Masada

Masada is not only important because it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site or an ancient fortress occupying a breathtaking, strategic location high on a flat plateau above the Dead Sea, but also because of its symbolic importance of determination and heroism which continues to this day with many Israeli soldiers sworn in here. While at Masada, you’ll also have the opportunity to see the largest Israeli flag, emphasizing this inspiration.

This mountain is one of the greatest archaeological sites in Israel and, perhaps, across the world. Its dramatic ascent can now be made by cable car, but the drama and imagery that this site portrays is no less powerful than it ever was. Many people opt to join a Masada tour, enjoying a guide who will bring the site to life.

History of Masada

The fortress was built in the year 30 BCE by King Herod, whose architectural feats have left their mark throughout the country. At the beginning of the great revolt against Rome in the year 68 CE, the site was conquered by a group of Jewish zealots, and Masada became their last stronghold.

In the year 72, the Romans besieged Masada and succeeded in reaching the steep fortress after constructing a huge earthen ramp on its western side. In the year 73, the 960 Jewish zealots living at the top chose to commit suicide rather than fall into the hands of the Romans alive. Their deeds left behind a saga of courage, heroism, and martyrdom.

The remains of the fortress are well-preserved and have been reconstructed in an effort to pay homage to the site and its heroic inhabitants. The most impressive structure remaining is King Herod’s northern palace, built on three rock terraces overlooking the gorge below.

Near the palace is a large Roman-style bath house with a colorful mosaic floor and walls decorated with murals. Many other buildings at the site – such as the luxurious western palace, the mikveh (Jewish ritual bath), storerooms, watchtowers, and synagogue relate to the history of Masada, especially when viewed with artifacts such as storage containers, decorated pottery, scrolls, and coins.

The beautiful embossments and murals that were discovered on the walls of buildings on the site were restored by Italian experts to preserve them for years to come. This is the largest and most complete Roman siege camp that remains today.

Climbing Masada

Masada is extremely high and can be ascended on foot by the winding “snake path” or by a cable car that runs from the tourist center at the foot of the mountain to the top. The tourist center also features a movie about the story of Masada, a model of the site, and an exhibit of the archeological findings.

Many like to climb Masada at sunrise, which has become something of a tradition, with the spectacular view of the Moab Mountains and the Dead Sea.

Events

As well as the archaeology, the site’s amazing and iconic setting has made it a popular place for concerts and events throughout the year. As well as the thrilling sound and light show, presented against the dramatic backdrop of the western side of Masada, tells the story of the rebels’ last days at the cliff-top fortress, which takes place throughout the summer months, there are many events at around the site, including concerts and a prestigious opera festival.

Visiting Masada

The most magical time to visit is as the sun rises above the desert. Tourists can easily do this from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem.

Tours of Masada

There are many tours that leave from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. These provide many tourists with the opportunity to access the site because public transport, whilst accessible, isn’t as simple. Most tours also include visits to the Dead Sea.

• Masada, Ein Gedi, Dead Sea, and more Tour – available every day, a guided tour of Israel’s most interesting sites. Leaves from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv. If you’re based in Eilat – you can join this Masada, Ein Gedi, and Dead Sea Tour from Eilat.
• Masada Sunrise Tour – available every day, a unique tour that climbs Masada at sunrise, then continues to hike at Ein Gedi and float in the Dead Sea. Self-guided and you climb Masada on foot. Leaves from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.
• Masada and Dead Sea Tour – available every day, a fully guided group tour which ascends Masada via cable car, and goes on to the Dead Sea. Leaves from Tel Aviv and Jerusalem.
• Masada Private Day Tour – totally custom but usually these day tours go to Masada, Ein Gedi, and the Dead Sea, plus a couple of other sites as desired. Leaves from wherever you like.

Visiting independently

The article about how to get to Masada could be useful because public transport isn’t always simple in this region. Masada is open on Saturdays (Shabbat).

The Snake Path opens about one hour before sunrise. It closes at 09:00 on extremely hot days and the descent closes at 10:00. When heat is extreme, the Snake Path ascent closes at 08:00 and the descent closes at 09:00. The descent via the Roman Ramp is open as usual.

The Museum and the rest of the park are open at the following times:

SUMMER: April to September 8:00 am – 5:00 pm
WINTER: October to March 8:00 am – 4:00 pm
On Fridays and holiday eves, the site closes one hour earlier than above.

Cable-car hours: Sat. to Thurs: 8:00 am – 4:00 pm.; Friday and holiday eves 8:00 am – 2:00 pm Yom Kippur Eve 8:00 am – 12:00 pm.

Masada Entrance Fees

Entrance with cable car two ways : Adult: NIS 77; child: NIS 45; Israeli senior citizen: NIS 62.

Eastern side (entrance and climb Snake Path): Adult: NIS 31; child: NIS 17; Israeli senior citizen: NIS 16.

Masada National Park combination ticket (entrance and cable car one way) Adult: NIS 59; child: NIS 31; Israeli senior citizen: NIS 30.

Cable-car one-way: Adult NIS 28; child NIS 14; Cable-car round trip: Adult NIS 46; child NIS 28.

NB – National park entrance fee, two-way cable car, and entrance to private Dead Sea beach (altogether worth approximately 35 USD) are included in this guided one-day Masada and Dead Sea Tour (a great value option)

Masada Sound & Light Show

The show takes place from March to October every Tuesday and Thursday.

From March to August, the show takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 P.M. In September and October, the show takes place on Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 P.M.

Spectators must arrive at least 30 minutes before the show starts. Vehicle access is via the Arad-Masada road only (the other side of the Dead Sea).

Entry fees: Adult NIS 41; child NIS 34; Groups (over 30 people): Adult NIS 37; child NIS 28.