Masada Fortress is located on the Black Sea, not far from the city of Arad, on the very top of the cliff of the Judean Desert. It was built in the period from 37 to 31 BC by the Hasmoneans, and in 25 BC it was strengthened by King Herod I the Great, who built a shelter from it for his family. A lot of weapons and food stocks were stored in Masada, a artificial system water supply, and spacious baths were similar to the Roman ones in their style and structure. For the first time the remains of this structure were found in 1862.

The fortress, located on top of a 450-meter cliff, is surrounded on all sides by sheer cliffs, which makes it invisible from the land. Only in the direction of the sea is a narrow winding path, which is called "Snake". The territory where Masada is located has the shape of a trapezoidal flat plateau with dimensions of 600 by 300 meters, which is surrounded by a strong wall.

Today, on the territory of the fortress of Masada, Herod's palace is preserved, decorated with fragments of mosaics, a synagogue, water tanks carved into the rocks, baths, storage facilities and armory. The fortress has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of Israel's landmarks.

glass museum

The Glass Museum in Arad is a unique phenomenon in the field of plastic art. This is the studio home of artist Gideon Friedman and other artisans, displaying sculptures made from recycled bottle glass.

The museum was founded in 2007. The permanent exhibition features works by Gideon Friedman made from recycled glass using a unique technique using burners and furnaces designed by the artist himself. In addition, glass works by about 20 other artists are on display.

The museum holds master classes, lectures on the properties of glass and how it is processed. Most of the exhibited works can be purchased. Visitors are shown a film about the creation of glass sculptures. Friedman himself often conducts excursions.

The museum has, in addition to the main exhibition hall and the gallery-shop, an auditorium, a viewing room and a workshop. There are facilities for people with disabilities.

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Akko Stadium

Akko Stadium, also known as Toto Akko, is a municipal stadium built in the city of Akko, which is located in Israel. This stadium was opened on September 4, 2011, 2.5 years after its construction. This event became a real holiday for the city. Akko City Stadium can accommodate up to five thousand spectators, which, in principle, is not a colossal figure.

In this stadium, the Hapoel football club hosts home matches and trains its players. The stadium itself was built at the expense of the Israel Railways. At first, the stadium was just a training stadium, but then the railway authorities built a new stadium with an arena for the Akko city club.

The new arena cost the sponsors 50 million shekels, but after its construction, the old Napoleon Stadium was demolished and a railway was laid in its place, which later allowed the railway company to recoup its costs for the new arena and even, ultimately, stay in pros.

In the north of Israel, near the border with Lebanon, the city of Kiryat Shmona is located. It is named after the eight fallen defenders of the legendary settlement of Tel Hai, located near Kiryat Shmona. The sights of this city can be considered a museum dedicated to the memory of the defenders of Tel Hai, as well as a cemetery where the defenders are buried. It has a monument by Abraham Melnikov.

One of the sights of Kiryat Shmona can be considered the Ironi Stadium. This is a small but very comfortable football stadium. Its "owners" are the players of the football club "Ironi", who play and train at this stadium.

The stadium itself was built in 1989. When the Ironi Stadium football team advanced to the Israeli top football division, the stadium underwent a major overhaul and reconstruction. Concrete stands for spectators were replaced with more modern, plastic ones, and a new scoreboard was also installed. And although the number of seats in the stands was reduced to 5300 people, the stadium only benefited from this. It has become more comfortable, modern, especially since it does not host very important matches anyway.

Doha Stadium

Doha Stadium, also known as the World Stadium, is a football stadium that was opened in 2006 in the city of Sakhnin. Its capacity is 8500 people. The Bnei Sakhnin team trains here, and the Ahva team hosts home games.

The construction of the stadium cost US$17 million. In addition, this relatively new stadium, three years after its construction and opening, underwent a reconstruction of its northern stand.

An interesting fact is that Israel allocated only 3.3 million US dollars for the construction of this stadium. Most of the money was allocated by the government of Qatar. And all this thanks to a member of the same government - the Knesset Ahmed Tibi. But the decision itself was made on the day Ahmed Tibi was elected to the Knesset as a member of the UN Security Council. And although the construction of the stadium itself was part of the City of Sports project, it is clear that without such generous donations from patrons, the construction would hardly have been completed. In the near future it is planned to increase maximum amount spectators up to 13,000 people.

Museum "Zami's Music Box"

The Zami Music Box Museum is one of the most amazing museums of musical instruments. It is located in a small town called Metula near the border with Lebanon.

