qumran from tourist kalia isr

Qumran – Complete Guide

Qumran is a national park in the northern judean desert in israel. the site got its fame from being the location where the legendary dead-sea scrolls were discovered in the qumran caves., besides the impressive archeological findings, it has incredible stories surrounding it. if you are into adventure activities, it’s a great starting point for a hike and a famous rappelling course., table of contents:.

• Qumran Map (Caves, National Park, and Hiking trails)
• Dead-Sea Scrolls
• The Essenes sect
• Caves of Qumran
• Qumran Archeological site
• Visiting Qumran National Park
• Short Hike – 3 Km
• Long Hike – 13 Km
• Rappelling in the Qumran canyon
• Recommended lodging Near Qumran
• FAQ’s

THE DEAD-SEA SCROLLS

In 1946, a Bedouin teenager accidentally found seven ancient scrolls housed in jars in a cave in the wadi near Qumran. He had no idea that this was the beginning of such a significant discovery. Today we know that the Dead Sea scrolls are one of the most important archeological findings in Israel’s history, but at that time, the first seven scrolls were sold to an antique dealer in Bethlehem for a total of 28 USD!

Very symbolic, in 1947 professor Eliezer Sukenin from the Hebrew university purchased the scrolls in Bethlehem exactly on the day of the UN resolution on the establishment of the state of Israel.

Prof. Sukenik describes the event: “I shivered, and I started to look at one of them. I read several sentences and found written scriptures in wonderful biblical Hebrew, much like the book of Psalms.”

 A total of 20 complete scrolls and 16,000 fragments of scrolls were found in 12 caves between 1947 and 1956. Out of these fragments, Researchers have assembled a total of 981 manuscripts. Most of them are books of the Torah (Old Testament) written in Hebrew by our ancestors. It is the 3rd oldest Torah text ever discovered. No one survived from the Qumran community, but the scrolls remained for 2000 years!

You can view and read them online at the Digital Dead Sea Scrolls website

Further Reading: Dead-Sea scrolls  digital Library Fun facts about the Dead-Sea Scrolls.

On this guided day tour of Judea and Samaria we will take you to three of the highlights of the region – Bethlehem, Jericho and Ramallah. With thorough information provided by a local guide.

Price from: 400 NIS

Details & Booking

THE ESSENES SECT

The Essenes was a sect of Jews that lived in the land of Israel from the 2nd century BCE until the fall of the 2nd temple. Many thousands of Essences were living in many cities. What makes them famous today is the belief that the Qumran community was an Essenes community and that they were the writers of the Dead Sea scrolls. The Essenes lived a strictly communal life and observed the rules of Moses strictly as they were written in the Torah.  We have first-hand knowledge of their lifestyle which they documented in detail on some of the scrolls.

Further Reading: Who were the Essenes? The Mystery Holy Men Behind the Dead Sea Scrolls

CAVES OF QUMRAN

In early 1949, archaeologists located Cave 1; This sparked the archaeological research of the area. In this cave, one mile north of Qumran Canyon remains of at least 70 manuscripts were found, including passages belonging to the original seven scrolls.

At that time, the Bedouin continued to search for scrolls, as they recognized it’s commercial potential. The Scrolls that the Bedouin found in other caves proved that the finds in Qumran Cave 1 were not accidental and that there are scrolls also in other caves in the Judean Desert. From 1951 to 1956, Eight kilometers of the cliffs around cave number one were surveyed. Eleven caves were found that yielded remains of written scrolls. The Bedouin discovered f ive caves, and six more caves were discovered by archaeologists. Most of the caves are manmade and were hewn the marl soil. It is believed  that the caves were built as a hiding place for the scrolls when the Qumran residents  realized that they are about to be conquered and destroyed by the Roman legions (68AD)

Qumran Cave 2: Discovered by a Bedouin in 1952. Two scrolls of Biblical literature were found, including text from the Torah, Jeremiah, and Psalms, as well as non-Biblical literature, such as the Book of Jubilees , and the Book of Enoch .

