Herodium

Highlights of Herodium in the Holy Land

Herodium, southeast of Bethlehem and bordering the Judean Desert, gives you a bird's eye view of Biblical events. In the distance are the Moab Mountains, from where Ruth originated. Bethlehem, where Ruth and her mother-in-law, Naomi, went to live, and where Ruth met and married Boaz, is clearly visible. As the birthplace of Jesus, it is easy to see what distance the Holy Family had to travel to visit Jerusalem. Before fleeing to Egypt they visited at least twice: for Jesus' circumcision and to the "presented to the Lord" (Luke 2:21-24).

In the same panorama is the Mount of Olives, where Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem and where He spent his last hours.

Video courtesy of itraveljerusalem.com

It was King Herod who built this fortified palace on an artificial mountain and named it after himself. During the Great Revolt the fortress was seized by the Zealots, who transformed the royal pavilion into a synagogue. Bar Kochba's fighters found refuge there as well. In May 2007 a most important archeological and historic find was uncovered - the tomb of King Herod. At the end of 2008 additional discoveries were made: a theater complete with a chamber for VIPs and two sarcophagi where apparently Herod's wife and daughter-in-law were buried.

To get to Herodium you can take a taxi to the foot of the Herodium for approximately 50 NIS. The site is open daily from 8 to 5:30 and there is an entrance fee. The site is located in area C which is under the jurisdiction of the Israeli Ministry of Tourism.

A visit to Herodium is best arranged either by renting a car from Jerusalem, or taking a taxi. There are no regular group day tours that include Herodium, however, a private day tour that includes Herodium and other nearby sites such as Bethlehem, Judean desert monastaries, or Qasr El Yahud, could be combined in a one day private day tour.