Classification: Antiquities
Opening time:
Sun-Thu, Sat: 08:00 – 16:00
Fri: 08:00 – 15:00
* Have to pay entry *
How to get:
From Beer-sheva CBS: #64, #65 (Platform 19), ~55 min.
Internet site
The Negev incense route is a route in the Negev which connected Arabia to the Mediterranean in the Hellenistic-Roman period. On this route were previously located Nabataean cityies, one of them is Ovdat.
Ovdat founded in the 3rd century BCE, as camping site for the nabataen caravans travelling along the early Petra–Gaza road. In the years after it become to “real” city, with all the functions. In the 2nd century AC, the nabataen become to Christianity, and impressive church was built. In the 7th century AC Ovdat Abandoned.
Ovdat record on UNESCO’s World Heritage list since 2005.
why to visit?
In Ovdat you come back 1400 years, but you are atill with the chalanges of desert. The Nabataen was the desert dwellers of those agaes, and in Ovdat you can see how they lived: the water systems, the buildings, the temple (the temple of Oboda), the church.
When to visit?
Ovdat is good place to see at hole year, BUT: it’s more nice to take the time in the site when th tempetature low: at winnter in hole day, and at summer (April-October) early at morning (before ~10:30) or at afternoon (after ~15:00).
Trails in the area of Avdat:
From Ben-gurion tomb to Avdat: (marked in the Left map in Blue) from the tomb, see the narrow road goes to the bottom of Tzin wadi. Near the road there is Red marked path to bottom. Go to South with the road until it finish. You will see a little parking. From this parking take the Blue marked path. With this path you will see some springs (In the middle of the desert), and you will go up. You will see a Green mark, follow him until you will see a Black mark. With the Black mark go RIGHT to Avdat. (~3 hours, not include visit Avdat).
Few long treks (2-4 days) begin in Avdat. For details see in Where to hike page.
Where to visit in the area of Avdat: Ben-gurion tomb,
Editors:
