Jerusalem flights and travel guide

Masada

Situated in the Judean Desert and overlooking the Dead Sea is one of Israel's most popular tourist attractions, the mountaintop fortress of Masada (sometimes spelled Massada). This enduring symbol of Jewish history is the site of the heroic defiance by 967 Jewish Zealots who rose against the Roman Empire in 66 AD and took their own lives when defeat seemed inevitable. A cable car ride or hike up the Snake Path takes one to the top where breathtaking views can be enjoyed over the Dead Sea and the surrounding desert. The Masada Sound and Light Show recounts this dramatic history with special pyrotechnic effects, and takes place in a natural amphitheatre on the west side of the mountain reachable only from Arad.

Telephone: (07) 658 4207/8

Website:www.parks.org.il.

Transport: Bus 444 or 486 from west Jerusalem.

Opening time: Daily 8am to 5pm (until 4pm from October to March), first cable car at 8am.

Admission: Adults: NIS23 (NIS61 including cable car). Children: NIS12 (NIS 34 including cable car)