Contents
Introduction
Masada is one of the greatest archaeological sites in Israel and, perhaps, across the world. It is an important and popular tourist attraction because it is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Masada is located on the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea 20 km (12 miles) east of Arad.
Herod the Great built palaces for himself on the mountain and fortified Masada between 37 and 31 BCE. According to Josephus, the siege of Masada by troops of the Roman Empire at the end of the First Jewish–Roman War ended in the mass suicide of 960 people, the Sicarii rebels and their families hiding there.
Masada is an ancient fortress occupying a breathtaking, strategic location high on a flat plateau above the Dead Sea. It is also a symbol of determination and heroism which continues to this day with many Israeli soldiers sworn in here.
Jerusalem to Masada scenic drive
Early morning at around 6 am before the peak traffic hits, we were ready to drive our rental car to Masada. The drive was smooth and after the city limits of Jerusalem, it got super scenic. With sunrise in the background facing us, sky was pinkish orange as we drove towards the Dead Sea.
Early morning drive with beautiful sunrise over the Dead Sea
Route 90 Drive to Masada was very beautiful
Judean Desert of Israel was glowing at the morning sunrise
We saw shepherds on the hillside watching the goats and sheep on the hill slopes. Drive to Masada is through Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on the Planet Earth. It was all a downhill drive after a certain point. Signs read Dead Sea. Wait a minute, we have seen these signs before! Confirmed with our guide, yes! it was the same route we took when we crossed from Jordan border towards Jerusalem 2 days back.
This time we are taking right at one point which directs us to go towards Dead Sea. There was a gas station at the junction before turning right towards Dead Sea (Route 90), so we filled our gas tank, which was delivered to us, half empty.
We saw Dead Sea throughout our drive, which looked super beautiful with the sunrise in the background. No tour buses and to say the least, not many cars were seen during our ride. It was too early.
Chris was waiting for a long time to pull over at some junction to take some photos and videos before he finally found a place and took his own time for clicking pictures.
At the Masada at 8:00 just after they opened
Just after 8 am, we reached Masada parking lot and with except of couple of other cars, no one was there. We got the tickets and at this entrance (eastern entrance), there is also a cafeteria, restaurant, souvenir shop, and first aid station.
2 Ways to Get to Masada
- The cable car – Quicker, Easier and Convenient for most tourist, who are limited on time. From the eastern entrance complex, a modern cable car goes up to the Snake Path Gate at the top of the mountain to Masada
- The Snake Path – Slower path, uphill snake path, which take about an hour going up and 30 minutes coming down. During very hot weather days, snake path is closed for climbing and decent.
We preferred the Cable Car!
From the eastern entrance there is a cable car up to the Snake Path Gate at the top of the mountain
Cable car is convenient and offers best view of Judean desert, snake path, Dead Sea and the surrounding
Visitors can also ascend to the Masada plateau via the Snake Path – a climb of about an hour
View and the ancient ruins were incredible
Walk from cable car stop to Masada
Black marking is the actual foundations of the wall
Our guide explains the details of Masada
The remains of Herod’s magnificent private palace
The synagogue – the remains of one of the only synagogues to have been preserved from Second Temple times
Herod’s Palace: built on three levels, with mosaic floors, and reconstructed wall paintings
Drawing of Masada fortress
The southern cistern – a very large cistern for collecting water on the mountain plateau
View of Judean Desert from Masada
Model of ancient Masada
Side view of model of Masada
This is how Roman soldiers tried to climb up the Masada 😉
Model of Masada – displaying bathhouse
Stairs to the Masada Bathhouse
Many visitors still come to relax in Masada bathhouse 🙂
Judah as a Roman 🙂
Impressive Bathhouse
The bathhouse – the remains of a Roman-style bathhouse with many rooms
Rain water was collected in big cisterns which are still intact. It is still a hard place to live with the harsh, lifeless desert surrounding the rock
Masada was only excavated between 1963 and 1965
Rain water is well managed at Masada for constant supply of water
Practically experimenting the water collection of the amazing Masada
Water collection in Masada
Water collection in Masada
The scenery around the Masada is just spectacular
What a view of the Dead Sea!
Dead Sea backdrop
On our way down from Masada
We used cable car both ways
Masada is the most complete and biggest Roman siege camp that still remains today.
Entrance Fees
Adult – NIS 28, child – NIS 14
Group (over 30): Adult – NIS 23, child – NIS 13
Students- NIS 24
Opening Hours
Summer:
Sunday – Thursday and Saturday – 8 am – 5 pm
Fridays and the eve of holidays – 8 am – 4 pm
Winter:
Sunday – Thursday and Saturday – 8 am – 4 pm
Fridays and the eve of holidays – 8 am – 3 pm
On the eve of holidays, 8 am – 1 pm
On the eve of the Day of Atonement, 8 am – 12 noon
Best View Points
- The eastern observation point – a breathtaking view of the Dead Sea and the hills of Moab.
- The observation point in the Northern Palace – a view from Herod’s private palace. From here it is possible to see the He’etekim Cliff in the Judean Desert, the shores of the Dead Sea, the ancient path to the springs of Nachal Tze’elim, and the Roman siege dike.
- The western observation point – with a lovely view of the Judean Desert, Nachal Masada, and the Roman ramp.
- The southern observation point – looking out over the He’etekim Cliff and Mt Eleazar, where the Roman army set up its eighth camp.
National Geography Video on Masada
Tips for visiting Masada
- Masada is a great place to visit either for sunrise or sunset.
- Combine the visit of Masada with other popular attractions in this area for complete day trip of around 8-10 hours
- Other attractions closer to Masada are Ein Gedi (where David spares Saul’s life) National Park, Dead Sea (Lowest point on Planet Earth), Overlook of Jericho (the famous battle of Jericho happened), St. George Monastery
- Check to see the sound and light show of Masada – an audiovisual show held in the amphitheater
- Camping overnight is possible and it is free
- Many tour companies offer sunrise or sunset tours to Masada
Entire Holy Land Trip Index
Trip to Israel as family was amazing. Getting to see the Holy Land which we have read and heard about since our childhood Bible story days is truly special indeed. We have put forth 50 detailed post on our DIY trip to Israel & Jordan. Check out our entire 10 Day Trip Index of Holy Land. We would love to hear your feedback.
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