Tag Archives: Masada

Masada Pietro Place

Masada

The funny thing about Masada is that the introduction video is really bad.  It is part 60’s Hollywood and part dreadful narration with such a bad accent that you feel like someone from Disney should come by and help them out.  But having said that, the place is breathtaking.

The story is a compelling part of our religious folklore.  Nasty Romans conquering Jerusalem, 1,000 Jews stuck on a plateau, a desperate last stand, and then death by the self-inflicted sword rather than the rotten Romans.  How was the news of this incredibly heroic sacrifice passed on?  It seems that there were a couple of people who were not quite buying into the whole sacrifice thing.  You can certainly count me as being one of those guys!

Masada sits around 500 meters above the surface of the Dead Sea with stunning views across the desert landscape.  The actual spot where the Romans made their successful approach is easily identifiable.  What is also interesting is that if you are strolling through the Roman Forum in Rome, there are three clear arches that stand out.  The smallest of the three is the Arch of Titus, whose design inspired the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, and represents the victories of the Romans over the so-called rebels of Judea.

If you are fit and it is not too hot, you can take the serpentine foot path to the top of Masada, which takes about one hour.  If you fancy a luxury journey to the top then take the cable car.  It is three minutes, holds 65 people, and spares you the onslaught of the mid-day sun.  The visitor’s center is very good and there is free drinking water available in the fountains around so you can fill your bottles up too.

Masada is also a beautifully layered maze of Roman architecture built by King Herod.  He built a palace here complete with Roman baths.  This place is truly one of the most extraordinary places to visit.  It is sort of like Table Mountain in Cape Town with an iconic story and Roman architecture to boot!

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