Tombs of the Kings

The funerary site contains eight burial chambers connected by passages, featuring 48 burial niches carved into limestone rock formations beneath ground level.

Queen Helena of Adiabene commissioned this burial site between 50-56 CE, establishing it as her family's final resting place during the Second Temple period.

The tomb design combines Jewish burial traditions with Roman architectural elements, including arcosolia benches and decorated stone sarcophagi with inscriptions.

Visitors can access the site through a nine-meter-wide staircase leading to a carved courtyard measuring 27 by 26 meters within the bedrock.

The entrance mechanism employed a sophisticated water pressure system to move a large rolling stone that sealed the tomb entrance.

GPS coordinates: 31.78852,35.22919

Latest update: March 12, 2025 15:13