The museum collection contains more than 160 musical instruments from more than 50 countries of the world. Among them you can see a variety of string and wind instruments, but a special place in the collection is occupied by keyboard instruments, among which you can see everything from the piano to the exotic chambelo.

By visiting the museum, you will not only get to know the richness and variety of musical instruments, but also enjoy a concert, the duration of which will depend on your order.

The most popular attractions in Arad with descriptions and photos for every taste. Choose best places to visit the famous places of Arad on our website.

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Coat of arms of Arad (Israel)

Country Israel
county Southern
Founded 1962
Timezone UTC+2, summer UTC+3
Coordinates Coordinates: 31°15′37″ s. sh. 35°12′53″ E  / 31.260278° N sh. 35.214722° E e. (G) (O) (I) 31°15′37″ s. sh. 35°12′53″ E  / 31.260278° N sh. 35.214722° E d. (G) (O) (I)
Telephone code +972 8
National composition Jews - 80%
Population 23,500 people (2010)
Mayor Tali Ploskov
Official site http://www.arad.muni.il/ (Hebrew)

Arad (Hebrew, Arabic) is a city in southern Israel on a mountain pass in the Judean Desert, located in close proximity to the remains of ancient Arad, mentioned in the Bible and destroyed more than 2700 years ago. Arad is located 25 kilometers west of the Dead Sea and 45 kilometers east of the city of Beersheba. The city has a population of 23,500 (2010), the city is home to various ethnic and social groups such as Sephardim and Ashkenazi Jews, Black Jews and Bedouins, Secular and Religious Jews, Native Israelis and Immigrants. Arad has been recognized by UNESCO as "the most environmentally friendly city in the world".

The first attempt to re-establish a Jewish presence in present-day Arad was made in 1921, but the city was not founded until November 1962, as one of the last development cities.

Base

The first modern attempt to establish a settlement near ancient Arad was made on February 23, 1921. Nine men and two women tried to settle in the area, but left after 4 months because they did not find water.

The second attempt to develop this area was made in the early 1960s. The development of a plan for the creation of the city began on November 15, 1960 by order of the Cabinet of Ministers with a budget of 50,000 Israeli liras. The location of the city was approved on January 31, 1961.

Arad was founded in 1962 by 160 young people, natives of Israel and immigrants from Argentina. At an altitude of 640 meters above sea level there is a mountain pass, where the microclimate for human life is much more acceptable than below the Dead Sea. The population mainly works in the hotels of the Dead Sea, in a city on the shores of the Dead Sea called Ein Bokek.

After 1971, Arad received many Jewish immigrants, mainly from Soviet Union, as well as from English-speaking countries and Latin America, and its population increased from 4,000 in 1969 to 10,500 in 1974. In the first half of the 1990s, another 6,000 immigrants from the former Soviet Union arrived in Arad.

Location

On highways from Arad to the Dead Sea 25 kilometers. The roads are mostly mountain serpentine, which is considered one of the most dangerous roads in the country. The highway offers beautiful scenery. And from Arad to Beersheba 45 km. Arad is also the nearest city on the way to the fortress of Massada - famous in Israel historical monument. When the mass construction of hotels on the coast of the Dead Sea began, it was decided to create a place for housing for the workers of these hotels.

Story

Population

The main part of the inhabitants of Arad are immigrants from European countries, and immigrants from the USSR make up half of the population of Arad. In the city you can meet a lot of Bedouins from the surrounding villages. They use Aradovskim banks and government agencies.

Due to the influx of refugees and illegal emigrants from African countries in 2005-2010. a criminogenic situation has developed in the city (as of 2010, there were about a thousand of them here).

In the April 2010 mayoral elections in Arad, NDI candidate Tali Ploskova won by a landslide.

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Arad is located in the southern region, in the region of the mountain pass of the Judean Desert.

Peculiarities

Most of the local residents are representatives of European countries, a significant proportion of which are Russians. Lots of Bedouins and native Israelis. In the mountains of Arad, there is a balneological resort, well known in Israel, although not as popular as other health centers in the country. There are several hotels on the territory of the complex. good quality, as well as the International Asthma Medical Center operating at the Margoa Hotel. In the process of medical procedures, the healing mud of the Dead Sea is used here and, in addition, aromatherapy is used. The resort has all the necessary conditions for treatment, and the wellness complex is equipped with swimming pools, saunas, jacuzzis and other important elements for effective recovery.

