Timna Valley Ancient Copper Mines
Explore Timna Valley, an extraordinary geological and archaeological park north of Eilat where ancient Egyptian copper mines, dramatic sandstone formations, and an ancient Hathor temple create an otherworldly desert experience.
- 1
Solomon Pillars
Marvel at the Solomon Pillars, the most dramatic geological feature of Timna, where massive sandstone columns rise from the valley floor, their red and pink colors intensifying at sunrise and sunset in this ancient mining landscape.
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Ancient Copper Mines
Descend into the ancient copper mine shafts where Egyptian workers and Midianite slaves extracted copper ore for 3,000 years, the tunnels and smelting sites documented in one of the earliest industrial complexes in the ancient world.
- 3
Hathor Temple
Visit the Egyptian Hathor Temple carved into the cliff face, the sanctuary dedicated to the goddess of mining by the Egyptian workers who came here to extract copper during the New Kingdom period 3,000 years ago.
- 4
Mushroom Rock
See the famous Mushroom Rock, a single balanced sandstone boulder perched on a thin eroded neck, the wind-sculpted formation a geological curiosity in a valley full of extraordinary natural sculptures.
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Copper Smelting Site
Examine the ancient copper smelting site where archaeologists have found slag heaps, furnace remains, and the evidence of metallurgical processes that made Timna one of the ancient world most productive copper sources.
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Timna Lake
Relax by the Timna artificial lake surrounded by the red sandstone cliffs, the water providing a surreal contrast to the desert landscape, with pedal boats available for a gentle tour of this unexpected desert oasis.