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Herodium Hill

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Landmark
—°10
Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)

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Herodium is a remarkable archaeological site located southeast of Bethlehem, representing the peak of Herod the Great’s architectural ambition. Built in the late 1st century BC, it is unique for being a partially man-made mountain; Herod ordered the elevation of a natural hill to create a great cone-shaped fortress that would also serve as his final resting place. The site was divided into Upper Herodium, which featured a circular palace protected by four massive towers, and Lower Herodium, a sprawling complex that included a large pool, landscaped gardens, and a racecourse. Positioned on the edge of the Judean Desert, the summit provides commanding views that stretch from the Dead Sea to the hills of Moab. The 2007 discovery of Herod's tomb on the mountain's slope solved a long-standing archaeological mystery and cemented Herodium's status as a premier site for understanding Roman-era engineering and royal megalomania.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C101215182225272725221712
Rain mm5942271540102123148

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
Herodium Hill is an artificially raised cone and is freely accessible as an archaeological site. The outer areas and observation platform can be visited without restriction.
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Typical hours
Like the adjacent fortress, the hill is usually open during daylight hours. In summer months, hours may be extended. Ask at the visitor center for exact times.
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Photography
The hill provides one of the best views of the Judean Desert - well-suited for landscape photography. Capture sunset from the summit for spectacular colors.
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Time needed
For the climb and observation platform, 30-45 minutes suffice. Those wanting to circle the hill and visit surrounding caves should allow an hour.
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Combine with
The hill is inseparable from the Herodium fortress - visit both in one trip. The Byzantine Church of Jabalia is also worth a detour, though located further north.
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Getting there
The hill is right next to the Herodium fortress and accessible via the same entrance. Park at the base and follow the marked path uphill.
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Insider tip
Arrive in late afternoon to experience both the fortress and hill in golden light. Bring binoculars to better explore the desert landscape.

Geography

Coordinates
31.66580, 35.24140

Facts

  • Built by Herod the Great between 23 and 15 BCE.
  • The summit reaches an elevation of 758 meters above sea level.
  • Contains the tomb of King Herod, identified in 2007.
  • Features a monumental bathhouse built in classical Roman style.
  • It was the only city Herod named after himself.
  • Served as a rebel stronghold during the Jewish-Roman wars.

Explore nearby

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Wadi el-Arayis Nature AreaWadi el-Arayis Nature Area8 km · EExplore →

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 Hill (10)

Roman Bathhouse

Ruins of a Roman bathhouse at Herodium.

Synagogue

Ruins of a synagogue from the Herodian period.

Herodian living quarters

Ruins of living quarters from the time of Herod the Great.

Herodion Ruins

Mountain in the West Bank, site of the Herodium palace-fortress.

David Rosenfeld Observation Point

Viewpoint overlooking Herodium and the surrounding area.

Water Cisterns

Ancient cisterns for water supply at Herodium.

Herod's Tomb Viewpoint

Scenic point near the presumed tomb of Herod.

Herod's Tomb

Archaeological site containing the tomb of Herod the Great.

Herod's Ancient Amphitheatre

Ruins of an ancient theater from the Herodian period.

Al-Furqan Mosque

Mosque near Herodium.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What is Herodium?
An ancient fortress and palace of King Herod.
What are the opening hours?
Usually open from 8 am to 5 pm.
Is there an entry fee?
Yes, it is an archaeological park with an entry fee.
Is the site wheelchair accessible?
Partially difficult due to uneven terrain.
Is photography allowed?
Yes, photography is permitted.
Herodium Hill: where is it located?
Herodium Hill is located in Palestinian Territories.
Herodium Hill: what is there to see?
Highlights include Roman Bathhouse, Synagogue, Herodian living quarters.
Herodium Hill: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
Herodium Hill: why is it worth visiting?
Herodium is a remarkable archaeological site located southeast of Bethlehem, representing the peak of Herod the Great’s architectural ambition.
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Nearby cities

East Jerusalem — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
East Jerusalem
East Jerusalem includes the Old City and major religious sites such as the Dome of the Rock.
Hebron Old City — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
Hebron Old City
Hebron's Old City is characterized by narrow alleys and Mamluk architecture.
Hebron — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
Hebron
Hebron is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, famous for the Cave of the Patriarchs.
Ramallah — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
Ramallah
Ramallah is the political and economic administrative center of the West Bank.
Yatta — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
Yatta
Yatta is in the southern Hebron Governorate and is a hub for livestock and agriculture.
Al-Bireh — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
Al-Bireh
Al-Bireh is adjacent to Ramallah, forming a continuous urban area.
Surif — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
Surif
Surif is located in the northwestern Hebron Governorate near the Green Line.
Al-Ram — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
Al-Ram
Al-Ram is located north of Jerusalem and is a busy commercial and residential area.
Halhul — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
Halhul
Halhul is located north of Hebron on one of the highest points in the West Bank.
Dura — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
Dura
Dura is located in the Hebron Governorate and is a key regional center.
Bani Na'im — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
Bani Na'im
Bani Na'im is located east of Hebron and is known as the 'City of Martyrs'.
Jericho — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
Jericho
Jericho is considered one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, located deep below sea level.
As-Samu — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
As-Samu
As-Samu is the southernmost town in the Hebron Governorate.
Idhna — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
Idhna
Idhna is located west of Hebron near the Green Line.
Sa'ir — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
Sa'ir
Sa'ir is located northeast of Hebron in a deep valley.

History & landmarks

Old City of Hebron — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
Old City of Hebron
The Old City of Hebron is a labyrinth of narrow streets and Mamluk architecture centered around the Ibrahimi Mosque.
Old City of Ramallah — Herodium Hill (Palestinian Territories)
Old City of Ramallah
The historical center of Ramallah preserves many Ottoman-era stone houses and serves as a vibrant cultural hub.