In the days of the Great Revolt, the last of the rebels against Rome entrenched themselves at Masada and turned their desperate fight into a symbol of the struggle for freedom. Because of the enthralling historic events that took place on the mountain, and the archaeological finds that have been revealed there, UNESCO has declared Masada National Park a World Heritage Site.
Main Points of interest
The western complex – access to Masada National Park from the direction of Arad (Route 3199).
The sound and light show – an audiovisual show held in the amphitheater.
Roman siege engines – reconstruction of Roman siege engines.
Overnight camping – permanent tents and campsite (for a fee)
The ramp – ascent to the site up the ramp built by the Romans takes about 15 – 20 minutes.
The ancient northern cisterns – a visit to the vast water cisterns carved out of the mountain.
The mountain plateau:
The Northern Palace – the remains of Herod’s magnificent private palace, built on three levels, with mosaic floors, and reconstructed wall paintings.
The synagogue – the remains of one of the only synagogues to have been preserved from Second Temple times.
The Lots room – the room in which potshards were found bearing the names of the Sicarii living at Masada during the Revolt.
The Byzantine church – the remains of the church of the hermit monks, with a mosaic floor and decorated walls.
The Western Palace – a spacious palace built during the time of Herod.
The bathhouse – the remains of a Roman-style bathhouse with many rooms.
The commandant’s office – a set of rooms decorated with reconstructed wall paintings.
The southern cistern – a very large cistern for collecting water on the mountain plateau.
The eastern complex:
Access to the Masada National Park from the direction of the Dead Sea (Route 90). At the eastern entrance, there is also a cafeteria, restaurant, souvenir shop, and first aid station.
Masada Museum – the Yigal Yadin Masada Museum has been open since 2007, a gift of the Shuki Levy Foundation. A visit to the museum can also include a theatrical narrative experience, giving visitors the background and setting the scene before visiting the site itself.
The cable car – from the eastern entrance complex, a modern cable car goes up to the Snake Path Gate at the top of the mountain.
The Snake Path – visitors can also ascend to the top of Masada via the Snake Path – which takes about an hour going up, and 30 minutes coming back down.
For further information:
http://www.parks.org.il/sites/English/ParksAndReserves/masada/Pages/default.aspx
Working Hours
Last entry to the park is one hour before closing time
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
Entrance fee
Adult – NIS 28, child – NIS 14
Group (over 30): Adult – NIS 23, child – NIS 13
Students- NIS 24
Subscribers:
Entrance is free for annual (Matmon) subscribers, but there is a fee for the cable car:
Adult return – NIS 47
Adult one-way – NIS 28
Child return – NIS 28
Child one-way – NIS 14
Eastern entry plaza (entrance fee and cable car in both directions:
Adult – NIS 74, child – NIS 42
Group: Adult – NIS 69, child – NIS 39
Students- NIS 63
Entrance fee and cable car in one direction:
Adult – NIS 56, child – NIS 28
Group (over 30): Adult – NIS 51, child – NIS 28
Students- NIS 48
Snake Path / Roman Rampart (Ascent on foot – from first light:
Adult – NIS 28, child – NIS 14
Group (over 30): Adult – NIS 23, child – NIS 13
Students- NIS 24
Cable car one direction (for subscribers and cardholders):
Adult – NIS 29, child – NIS 15
Cable car both directions (for subscribers and cardholders):
Adult – NIS 47, child – NIS 29
Museum
Entrance to Masada Museum – NIS 20 (child / adult)
