Ein Gedi Reserve Ancient Synagogue — Attraction in Tamar Regional Council

The synagogue is located on the north-east side of Tell Goren. It was first built in the 3rd C AD as a modest structure. The structure underwent a series of renovations during the 4th C and 5th C. It had two floors, with a staircase on its northwest wall. The Roman/Byzantine village was densely built, with houses connected to each other. The floor of the synagogue is covered by a beautiful mosaics. Most of the mosaic carpet is decorated with quad petal flowers. In the center is a circle with four birds. The circle is framed by two squares, with a pair of peacocks on each corner. Inscriptions in Hebrew and Aramaic list the donators who helped to construct and renovate the synagogue. The synagogue was destroyed by fire in the middle of the 6th century, during the period of Justin II. Thus came an end of 1,000 years of civilization in the Ein Gedi oasis, and remained in...

Ancient synagogue from 500 BC between the two canyons of the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve. The entrance is INCLUDED in your ticket! By the way you can visit BOTH canyons on this ticket as well. The open air museum ruins and mosaic floor are covered by an open tent. Information and photos in the leaflet you get at the entrance. Right next to the door of the shop you find artifacts found like a well preserved menora 🕎 The superb mosaic floor is decorated with the 12 signs of the Zodiac and there are Aramaic (ancient Hebrew) inscriptions laid in. One of which calls down on curse on anyone who is quarrelsome, slanderous or larcenous ; ) Right next to the parking are the palm trees with the famous madjool * dates which you can buy in the supermarket of the Ein...

If you paid to go to the Nahal David Nature Reserve, then that includes entry to the synagogue. Directions to the synagogue are not clear from the nature reserve car park, albeit a short drive on the scenic road that is signposted. Only from curiosity of that, we found the synagogue.

Minimal parking nearby. So peak tourist season may be difficult.

The visit itself is an archaeological dig. It has a signposted route around the uncovered dwellings ending at the synagogue itself which is covered by a tent to protect and be able to enjoy and observe the detail of the synagogue floor which has been preserved immaculately considering the condition of the...