A brief excursion into history

The modern city was founded in 1962 by young Israeli enthusiasts with Argentine roots. It is located at an altitude of 640 meters above sea level, next to the place where ancient Arad was destroyed 2700 years ago.

Climate

Arad has a warm Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers and relatively rainy winters. However, the highlands make their own adjustments to these climatic conditions. There is little precipitation in the region, most of which falls in December-February, but even at this time of the year there are often dry periods. In this case, the air temperature usually does not fall below +13 degrees. In summer, autumn and spring, there is almost never rainfall, but from May to September it is quite hot. The average air temperature at this time is +27 degrees. The weather, which is not too traditional for mountains, is associated with the geographical features of the region and the proximity of the Dead Sea. Arad is perfect for those travel lovers who know how to appreciate the beauty of wild mountain landscapes and are not indifferent to the origins of the Christian religion with its unique sights and ancient history.

How to get there

From Russia, Arad can be reached by air through the airport of Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and fly to the city by domestic flight or get ground transport. By sea, Arad can be reached via the Dead Sea.

Transport

Arad is connected by a highway to Baer Sheva. Buses, minibuses, taxis run inside the city.

Attractions and entertainment

The main historical attraction of the region is national park Tel Arad, where the unique excavations of the ancient city are located. It is open to the public from early morning to 5 pm from April to September. The archaeological complex is divided into lower and upper halves. The oldest building here is the sanctuary dating back to the reign of King David. In the 11th century BC, the area was known as Citadel. For many centuries, the Citadel was repeatedly destroyed and rebuilt, until in 861 BC, during the era of Islam, a building was erected here, which has the status of the last building in the history of ancient Arad.

One of the most interesting excursions around the city is a trip to the Qumran caves, where in the first half of the last century researchers discovered ancient manuscripts written in Hebrew and Aramaic. These findings changed the very essence of biblical history and had a serious impact on the further interpretation of the Bible and the foundations of Christianity in general.

Just below Arad, at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level, there is another historical landmark of the Judean Desert - Masada fortress, built by King Herod in 25 BC. To date, such valuable historical objects as the palace of King Herod, water tanks, some fragments of mosaics and part of the fortress wall have been preserved on the territory of the fortress. Not far from this place is the picturesque oasis of Ein Gedi, whose appearance is formed by majestic waterfalls, unique exotic plants, rare animals, as well as harsh mysterious caves that go far into the local mountains.

The road from Arad to the beaches of the Dead Sea is considered one of the most picturesque and dangerous in Israel. Despite the seemingly insignificant 25 kilometers of the road, this road is an extremely fascinating route, along which truly fantastic landscapes open up from the car window. The mountain serpentine of the highway is replete with steep descents and long ascents, and the terrain alternates with hills of different shapes and sizes.

Treatment

In Arad, diseases of the respiratory tract, asthma, bronchitis, psoriasis, skin and nervous disorders are treated. Cosmetic procedures are widely used, soothing baths are used. To a large extent, the resort is recommended for asthmatics. The most "Russian" resort hotel is Ram. Here, patients are assisted in the treatment of pulmonological diseases, as well as problems associated with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis and osteochondrosis are solved. The package of services usually involves 21 days of treatment, and during the recovery process, doctors often recommend a visit to the Dead Sea, located 25 kilometers from the city limits. Buses and taxis run regularly from the hotel. Before starting the treatment procedure, patients undergo a thorough examination by a doctor. An important factor for people with respiratory problems is the purest mountain air of these places. At one time, UNESCO recognized Arad as the most environmentally friendly city on the planet, which is not surprising, given its high-altitude location and ideal climate.

Accommodation

There are only 4 hotels in the city, as well as a small hostel. Rooms must be booked in advance.

Kitchen

In Arad, there are very good restaurants of various cuisines: Mediterranean, international, Chinese, there are cafes and Middle Eastern restaurants. It is worth finding a place with local dishes.

shopping

Retail outlets are mainly concentrated in the central part of the commercial zone, and there are also shops in tourist areas. Shopping can be done in the city's only mall - Arad Mall, located in the northern part of the commercial center. The market is open on Mondays, located in the light industry area.

Precautionary measures

Arad is a calm city. medical centers not in the city.

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Modern Arad is located in southern Israel on a mountain pass in the Judean Desert and is in close proximity to ancient Arad, mentioned in the Bible and destroyed over 2,700 years ago. The city itself is located 25 km west of the Dead Sea and 45 km east of the city of Beersheba.

