On a secluded cliff in the heart of a desert, overlooking the Dead Sea from above and the wild landscapes of the Judean Desert, there once was a magnificent palace. During the Great Revolt, the last rebels in Rome fortified it, making their desperate war a symbol of the struggle for freedom. On Masada, the snake path and everything you should know before visiting this breathtaking place.
Masada (Hebrew: מצדה metsada, “fortress”) is an ancient fortification in the Southern District of Israel situated on top of an isolated rock plateau, akin to a mesa. It is located on the eastern edge of the Judaean Desert, overlooking the Dead Sea 20 km (12 mi) east of Arad.
Herod the Great built two palaces for himself on the mountain and fortified Masada between 37 and 31 BCE. According to Josephus, the siege of Masada by Roman troops from 73 to 74 CE, at the end of the First Jewish–Roman War, ended in the mass suicide of the 960 Sicarii rebels who were hiding there. The fascinating past events that took place on the mountain and the archeological finds in it influenced the declaration of the National Park on the part of a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Masada is one of Israel’s most popular tourist attractions, with the site attracting around 750,000 visitors a year.
Attractions in Masada
Eastern Front
Access to Masada National Park from the Dead Sea (Route 90)
Masada Museum – The Masada Museum named after Yigal Yadin has been operating since 2007. A visit to the museum will include a theatrical and scenic experience, giving visitors historical background and “putting them in the mood” before visiting the site itself.
The cable car – From the eastern front of Masada, a modern cable car ascends to the “Snake Gate” at the top of the mountain. The new cable car replaces the old cable car from the 70s, it is more assimilated into the environment and less “invading” the site. The lower cable car station was built at the foot of the mountain and became part of the visitor center complex.
The Snake Path – You can also climb Masada on the “Snake Path” – about a half-hour walk. Read more about it below.
Western Front
Access to Masada National Park from the direction of Arad (Route 3199).
Roman siege vessels – at the foot of the embankment are reconstructions of Roman siege vessels, which were used in the film – “Masada” by Universal in 1979.
Overnight campsite – with permanent tents and camping pitches. The park has toilets, hot showers, and cooking corners, for a fee.
The battery – you can ascend to the site in 15-20 minutes on top of the battery built by the Romans, only 60 meters lower than the top of the mountain. In the year 73 AC, during the Roman siege of the zealots who fortified the mountain, the Romans took advantage of a natural slum that was in this place, built a dirt embankment on it, and supported it with wooden beams. After a few months, the Romans were able to build a siege tower that destroyed the wall. In response, the besiegers built an improvised wall on Masada, but the Romans set it on fire. Above the battery is missing a section in the bracket wall. This section was destroyed during the siege and from there the Romans invaded Masada.
Northern Water Cisterns – Herod built an impressive water collection system. Dams he built in the canals of the Masada River diverted the floodwaters into the canals, and the canals filled 12 huge pits hewn on the northern slope of Masada on two levels. The capacity of the cisterns was 40,000 cubic meters.
On the mountain
The Northern Palace – the remains of Herod’s magnificent private palace, on its three levels, mosaic floors, and restored murals.
The northern palace is a bold structure, built at the top of the mountain on the edge of a cliff. The palace was built on three rock steps, with a total height difference of 30 meters, and its construction required strong retaining walls. The palace was built under the influence of Hellenistic and Roman architecture.
The upper step served as Herod’s private residence. The living wing had four rooms and a central hall. The rooms were tiled in geometric patterns, and the walls were decorated with murals. In the southwestern room, a mosaic floor has been preserved in black-and-white hexagonal patterns. From the outside, a semi-circular balcony was built, which was formerly surrounded by pillars. The balcony overlooks the cliffs of the Judean Desert, the Dead Sea, and the Roman siege array.
In the center of the middle step was a round hall, surrounded by pillars, of which only the foundations survived, that was meant for hospitality and amazement. Also in the center of the lower step was a hall surrounded by staves. The exterior walls of the hall were decorated with molded patterns, and the interior walls – with frescoes (murals painted on damp plaster) in the form of colored marble slabs and geometric patterns.
The palace also had a small bathhouse, where the remains of three human skeletons, probably of the rebels, were discovered. In the bathhouse, a woman’s braids were discovered, which were beautifully preserved.
The synagogue – the remains of one of the only synagogues from the Second Temple period that have been preserved. A building that was used in the days of Herod as a stable, was turned into a synagogue by the rebels. Two pits dug in the floor of the room, in which passages of biblical texts were found, were probably used as archives. Built-in benches were attached to the walls. South of the synagogue, a rare collection of finds from the days of the revolt was discovered, including fragments of scrolls and papyri.
