Castles and fortresses in The Dead Sea surroundings

Q: What historical events are connected with the fortress of Masada on the Dead Sea?

The fortress became a symbol of Jewish resistance after the siege of 73 CE, when 960 Zealots preferred death to Roman captivity. Herod the Great built it as a palace complex with hanging gardens, a synagogue and a water supply system. Archaeologists have discovered mosaics, tools and scrolls here. Today it is a national park of Israel and a place of military oath of the IDF.

Q: Where to go to the Dead Sea with children for a safe and educational holiday?

Children will love the Ein Boquek reserve with mineral pools and safe swimming areas. The Dead Sea Museum displays ancient amphorae and bitumen mining tools. On the salt formations near Mount Sodom, you can see “salt mushrooms” and crystals. For teenagers, Timna Park with the copper mines of King Solomon is interesting.

Q: Where to take the best photos of the Dead Sea?

The best shots come from the salt terraces near the Herrods Dead Sea Hotel, where crystals form futuristic landscapes. In the reserve Ein Gedi photographed waterfall David and Nubian goats. At dawn, Masada gives contrasting shadows on the rocks. A unique angle is a “floating” pose on the water with newspapers, demonstrating the high density of salt solution.

Q: What are some little-known but impressive places near the Dead Sea?

Few people visit the cave of Lot near the city of Safi, where, according to legend, the biblical righteous took refuge after the destruction of Sodom. In the oasis of Zohar, the ruins of the Byzantine church of the VI century are preserved. Prat Canyon is unique with natural salt bridges. The Tel Arad Archaeological Park displays a Canaanite temple and an ancient well.

Q: What legends and scientific facts are associated with the Dead Sea?

According to the Bible, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed for their sins. Aristotle mentioned “dead waters” in the fourth century BC. Modern studies have confirmed a record salinity (34%) and bromide content. Cleopatra used local mud for rejuvenation. A unique phenomenon is asphalt balls rising from the bottom, which the ancient Egyptians used for mummification.

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Massada Fortress

Massada Fortress is a Roman structure near the Dead Sea and the city of Arad. This fortress is considered an ancient architectural …

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Excursions The Dead Sea (3)

9 h. 1 - 20

Dead Sea: Along the Dead Sea, from Qumran to Massada

We will begin our journey along the shores of the Dead Sea in the Qumran National Reserve, the site of the famous Qumran communiti …

350 € group

Secrets of the Dead Sea

Usually the desire to visit the Dead Sea arises from people only because of interest in the notorious spa resort. But few people t …

230 $ group

Dead Sea

Jerusalem to the Dead Sea is only half an hour by car. This is one of the most amazing trips in Israel. We're going straight east. …

220 € group

Guides The Dead Sea (6)

Guide license

Igor Sergeev

Jerusalem—Khan railway station

Language: Русский

Group excursions, individual excursions, meeting at the airport, transfer, booking tickets, hotel reservation, escort at …

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Guide license

Igor Kapranov

Tel Aviv

Language:

Walk through Israel with an archaeologist and guide. Friends follow me! I will show you my amazing and special Israel. …

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Smirnova Elena Alekseevna

Amman

Language: Russian, French

Discover Jordan through the eyes of someone who knows and loves it as home! Petra, Wadi Ram Desert, Jarash, Dead Sea, …

Guide license

Hapova Tatiana

Amman

Language: Русский

Thank you for choosing this amazing country for a trip that will begin with our meeting at the airport or at the border. …

Excursions (4) Reviews (2)

Castles and fortresses in The Dead Sea surroundings

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Excursions The Dead Sea (3)

Guides The Dead Sea (6)