Description of the attraction
Ein Gedi is an oasis-reserve in the Judean Desert on the western shore of the Dead Sea, 17 km north of Massada. The never-ending spring falls down from a height of 200 m and flows along the Nahal-David gorge. Wild goats, hyraxes, leopards live in the reed beds along the stream; eagles and starlings nest in the rocks.
Near the gorge is the Tel Goren Hill, one of the most important archaeological sites in the Judean Desert. Five archaeological layers of the hill have been discovered, including the remains of a pagan sanctuary from the Chalcolithic period.
Throughout its history, Ein Gedi was repeatedly destroyed, but revived again and again. This continued until about the 6th century, when nomadic tribes came to these places, completely devastating this land. Only the ruins of the unique water supply system of Ein Gedi, which is still admired by specialists, and the remains of a synagogue from the Roman-Byzantine period have survived. The synagogue's perfectly preserved mosaic floor bears an Aramaic inscription. It speaks of the punishment of the Almighty, which will befall the one who divulges the "secrets of the city." Scientists believe that these "secrets" could be the secret of making the famous balm.
Description added:
Mikhail 2014-27-08
Two km. to the south, in Kibbutz Ein Gadi, there is a magnificent Botanical Garden …
