Attractions of Israel – description and photo, map, what to see in Israel
Every tourist who goes on a trip makes a list of places that he would definitely like to visit. Today we will visit the amazing country of Israel, which is famous for its interesting places and unique sights. Let's put together a list of places that every tourist in Israel must visit.
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
If you love wildlife that has been preserved in its original form, you should definitely visit this oasis reserve. It is located in the Judean Desert right on the shores of the Dead Sea. The green corner got its name due to the city, which was located nearby and whose ruins are considered one of the most attractive places for archaeological excavations.
If you look around, you understand how much this small oasis was valued. After all, for tens of miles around there is not a single source of water, and grass does not grow. Therefore, the people who once lived here used the advantages of the oasis to the fullest. Green pastures helped raise large and small livestock.
The very same ancient settlement existed in this place long before our era. It was from this small oasis that caravans loaded with dates, grapes, figs and wine departed. In addition, the city of Ein Gedi was one of the main suppliers of a rare type of balm and incense. But of particular value even today is the source of mineral water, which is used to make cosmetics.
The reserve also includes a medical complex located by the Dead Sea, which is famous throughout the region and far beyond the borders of Israel for its mineral baths and mud.
Not so long ago, National Geographic recognized Ein Gedi as one of the ten places on the planet that every tourist is recommended to visit.
Timna Valley
The next point of our trip will be the Timna Valley. It is located only 30 km from the Gulf of Aqaba and Eilat and has long been famous for its colossal copper reserves. There is evidence that the first copper mines in the valley appeared as early as the 5th century BC, when the territory was under the influence of King Solomon himself. That is why the valley is also known as King Solomon's Mines.
Today, the entire valley is one large historical park, which annually attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world. Who just did not use the beneficial properties of the valley. Among the miners of copper were the Edomites, and the Israelites, and the Romans, and the Arabs. Today, copper reserves are exhausted, and only the remains of mines testify to global development.
Each visitor to the amazing park can choose one of 20 hiking trails, visit an unusual artificial lake and enjoy the ultra-modern 4D light and sound show. It hosts musical events and speed climbing competitions.
In addition, you can see with your own eyes a lot of archaeological finds. Among them: a colossal number of copper mines, the remains of camps with rock paintings, tools, jewelry, and even entire temples. All these discoveries were made by archaeological expeditions in the last century. Therefore, everyone who ended up in Israel should visit the Timna Valley.
Jerusalem, Old City
Further along the course of our most interesting journey, one of the most mysterious corners of Israel appears – the city of Jerusalem. This city, perhaps, has been heard in all countries of the world, but the Old City is of particular interest among tourists.
As you know, Jerusalem is considered a holy city for Jews, Christians and Muslims. Tell me, where else is there such a shrine, which would be so reverently treated by representatives of different religions? It is to the walls of this ancient city that pilgrims from all over the world annually rush. Numerous tourists and believers want to touch the shrine and experience the power of this unique place.
Even after several centuries, the city lives its own life. People go to work, government and other institutions are open.
The city has two separate parts. The Old City is considered the heart of Jerusalem and, as if paying tribute to its flock, it is divided into four quarters: “Jewish”, “Armenian”, “Christian” and “Muslim”. This is a real, “living” monument of architecture and history, which hides many secrets.
The new city began to be built only in 1860, but already managed to significantly surpass the old quarters in size. And the local population in the New City is much larger.
Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem
The memorial monument Yad Vashem is dedicated to the huge number of Jews who became victims of the Holocaust. We all remember the terrible persecution of the Jews, cruel torture and sophisticated murders, which were subjected to hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Israel. All these “black” pages of history still cause general indignation, sympathy and condemnation. To ensure that the memory of those terrible days never fades, the Israeli government founded the Nazi Victims Memorial in 1953, which is visited by millions of tourists every year.
Anyone who sees this monument to the Holocaust with their own eyes will not be able to hold back their tears. This place evokes extremely sad thoughts and makes you think about our sins, about the sins of all mankind.
The most impressive part of the memorial is the Hall of Remembrance. This tent-like structure houses 22 names of concentration and transit camps where Jews were kept, the names of places that became mass grave sites for hundreds and thousands of those killed by the Nazis. An eternal flame burns in the very center of the building. In addition, the ashes of Jews who were killed in the camps are kept in the Hall.
Bahai Gardens in Haifa
Having paid tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, we move on, discovering more and more new places and attractions in Israel. Our next destination will be the Bahai Gardens, which are the main attraction of Haifa. Not so long ago they were included in the list of World Heritage Sites and are perhaps the main center of the Baha'i religion.