Arad, founded in November 1962, is recognized by UNESCO as the most environmentally friendly city in the world.

Information Office

In the information center of Arad, visitors can get acquainted with the geology and history of the formation of the Judean Desert, here you can find information about trekking routes in the desert and its main attractions, buy maps and related literature. The center is located in the center of Arad and is open to visitors from April to September from 8:00 to 17:00 and from October to March from 8:00 to 16:00. The entrance fee is 23 shekels (prices are as of June 2011).

How to get to Arad

Arad has its own airstrip, located in the south of the city, serving domestic flights as needed. In addition, by bus you can get to Beersheba (No. 386, fare 14.80 shekels, travel time 45 min), Ein Gedi (29.5 shekels, 1 h 30 min), Ein Bokek, Bnei Brak, Tel Aviv (No. 389) and Jerusalem (No. 441). Prices are for June 2011.

Buses depart from the central bus station of the city, located at the intersection of Rehov Yehuda and Yerushalayim streets.

Highway 31 connects Arad with Beersheba in the west and dead sea- in the east. The road has two interchanges - highway No. 80 and No. 3199, through which you can get to the popular sights of Israel - the Masada fortress (travel time is about 30 minutes).

Climate

The climate is Mediterranean. Summers are dry and hot, while winters are usually wet. Since the city is located in an arid zone, rains are not frequent here, and the largest amount of precipitation falls from December to February.

Treatment

Arad treats diseases of the respiratory tract, including asthma and bronchitis. This resort is also recommended for patients with psoriasis, arthritis, skin and nervous disorders. Treatment methods: mud applications, face and body cosmetic cleansing, massage, anti-stress therapy, soothing baths.

Entertainment, excursions and sights of Arad

Of great interest are the Tel Arad National Park, which is of archaeological value. The park is surrounded by mountain ranges and is located on the site of an ancient city, just 10 km west of modern Arad. It is open to visitors from April to September from 8:00 to 17:00 and from October to March from 8:00 to 16:00. The archaeological complex is divided into two parts - upper and lower, which was inhabited during the Eneolithic period around 4000 BC. e.

The citadel and sanctuary discovered during the excavations were built during the time of King David and Solomon, and the vast settlements that existed until 2650 BC. e., date back to the Bronze Age. During the migration of the Israelites in the 11th century. BC e. the area acquired the status of a city known as the Citadel. The most significant archaeological find is considered to be an ostracon, which is a clay shard. Along with expensive papyri, the ostracon was also used for writing. On the found shard, the "Citadel" is mentioned as the "House of Yahweh" ("Yahweh" is the Hebrew probable pronunciation of the name of God). Until 597-577. BC, during the reign of the Jewish kings, the Citadel was repeatedly rebuilt until it was completely destroyed during the siege of Jerusalem by the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar II. However, with the siege of Jerusalem, the Citadel was not completely abandoned. In the 5th-4th centuries. BC e. during the Persian period of rule, about 100 ostraca were written in Aramaic. Thus, in one place, one above the other, several fortresses were built that existed during the periods of Hellenistic and Roman rule. The "Citadel" "stood" until the final destruction of Jerusalem, and then lay in ruins for 500 years until 861 AD. e., when during the Islamic period a new fortress was erected in its place, which is considered the last building on the territory of ancient Arad.

Fortress Masada

One of the most popular attractions in Israel is the Masada fortress, located in the Judean Desert at an altitude of 450 meters above sea level. Fortress dating back to 37-31. before. n. e. was completed in 25 BC. e. King Herod the Great, who built a shelter on this place for herself and her family. Currently, the palace of King Herod, a synagogue, water tanks, fragments of mosaics and other objects have been preserved on the territory of the fortress.

In the immediate vicinity of Masada is the Ein Gedi oasis, the territory of which is recognized as a National Reserve. The reserve is located on the coast of the Dead Sea and runs along the eastern border of the Judean Desert. In Ein Gedi, the David and Arugot waterfalls, the Dodim karst cave and the ancient synagogue are noteworthy. The reserve is open to visitors from April to September from 8:00 to 17:00 and from October to March from 8:00 to 16:00, the entrance fee is 27 shekels (prices are indicated for June 2011). Near the oasis of Ein Gedi the settlement of Qumran is located, which became known thanks to a cache of scrolls found in nearby caves.