Every tourist who goes on a trip makes a list of places that he would definitely like to visit. Today we will go on a visit to the amazing country of Israel, which is famous for interesting places and unique sights. Let's put together a list of those places that every tourist who finds himself 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 thanks to the city that was located nearby and the ruins of which are considered one of the most attractive places for archaeological excavations.
If you look around, you realize how much this small oasis was valued. After all, for tens of miles around there is not a single source of water, and no grass grows. Therefore, the people living here once took advantage of the benefits of the oasis on a full scale. Green pastures helped raise cattle and small livestock.
The very same ancient settlement existed in this place long before our era. It was from this small oasis that caravans laden 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 even today the source of mineral water, which is used for the manufacture of cosmetics, is of particular value.
The reserve also includes a medical complex located near 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 are recommended to visit for every tourist.
Timna Valley
The next point of our journey 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 reserves of copper. There is evidence that the first copper mines in the valley appeared in the 5th century BC, when the territory was under the influence of King Solomon himself. That is why the valley is also known as the "Mine of King Solomon".
Today, the entire valley is one large historical park, which attracts thousands of tourists from all over the world every year. Who just did not use the beneficial properties of the valley. Among the copper miners were Edomites, Israelites, Romans, and Arabs. Today, copper reserves are depleted, and only the remains of mines testify to global development.
Each visitor to the amazing park can choose one of 20 hiking routes, visit an unusual artificial lake and enjoy the ultra-modern 4D light and sound show. It hosts music events and speed climbing competitions.
In addition, you can see with your own eyes many archaeological finds. Among them: a colossal number of copper mines, remains of camps with cave paintings, tools, decorations and even entire temples. All these discoveries were made by archaeological expeditions in the last century. Therefore, everyone who is 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 arises - the city of Jerusalem. This city, perhaps, has been heard in all countries of the world, but the Old Town 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 to which representatives of different religions would be so reverent? It is to the walls of this ancient city that pilgrims from all over the world rush every year. Numerous tourists and believers wish 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 offices are open.
The city has two distinct parts. The Old City is considered the heart of Jerusalem and, as if paying tribute to its flock, 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 construction of the new city began only in 1860, but it has already significantly surpassed the old quarters in size. And the local population in the New Town is much larger.
Holocaust Memorial Yad Vashem
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 Jews, cruel torture and sophisticated murders that hundreds of thousands of immigrants from Israel were subjected to. All these "black" pages of history still evoke general indignation, sympathy and condemnation. So that the memory of those terrible days will never disappear, the Israeli government established a memorial to the victims of the Nazis in 1953, which is visited by millions of tourists every year.
Everyone who sees this Holocaust monument 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-shaped structure contains 22 names of concentration and transit camps in which Jews were kept, the names of places that became places of mass burial of hundreds and thousands of those killed by the Nazis. An eternal flame burns in the very center of the building. In addition, the Hall contains the ashes of Jews who were killed in the camps.
Bahai Gardens in Haifa
Having paid tribute to the victims of the Holocaust, we move on, discovering more and more places and sights of Israel. Our next destination will be the Bahai Gardens, which is 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 Bahai religion.
These marvelous gardens are located on the slope of the Carmel Upland and most of all resemble the Hanging Gardens known to many from the Bible. There are 19 terraces in total, which cascade down to the coast in a huge cascade. In the center of this natural wonder is a majestic temple crowned with gilded domes.
Every follower of a rare Baha'i religious trend should visit the amazing gardens at least once in his life. Each alley, each type of plant symbolizes separate stages in the life of the main prophet of this religious movement - Bahá'u'lláh.
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 wonderful plant diversity - professional gardeners and volunteers professing the foundations of the Bahá'ís.
Fortress Masada
The Masada Fortress, without any doubt, is included in the list of those places that every tourist traveling in Israel should definitely visit. Few have heard of the events that made this historic site famous, and this is not surprising at all. Only one reliable source has survived, which contains a detailed description.
The Masada fortress is associated with the uprising of the Jews against the oppression of the Roman Empire. The fortress, located at an altitude of 450 meters, became the first stronghold of the Jews who rebelled against the Romans.In the first century BC, when the Roman state was experiencing its best years and already felt itself 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 military machine.
The fortress was defended by no more than 1000 people, including women and children. Despite this, they managed to hold out in the besieged fortress for more than three years.
When the Romans still manage to make a breach in one of the walls of the fortress, the rebel leader Elazar Ben Yair persuades all his companions to choose a worthy death. 10 performers were selected 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, only 960 bodies of the rebels were found. Since then, Masada has become a symbol of true heroism, devotion and courage, as well as a symbol of a person's struggle for his freedom.
Anyone 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 tourist program, is the erosion crater Makhtesh Ramon. It is considered one of the most picturesque sights of this country.
According to experts, the crater was formed by the rise of the soil layer and the formation of huge cracks, which were subsequently filled with water, and the rest was done by erosion. 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, it is worth visiting this attractive place even for those who are far from archeology.
Mini Israel
If you do not have the time, and you really want to see all of Israel, then you can solve this problem by visiting another local attraction - "Mini Israel".
With open arms all tourists and travel lovers are waiting for the mini-Israel park. It is here that hundreds of surprisingly similar models of masterpieces of Israeli architecture, monasteries and temples, even public places are collected. It seems as if by a wave of a magic wand the country has shrunk and plunged into eternal sleep. The picture is complemented by 25 thousand miniature Israelis.
Gethsemane garden
The Garden of Gethsemane, which spreads its possessions right at the foot of the Mount of Olives, will cause no less delight among tourists. According to the ancient scriptures, it was in these wonderful gardens that Jesus prayed on the night before his crucifixion.
The garden is not impressive with its modest 1200 square meters. Ancient olives, which have been growing since ancient times, are considered the main attraction of the flora. The main theme for the stories of the guides 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.
It is worth being here 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 to be 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 pilgrimages.
The wall got its name due to the fact that the Jews mourned the destroyed First and Second Temples. It is believed that in this way they were punished for idolatry and internecine wars.
Thousands of Jews from all over the world come to the wall every year. In addition, the Wall has become one of the main attractions, which all tourists visiting Israel consider it their duty to visit. Prayers are heard here day and night.
So our next journey is coming to an end. We hope our review will be useful for you guides to the most interesting and mysterious corners of the wondrous country of Israel. We wish you good travels, vivid impressions and great mood!
Interesting facts about Israel in our article.
