Massada – is one of Israel’s most famous tourist destinations. On the top of this hill is the Mountaintop Fortress built by King Herod as his 3-tiered winter home, complete with two palaces, bathhouses, storage rooms and impressive water cisterns. The site is also significant to Jews because it is believed that during the war with the Roman Empire, Jewish zealots chose to end their lives rather than surrender to the invading army. To get to the top of Massada, you may take a cable car or hike up the winding Snake Path. There are also restaurants and cafeterias, souvenir shops and a youth hostel at the foot of Massada. A spectacular 40-minute light and show exhibit runs between April to October to recount the history of Massada.
