Masada, Ancient fortress and archaeological site near Dead Sea, Israel.
The fortress stands on a rock plateau, rising 450 meters above the Dead Sea with steep cliffs on the eastern and western sides.
King Herod constructed the fortress between 37 and 31 BCE, incorporating palaces, storage rooms, and defensive structures within the complex walls.
The site contains a first-century synagogue, marking it as one of the earliest preserved Jewish prayer structures from the Second Temple period.
Two paths lead to the summit: the Snake Path from the east and the Roman Ramp trail from the west, both requiring substantial hiking effort.
The water system at Masada included twelve cisterns carved into the rock, capable of storing 40,000 cubic meters of rainwater for extended sieges.
Location: Tamar Regional Council
GPS coordinates: 31.31556,35.35389
Latest update: May 27, 2025 19:59
These fortifications represent military architecture from different periods. From the Alhambra in Spain to Malbork Castle in Poland, these structures demonstrate defense techniques and strategic planning. The collection spans Crusader castles, coastal fortresses, and mountain strongholds from Europe to Asia.
Ein Gedi
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Cave of Letters
13.1 km
Bab edh-Dhra
18.4 km
Arugot Stream
16.8 km
David Stream
17.7 km
Dead Sea Mall
13 km
Masada cableway
389 m
Ein Gedi synagogue
16.7 km
Ma'on, Har Hebron
21.1 km
Chalcolithic Temple of Ein Gedi
17.3 km
Nahal Hemar Cave
20.4 km
Ein Gedi Spa
11.6 km
Zohar Fort
18.3 km
Masada synagogue
219 m
Horvat Uza
21.5 km
Bokek Stronghold
12.7 km
Ein Gedi Botanical Gardens
15.2 km
Zohar Bridge
18.6 km
Beit HaYotzer Museum
18.2 km
The Byzantine church
95 m
Dead Sea Salt Mushrooms
16.9 km
Mitzpe Moav
12.3 km
Ein Gedi Eco Park
15.6 km
Khirbat ath Tha‘lā'
19.8 km
An Najādah
16.9 km
At Tuwānī
21.9 km
Rogem Zohar
13.9 km
Salt Beach
20.7 kmReviews
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I was able to climb the mountain at sunrise. An extraordinary memory!
I was able to climb the mountain at sunrise. An extraordinary memory!
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