Avdat National Park
עבדת
The best-preserved ancient city on the Nabataean Incense Route, with a hilltop temple, a Byzantine church and Roman bath ruins, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Avdat sits on a hill about 22 km north of Mitzpe Ramon. It was founded by the Nabataeans in the 3rd century BCE as an important stop on the Incense Route, and was later expanded during the Roman and Byzantine periods. In 2005 it was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under the name 'Incense Route – Desert Cities in the Negev.' Visitors can see the temple and church ruins on the hilltop, a Roman military camp, wine presses, rock-cut tomb complexes, and reconstructed Nabataean farming. The views from the summit are excellent. Admission is charged. The visitor center is at the foot of the hill beside Route 40, and you can drive up to the parking area at the top. Going early in the day is recommended in summer.
Opening hours
Summer 08:00–17:00; winter 08:00–16:00 (earlier on Fridays; check the official website)
Nearby sights
- Ein Avdat National Park
- Ben-Gurion Tomb National Park
- Ben-Gurion's Desert Home
- Spice Route Quarter
- Alpaca Farm Mitzpe Ramon
- Mitzpe Ramon Visitor Center
- HaMinsara (The Carpentry)
- Mount Gamal (Camel Lookout)