Masada Dovecote - Ein Bokek, Israel
Posted by: 
Cacher_Alec
N 31° 18.990 E 035° 21.168
36R E 723896 N 3467069
This is one of the dovecotes in the ancient Masada fortress in Israel.
Waymark Code: WM1CC08
Location: Israel
Date Posted: 07/22/2025
Views: 1
Two ancient dovecotes, or columbaria, can still be seen at Masada National Park, located along the western slope just below the casemate wall. These tower ruins date from the time of Herod the Great in the first century BC and were likely used for raising pigeons. The interior walls are lined with rows of small niches where birds could nest.
Pigeons served a practical role in desert life at Masada. They provided a source of food, and their droppings were valued as fertilizer for the gardens and agriculture that supported the fortress. These dovecotes are one example of how Herod’s engineers adapted the site for long-term survival in an isolated and arid environment.
(If known) Approximately how many pigeonholes in the dovecote?: 80
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Visit Instructions:
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