Parc national de Massada

L'essentiel du parc national de Massada

Masada National Park Essentials

This UNESCO World Heritage site showcases the architectural legacy of King Herod the Great and the final stand of Jewish rebels against the Roman Empire in 73 CE. The list highlights the Northern Palace’s three-tiered terraces, the ancient synagogue, and the Roman siege works, including Camp B. Visitors can explore well-preserved casemate walls where ancient scrolls were found and a 5th-century Byzantine church. The site is accessible via the strenuous Snake Path or a cable car, offering panoramic views of the Judean Desert and the Dead Sea.

Masada National Park Essentials — Carte

Karel Stojaspal / CC-BY-SA

A

Masada

This place is known as the infamous site of a mass suicide of 960 people who, during First Jewish–Roman War, decided to commit suicide…

B

Northern Palace

King Herod’s private residence built on three rock terraces. It features original mosaic floors and frescoed walls overlooking the northern abyss.

C

The Synagogue

One of the oldest surviving synagogues in the world, dating to the Second Temple period and used by the Zealots during the Roman siege.

D

Audio-Visual show

An evening sound and light presentation on the western side of the mountain, recounting the historical siege and the site's archaeological discovery.

E

Southern Fortress

A high defensive point at the southern tip of the plateau, providing clear views of the surrounding Roman siege camps and the Dead Sea.

F

The "Casemate of the scrolls"

A section of the double wall where archaeologists discovered fragments of biblical and sectarian scrolls during excavations in the 1960s.

G

The Byzantine church

A 5th-century chapel built by Christian monks, featuring a well-preserved mosaic floor with geometric patterns and floral motifs.

H

The Snake Path Gate

The eastern entrance to the fortress, located at the top of the steep, winding trail known as the Snake Path.

I

Columbariun tower

A circular tower designed with niches for raising pigeons, used for both food supply and ritual sacrifice in ancient times.

J

Camp B'

One of the largest and best-preserved Roman siege camps surrounding Masada, used by the Tenth Legion during the 73 CE assault.