These wonderful gardens are located on the slope of the Carmel hill and most of all resemble the hanging gardens known to many from the Bible. There are 19 terraces in total, which descend to the coast in a huge cascade. In the center of this natural curiosity is a majestic temple crowned with gilded domes.
Every follower of the rare religious trend of the Baha'is should visit the amazing gardens at least once in their life. Each alley, each type of plant symbolizes individual stages in the life of the main prophet of this religious trend – Baha'u'llah.
The grandiose man-made gardens, which opened their doors to numerous tourists and pilgrims in 2001, have become part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. And only 90 people take care of this beautiful plant diversity – professional gardeners and volunteers who profess the basics of the Baha'is.
Fortress Masada
Masada Fortress, without any doubt, is included in the list of those places that should definitely be visited by every tourist traveling around Israel. Few people have heard of the events that glorified this historical place, and this is not at all surprising. Only one reliable source has survived, which contains a detailed description.
The fortress of Masada is associated with the uprising of the Jews against the oppression of the Roman Empire. Located at an altitude of 450 meters, the fortress became the first stronghold of the Jews who rebelled against the Romans. In the first century BC, when the Roman state was going through its best years and already felt like a full-fledged master over the entire European and part of the Asian territory of the continent, only a small number of rebels dared to challenge this monstrous war machine.
The fortress was defended by no more than 1000 people, among whom were women and children. Despite this, they managed to hold out in the besieged fortress for more than three years.
When the Romans nevertheless manage to make a breach in one of the walls of the fortress, the rebel leader Elazar Ben Yair persuades all his associates to choose a worthy death. 10 performers were chosen, who were to kill all the defenders of the fortress, and then the performers themselves would accept death in a similar way. And so it happened. When the Romans entered the fortress, they found only 960 bodies of the rebels. Since then, Masada has become a symbol of true heroism, devotion and courage, as well as a symbol of man's struggle for his freedom.
Everyone who respects and is interested in history should visit this place.
Makhtesh Ramon
Another interesting place in Israel, which is recommended to be included in your travel program, is the Makhtesh Ramon erosion crater. It is considered one of the most picturesque sights of this country.
According to experts, the crater was formed by raising a layer of soil and forming huge cracks, which were later filled with water, and erosion did the rest. For several centuries, the crater was gradually eroded by rainwater, growing every year.
By the way, Makhtesh Ramon was another place where valuable minerals were mined. But since 1994, the government has introduced certain restrictions, and in 1998 the place received the status of a reserve with a geological bias. Therefore, even those who are far from archeology should visit this attractive place.
Mini Israel
If you do not have time, but you really want to see all of Israel, then you can solve this problem by visiting another local attraction – “Mini Israel”.
Mini-Israel miniature park awaits all tourists and travel enthusiasts with open arms. It is here that hundreds of surprisingly similar models of masterpieces of Israeli architecture, monasteries and temples, even public places are collected. It seems that, as if by magic, the country has decreased and plunged into eternal sleep. The picture is complemented by 25,000 miniature Israelis.
Garden of Gethsemane
The Garden of Gethsemane, which spread its possessions right at the foot of the Mount of Olives, will cause no less delight among tourists. According to ancient writings, it was in these marvelous gardens that Jesus prayed the night before his crucifixion.
The garden does not impress with its area, which is a modest 1200 square meters. The main attraction of the plant world are the ancient olives, which have been growing for a long time. The main theme for the guides' stories is the night before the crucifixion of Christ, about how Jesus prayed among these trees. Just imagine that you will get the opportunity to walk among the trees, which are direct descendants of the vegetation that grew here and saw Christ with his disciples, heard his instructions and witnessed his miracles.
To be here is worth at least for aesthetic reasons!
Wall of Tears
Well, the last point of our fascinating journey through Israel will be the Wailing Wall. It is considered the surviving part of the destroyed in the first century BC. Roman generals of the Second Jerusalem Temple. The building close to the Temple has become another shrine of the Jewish people, a place for mass pilgrimage.
The name of the wall was due to the fact that the Jews mourned the destruction of the First and Second Temples. It is believed that in this way they were punished for idolatry and internecine wars.
Every year, thousands of Jews from all over the world come to the wall. In addition, the Wall has become one of the main attractions, which all tourists in Israel consider it their duty to visit. Day and night prayers are heard here.
And so our next trip comes to an end. We hope that our review will become useful guides to the most interesting and mysterious corners of the wonderful country of Israel. We wish you good travels, vivid impressions and good mood!
Interesting facts about Israel in our article.