Car entrance: NIS 67; Snake Path entrance: NIS 25
ATTRACTION Keywords:
UNESCO Heritage Site,
Palace,
Ruin - Ancient,
Synagogue,
Town / City
The incredible fortress of Masada, located in the astonishing Judean Desert near the Dead Sea, has been symbolic to the Israeli people since the Roman era, symbolizing bravery and self-sacrifice in the face of adversity. The plateau is surrounded by rocky cliffs on all sides, and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
Upon arriving, you can either walk to the entrance or take a cable car lift. While the cable car is the fastest way to reach the site, you can walk up the two beautitful paths of either the "Snake Path" or the Roman Ramp.
When you have reached the top, explore Herod's palace complex with its amazing ancient bath houses and mosaics. There are also remnants of Roman encampments, synagogues, and homes. Combined with the breathtaking views of the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea, Masada is an experience not to be missed.
Latest Reviews
Review by Philip G, May 2013
Doing what: Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Tel Aviv
Very enjoyable, enlightening and the guide, Menashe, was very knowledgeable and interesting.
Review by Andrea Madrid, Honduras, May 2013
Doing what: Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Jerusalem
One of the best experiences of my life. The view from Massada is awesome, afterwards we ate in the restaurant of this arqueological park which the food was really good and clean.
I suggest to take an umbrela to protect from UV rays.
Review by Bojan B, May 2013
Doing what: Masada and the Dead Sea Day Trip from Tel Aviv
The tour was an unforgettable experience. The landscape is just stunning, especially the view from the ruins of Masada. And swimming in the Dead Sea is a thing that should be on everybody's bucket list. Also, I'd like to mention Adi, our charming tour guide. She was very well informed and happy to talk to us about every aspect of the sights and live in Israel in general. Big thumbs up!
Practical Info
If you have a private car, you can access Masada from either Road 90, which runs along the coast of the Dead see, or Road 3199 from Arad. There is a parking lot at the end of the road, from which you can ascend the plateau.
If you're taking a bus, you can take the 486 from Jerusalem or Ein Gedi, or the 421 from Tel Aviv.
