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All 12 Dead Sea Region Attractions »

Masada

Israel
As featured in Day trips from Jerusalem
4.5 of 5 stars 120 Reviews
Type: Ancient Ruins, Historic Sites, Mountains, Historic Walking Areas
Activities: Walking, Hiking
Owner description: This mountaintop fortress was the scene of a bloody siege in which a small group of Jews, fighting an army of several thousand Romans, chose to take... more » Owner description: This mountaintop fortress was the scene of a bloody siege in which a small group of Jews, fighting an army of several thousand Romans, chose to take their own lives rather than become slaves to the Roman captors. « less
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120 reviews from our community

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Date Rating
Nashville, Tennessee
Senior Contributor
43 reviews 43 reviews
Reviews in 27 cities Reviews in 27 cities
29 helpful votes 29 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 May 2012 NEW

This is a must on a visit to Israel. The drive from Tel Aviv was an event itself. The closer we got the more the landscape looked like a moonscape. We chose to hike up. I'm glad we did but it was a real challenge in the middle of the day. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen because there is... More

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Kingsbridge, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
3 helpful votes 3 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 1 May 2012

Although a 10 hour excursion from the port of Ashod this trip provided by Thomson during our cruise was the highlight of the week. Our guide Moshie was happy, helpfull and full of history, he brought the whole thing to life. Views from the top of the mountain down over to the red sea were stunning!!

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Johannesburg, South Africa
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 26 April 2012

So often you visit a historical place and find that it has been almost completely rebuilt in modern times. What I really appreciate about Masada, is that although they have done some reconstruction, they have left a black line on all the walls, identifying that below the line is the original structure and the top section has been rebuilt. Our... More

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Karmiel, Israel
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 14 April 2012

If you get there by foot fro a dead sea you will have very good expiarence!!1

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Murfreesboro
Top Contributor
60 reviews 60 reviews
Reviews in 22 cities Reviews in 22 cities
28 helpful votes 28 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 April 2012

Vital to understand the history of Israel. Herod the Great, built this palace-fortresses. It is an amazing site to see. Later the rebels against the Roman takeover it became the last stronghold for the Romans to secure. The cable car is the easy way to reach the top. Spectacular views.

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Tel Aviv
Contributor
14 reviews 14 reviews
Reviews in 11 cities Reviews in 11 cities
7 helpful votes 7 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 4 April 2012

The site is best seen in the early morning, the reasonably fit can take a walk up before sunrise for the stunning scenery - about one hour for the adults, energetic teenagers can do it in 30 minutes. Be on site by 05.30 .However most people will use the cable car which opens after 8 am. To walk around in... More

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Acworth, Georgia, United States
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 March 2012
3
people found this review helpful

One cannot doubt that Masada has a tremendous history to it. This was a large part of why I chose to visit. As a history major, I feel it is my responsibility to see such sights. Imagine my disappointment when I realized what a commercialized mess Masada has become. I'll start with the actual Masada location. It really is extraordinary.... More

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See 2 more reviews by Sean_N1989 for Dead Sea Region
Acworth, Georgia, United States
Senior Reviewer
8 reviews 8 reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
3 of 5 stars Reviewed 29 March 2012

One cannot doubt that Masada has a tremendous history to it. This was a large part of why I chose to visit. As a history major, I feel it is my responsibility to see such sights. Imagine my disappointment when I realized what a commercialized mess Masada has become. I'll start with the actual Masada location. It really is extraordinary.... More

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See 2 more reviews by Sean_N1989 for Dead Sea Region
Nassau, New Providence Island
Senior Reviewer
9 reviews 9 reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 28 March 2012

Masada and The Dead Sea - a must for everyone who travels to Israel! The scenic drive there, the history, putting the mud on and swimming in the Dead Sea, what a feeling!

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See 2 more reviews by Kathryn C for Dead Sea Region
Folsom, California
Senior Contributor
34 reviews 34 reviews
Reviews in 19 cities Reviews in 19 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 March 2012

This is an incredible piece of history. The Roman empire, Jewish history and the seemingly endless conflict over the holy land all wrapped up in one unbelievable place. It’s easy to ascend to the top of the mountain in the cable car but to really appreciate the significance of the place I suggest you do it by foot. Do not... More

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