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Herodium
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Herodium is a monumental palace-fortress built by Herod the Great between 23 and 15 BCE on the edge of the Judean Desert. It is architecturally unique as Herod constructed an artificial conical hill to enclose his lavish upper residence. The circular fortress featured a massive eastern tower, a Roman-style bathhouse, and a courtyard surrounded by columns. At the base of the hill lay 'Lower Herodium', a vast complex featuring a massive swimming pool, formal gardens, and administrative buildings. During the Great Jewish Revolt and the later Bar Kokhba Revolt, Jewish rebels occupied the fortress and carved an extensive network of secret tunnels into the hillside for guerrilla warfare. A landmark archaeological discovery occurred in 2007 when Professor Ehud Netzer identified Herod's tomb on the mountain's slope. Today, Herodium stands as a testament to Herod’s megalomaniacal building projects and the turbulent history of Judea under Roman rule.
- Location: Israel
- Top sights: Water Cisterns · David Rosenfeld Observation Point · Hariton cave
- Nearby: Beit Shemesh (29 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 10 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 25 | 22 | 17 | 12 |
| Rain mm | 59 | 42 | 27 | 15 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 12 | 31 | 48 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The archaeological site is fully open to the public as a national park, allowing visitors to explore both the upper palace ruins and the impressive underground tunnel system.
Typical hours
Standard national park hours apply, generally opening early in the morning and closing earlier in winter. It is highly recommended to arrive early to avoid the extreme midday heat.
Photography
The elevated position has remarkable panoramic views of the Judean Desert, excellent for wide-angle landscape shots. The underground cisterns provide fascinating lighting opportunities for photography.
Time needed
Plan to spend around two to three hours exploring the entire site. The steep climb to the summit and navigating the expansive tunnel network require adequate time for a comfortable visit.
Combine with
Consider combining this trip with a visit to Bethlehem or Jerusalem, which are both located a short drive away. The surrounding desert terrain also gives various hiking trails for nature enthusiasts.
Getting there
The site is best reached by private car or specialized tour bus from Jerusalem. The road winds through the desert, and there is a dedicated parking area at the base of the fortress.
Insider tip
Bring plenty of water, a hat, and sturdy walking shoes, as shade is scarce and the terrain is rocky. Don't miss the dramatic descent through the ancient water cisterns at the end of your tour.
Geography
Facts
- Only palace-fortress built on a man-made conical mountain
- King Herod's tomb was discovered at the site in 2007
- Built between 23 and 15 BCE by Herod the Great
- Served as a rebel stronghold during both Jewish-Roman wars
- Lower Herodium featured a massive 70 x 45 meter swimming pool
- Contains a complex network of rebel-era underground escape tunnels
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Herodium (8)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Herodium?
An artificially raised hill and palace-fortress of King Herod.
Can one see the tomb?
Yes, archaeological excavations have uncovered the tomb of Herod.
Is the place easily accessible?
Best by car; there is a parking lot at the foot of the hill.
How long does the visit take?
Plan for 2 to 3 hours, including the ascent.
Is it safe for children?
Yes, but caution is advised at the edges of the fortress.
Herodium: where is it located?
Herodium is located in Israel.
Herodium: what is there to see?
Highlights include Water Cisterns, David Rosenfeld Observation Point, Hariton cave.
Herodium: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Herodium: why is it worth visiting?
Herodium is a monumental palace-fortress built by Herod the Great between 23 and 15 BCE on the edge of the Judean Desert.
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