- Address: Megiddo, Israel;
- Sightseeing: Megido National Park.
People have long and often heard the word "Armageddon", which means the final battle between good and evil. However, not everyone knows that the same name has a valley at the foot of Mount Megiddo ( Israel ). Tourists visit the natural attraction every year, which is very important from a cultural and historical point of view.
The Valley of Armageddon (Israel) is part of the Israeli Valley and is located in the Megiddo National Park, located 10 km from the city of Afula . In ancient times, there were many historical decisive battles and not only. Key trade routes passed through the valley, which gave it an important strategic position. Even Napoleon recognized the valley as an ideal place for battle, and not without reason, because it could easily accommodate a 200,000-strong army.
The history of battles and modernity
The place is mentioned not only in the Bible, but also in historical chronicles, the city of Megiddo was repeatedly burned to the ground. Thanks to archaeological excavations, it was possible to find numerous churches, temples and royal stables. To date, the Armageddon Valley is a park that is included in many tourist routes in this country.
To understand why this place was chosen for the last battle, we must climb the Megiddo hill. From its top are magnificent panoramas to the Israeli valley, the Galilean mountains. This choice is also due to the fact that the very first battle in the history of mankind took place here. In the 15th century BC in the Armageddon Valley, the Egyptian pharaoh Thutmose III won the battle with the Canaanite kings.
All the finds of archeologists made in the valley can be seen in the local museum.
It is interesting that in 2000 in the valley of Armageddon hundreds of journalists with cameras in their hands were waiting for the end of the world. While the Apocalypse has not come, numerous tourists and pilgrims come here to see the film, see the park and go down into the underground tunnel. Going to the tunnel, it's better to grab warm clothes, because inside there is a cold.
Tourists caught in the valley of Armageddon, just do not remain without a souvenir, as traders offer different stones with inscriptions and amulets. Visiting the park, every tourist is convinced that in the valley there is nothing mystical and ominous. On the contrary, it is a very pleasant and bright place where it is easy to breathe, it is pleasant to walk and study landscapes.
Information for tourists
Visiting the Armageddon Valley enters most of the tours, so that it will be possible to combine the pleasant with the useful - to stroll along the beautiful place and listen to the story of an experienced guide about the old times.
It is important to remember that the park itself works at a certain time, which should be taken into account when visiting it. Even if there are cars in the parking lot, the caretakers will still close the gate, so it's better to leave it until 4pm. In winter the park closes an hour earlier, but it opens at 8 am in the winter and in the summer.
How to get to the destination?
If you want to visit the Armageddon Valley, it is best to rent a car. Traveling in this way is not only comfortable, but profitable in time. Will quickly reach the valley, adhering to the highway 66. The bus is also an option if the group leaves Haifa .
If you do not have the rights or do not know how to drive, then it is worth to register for a sightseeing tour, which is arranged by numerous Israeli travel agencies.