Masada National Park

"On a rocky plateau overlooking the Dead Sea lies the 2,000-year-old cliff-top fortress of Masada. Next to Jerusalem, it is the most popular destination for tourists visiting Israel . In addition to its sheer natural beauty, Masada is also the setting of one of the most powerful and tragic stories in Jewish history. During the First Roman-Jewish War in 73 or 74 C.E., 960 Jewish zealots—men, women, and children—committed suicide on top of the mountain rather than submit tocapture by the Romans. Among the ruins are the Northern Palace, an ancient synagogue, and a Roman-style bathhouse with mosaic floors. The ascent to Masada can be done by cable car or by walking up the Snake Path, a moderate climb which should takearound an hour."

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"Perched on a plateau 100 km south of Jerusalem on the Dead Sea's edge, the Herodian fortress of Masada is famed as the refuge of Jewish rebels besieged by Rome in 73 CE and today is a potent symbol of Israeli determination; you can reach the site by cable car or hike the Snake Path (60–90 minutes) for sunrise views over Jordan, but be prepared for extreme heat in summer and occasional trail closures, and note practical details like park hours (open daily from 8am until roughly 3pm–5pm), an admission fee of $9 USD, and a roughly 90-minute drive from Jerusalem. " - Matthew Kepnes

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"I list Masada National Park as one of Israel’s historic ancient archaeological sites worth visiting, cited among the country’s natural wonders and historic attractions." - Matthew Kepnes