The Fate Room – here, clay pieces bearing inscriptions were exposed, mainly the names of people, including “Banyir”, the name of the leader of the dominant group in the Masada rebels. These may be the fates imposed by the rebels on the night they chose to end their lives. It is also possible that the names are related to the life-management system of the rebel community.
Byzantine Church – The church was a gathering place for hermit monks. The main hall of the church is paved with colorful mosaic and the walls are decorated with patterns designed with the help of pottery and stones sunk in plaster. The apse at the end of the hall has been fully preserved. The window panes in the apse wall were discovered in the courtyard, and dozens of the shingles that covered the roof were also found. A mosaic floor was found in the western room of the church, with plant patterns and medallions depicting fruits and a basket of communion bread.
The Western Palace – This palace is the largest building in Masada and was built in the days of Herod, measuring 3,700 square meters. Benches have been built in the entrance hall, and the walls are decorated with molded patterns. There is also a hall on the first floor. As there are four sockets on its floor, perhaps the legs of the king’s chair were inserted in, it is speculated that it was the “throne room.” A staircase leads to the second floor, from which you can overlook a bathroom complex, with a magnificent mosaic floor.
The Bath House – The bathhouse is built in Roman style, and all its rooms are well preserved. The entrance courtyard is surrounded by pillars, intended for gymnastic exercises. The dressing room is decorated with murals and special stone tiles. During the revolt, a baptismal facility was built on the site. An opening in the wall of the room leads to the stepped pool of the cold room, and from the lukewarm room an eastern opening leads to the warm room, with a floor resting on pillars. Hot air flowed through clay pipes incorporated into the walls and heated the room. From the roof of the bathhouse, views of the entire site unfold.
The Census Bureau – a system of rooms decorated with restored murals – The Census Bureau, adjacent to the “Snake Path Gate”, consists of a series of rooms decorated with frescoes (murals painted on damp plaster). Most of the decorations are geometric patterns and marble imitations. Other decorations depict plants.
The southern cistern – a large cistern for storing water on the mountain platform, at the bottom of which descends a 64-step staircase. An inscription from a visit by a youth movement in Masada in 1941 was engraved on a wall near the stairs.
Masada Snake Path
Based on part of the original trail, the Masada Snake Path was built to allow visitors to climb it. The trail is located on the east side of the mountain and is so named due to its steepness and winding path. The route climbs to a height of 350 meters and is about two kilometers long. There are about 700 steps along the path.
The Snake Path connects the Palm parking lot and the Snake Path box office, located on the eastern side of Masada (access from Highway 90 and the Dead Sea), and the Snake Trail Gate at the entrance to Mount Masada.
The trail is a steep dirt path, with large parts of which are built as stairs, in which handholds have been installed to full height.
Important to know:
- The Snake Path is open to visitors every day – opens an hour before sunrise and closes an hour before the site closes.
- Climbing time to the summit is about an hour. The difficulty is high, as the ascent is steep.
- On heat-laden days, the Snake Trail closes for ascent and descent in the mornings.
Nearby:
The Dead Sea parts of the Israel National Trail pass close by.
Read:
The Last Stand: Masada’s Heroic Battle: A Pre-Visit Guidebook to the Epic Fortress
Step into the captivating world of Masada, an ancient fortress perched atop a desert mesa, where an extraordinary tale of bravery, sacrifice, and resilience unfolds. “The Last Stand: Masada’s Heroic Battle” is a compelling guidebook that takes readers on a journey through the dramatic events that transpired at this legendary site.
Immerse yourself in the rich historical context as you delve into the story of Masada’s heroic battle against the mighty Roman Empire. Through meticulous research and vivid storytelling, this guidebook brings to life the struggles and triumphs of the defenders who made their last stand on the fortress’s desolate mountaintop.
Discover the strategic significance of Masada and its role as a symbol of Jewish resistance. Uncover the enigmatic legacy of Herod the Great, the Roman-appointed king of Judea, and explore his ambitious construction of the mountain fortress that still stands as a testament to his grand vision.
“The Last Stand: Masada’s Heroic Battle” serves as an essential companion for those planning to visit the awe-inspiring site. Gain valuable insights into the architecture, layout, and historical significance of Masada, enabling you to fully appreciate the ruins and artifacts that await you.
This guidebook equips you with the knowledge to navigate the sprawling fortress and immerse yourself in its remarkable history. Learn about the daily life of the defenders, their struggles against the Roman siege, and the profound choices they faced in the face of imminent defeat.
Whether you are a history enthusiast, a traveler seeking a deeper connection to the past, or simply intrigued by the indomitable human spirit, “The Last Stand: Masada’s Heroic Battle” is an indispensable guidebook that illuminates the heroic battle and enriches your experience at this iconic site. Prepare to be captivated by the epic tale that unfolded on Masada’s cliffs and be inspired by the unwavering courage that endures through the ages.