Solomon's Pillars, Natural rock formation in Timna Valley, Israel.
Solomon's Pillars is a sandstone rock formation in Timna Valley featuring three prominent red columns rising approximately 40 meters from the desert floor. The formations display varied color tones ranging from red to orange and are visible from multiple hiking trails throughout the valley.
Copper mining in the region dates back to the 5th millennium BCE, with operations continuing through successive ancient civilizations over thousands of years. Nearby, Egyptian rulers eventually established a temple to support and oversee the extraction activities at this location.
The name references the biblical account of King Solomon and mining activities in this region. The towering red columns serve as a visual landmark and have become a symbol of the valley for visitors exploring the area.
Visiting early in the morning helps avoid the intense midday heat and provides the best visibility of the formations. Bring plenty of water since the area offers no shade and direct sun exposure is constant throughout the day.
Over millennia, heavy rains and wind forces have carved natural staircases and channels into the rock walls, allowing visitors to climb partway up these erosional features. These naturally formed steps continue to shift as the ongoing erosion process reshapes the rock.
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