Qumran Cave 3: Discovered and excavated by archaeologists in 1952. TIn his cave two parts of a unique copper scroll were found. The text is a list of sites in the Judean Desert and around Jerusalem (Perhaps the places where the temple treasures were buried). Alongside the Copper Scroll, there were sections of about 12 biblical and non-biblical scrolls, including a copy of the Book of Jubilees .

Qumran Cave 5: Discovered and excavated by archaeologists in 1952. The cave contained fragments from some 25 scrolls, including biblical and sectarian texts.

Qumran Cave 6: Discovered by Bedouins in 1952. The cave contained fragments from about 31 scrolls, most of them written on papyrus, including biblical texts, hymns, and sectarian essays. This small cave is the most accessible to visitors today. (Though entry is not allowed!)

Qumran Caves 7 – 10:  Were discovered by archaeologists in 1955. All manuscripts found in Cave 7 were written in Greek, including a translation of a book of Exodus. Cave 8 contained several passages from Genesis, Psalms, Mezuzah, Psalm, and Tefillin. Caves 9 & 10 did not provide any significant findings.

Qumran Cave 11: Was discovered by Bedouins in 1956. The last scrolls discovered to date in Qumran caves were found in this cave. The remains of some 30 manuscripts were found, including some almost complete scrolls: Leviticus (ancient Hebrew), Psalms, and the Aramaic translation of the Book of Job. The most exciting find in this cave is the Temple Scroll , which is the longest of the Dead Sea scrolls. It describes in detail regulations concerning Jerusalem and the temple.

QUMRAN ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE (NATIONAL PARK)

The discovery of cave 1, sparked also the research and the excavation of the archeological remains that were scattered on the hill opposite to caves 4 & 5. Qumran was a flourishing Jewish settlement that existed during the Second Temple period (7-8 Century BCE). It is believed that its inhabitants were members of the Essenes sect. The settlement was inhabited by a men-only community that lived a cooperative life. It is considered to be the world’s first known monastery (Jewish). One of the most famous people from Qumran is John the Baptists, that was part of the community before he started baptizing. (Read more in Bible Odyssey )

The complex is made off public buildings, while the community members lived around in about 30 caves, tents, and sukkahs. The complex’s buildings were kept in good condition thanks to the arid climate in the Dead Sea Valley. Qumran is identified with “Secacah” mentioned in the Bible as one of the six desert cities of the tribe of Judah. Joshua 15 61-62: “In the wilderness, Betharabah, Middin, and Secacah, And Nibshan, and the city of Salt, and En-gedi; six cities with their villages”.

During the Great Revolt against the Romans, the sect sided with the rebels. The residents of Qumran prepared themselves for the worst and hid their precious treasures (the scrolls) in the caves.  The Romans indeed conquered Qumran (68AD), destroyed it and dispersed the sect, leaving the ruins abandoned for almost 2000 years.  Today, impressive remains can be explored at the Qumran National park.

QUMRAN NATIONAL PARK – VISITORS GUIDE

Location: North Dead-Sea Opening Times: Summer hours: 08:00 – 17:00, Friday and holiday eves: 08:00-16:00 Winter hours: 08:00 – 16:00, Friday and holiday eves: 08:00-15:00 Admission fee: Adult 29 NIS, Child 15 NIS

MAIN SITES:

• Museum displaying finds from the excavations.
• Water aqueduct
• Water reservoirs
• Gathering hall
• Observation deck

SHORT HIKE (3 Km)

It is recommended enhancing a visit to the national park with a short hike up the Qumran canyon. The hike is straightforward. Follow the Green marked path up the canyon to enjoy fantastic views of the Dead Sea and tranquil desert atmosphere. Walk for about 1.5 Km until the trail starts leaving the gorge. (Until the red “X” on the attached Map )

13 KILOMETERS EXCITING DESERT HIKE

rack description:

• Starting point –  parking area of Qumran National Park   (1) . (Entrance fee required)
• Start by visiting the interesting site of Qumran. The ancient settlement of the  Essenes sect , the writers of the Dead Sea Scrolls .
• After you finish the visit, start following the  ‡Green‡  markers that start at the back of the site. You will ascend 250 m inside the deep Qumran Wadi. After a distance of 2.7 Km, you will reach the junction with the ‡Red‡  marked dirt road. (2)
• Turn left on the dirt road and follow the  ‡Red‡  markers.
• You will be walking on the plateau of the Judean Desert, 400 m above the Dead sea.
• After about 4 Km on this road until you reach a junction with   ‡Black‡  markers (3).
• This is an easy section with gentle ups and downs and a desert isolation feeling.
• After about 1 Km, you will meet a ‡Blue‡   marker going left. This is an optional detour of 300 m to a fine viewpoint over the dead sea.
• Turn left on the  ‡Black‡  markers (3) and follow it for 1.2 Km to an amazing viewpoint over the northern area of the dead sea and Einot Zukim national Park .
• The perfect sport for an extended break! retrace your steps 150 m to a  junction with a ‡Blue‡   marker going left. (4)
• Turn left and follow the ‡Blue‡ markers for about 3 Km until a junction with a ‡Green‡   marker. (5)
• Turn left, and follow the  ‡Green‡  markers for about 2 Km descending fairly steeply towards the Dead Sea, until you reach the main road #90.
• From here take the bus back to the starting point (1).
• Bus #444 & #486 run every 30-60 minutes. Link to Google-Maps bus directions .

Get the Detailed Hiking Maps and GPS files for this hike for just 5$

• Detailed  Hiking Map of the route area optimized for printing on an A4 size paper or for browsing on your device.
• Zoomed in Maps for the sensitive areas (When needed).
• GPS track files for navigation on your IOS/Android App .
• Map Legend and labels are in English

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RECOMMENDED LODGING NEAR QUMRAN

There are 2 recommended lodging options near qumran:.

• Kalya Kibbutz Hotel : 2 kilometers from Qumran.  A pleasant hotel at an ideal location in the nearby Kibbutz. Review score 7.6 (320 reviews), Price from 120$/night for a couple.
• Bianiki Resort :  7 kilometers from Qumran. Decorated private rooms with a common area and a private beach on the Dead-Sea. Review score 7.0 (60 reviews), Price from 130$/night for a couple.

Written by Erez Speiser

What is the meaning of qumran.

The ancient name of the settlement was “Secacah”  ( Joshua 15 61-62). The name Qumran is from the Arabic era and is derived from the Arab word “Kumar” meaning moon.

When was Qumran destroyed?

Qumran was destroyed by the Romans during the Great revolt on 68AD.

Where are the Qumran caves?

The caves are scattered on cliffs rising above the Northern Dead Sea near Kibbutz Kalia.

What scrolls were found at Qumran?

• Most of the scrolls are books of the Old Testament.
• Translation of Scriptures.
• Non-Biblical literature, such as the Book of Jubilees .
• Rules and daily life of the Essenes sect.
• Tefillin and Mezuzot.
• Poems and Hymes.
• Additional Non-Biblical Compositions.

READ MORE…

Who lived in Qumran?

Jewish sect of the Second Temple period called the Essenes.

What Bible books were found in the Dead Sea Scrolls?

Every book is represented among the Dead Sea Scrolls, except the book of Esther.

Who owns the Dead Sea Scrolls?

Most (99%) of the Dead Sea Scrolls are under the ownership of the Israeli Government and housed in the Shrine of the Book on in Israel Museum in Jerusalem. A few are owned by the state of Jordan, Universities, and Museums.

Can we read the Dead Sea Scrolls?

Most of the Dead-Sea scrolls are written in Hebrew. If you know Hebrew, you can read them online at the Digital Dead Sea Scrolls website

Where Are Dead Sea Scrolls kept?

Most of the Scrolls are housed in the Shrine of the Book, Israel Museum, Jerusalem.

©Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Qumran National Park

World-famous for having hidden the Dead Sea Scrolls for almost 2000 years, Qumran was the site of a small Essene settlement around the time of Jesus – specifically, from the late 1st century BCE until 68 CE, when it was destroyed by the Romans. From an elevated wooden walkway, you can see the aqueduct, channels and cisterns that ensured the community’s water supply.

Elsewhere are ritual baths (the Essenes were zealous about ritual purity); the refectory, in which communal meals were eaten; and the scriptorium, where some of the Dead Sea Scrolls may have been written. The ruins have undergone conservation but nothing has been added.

The small museum, which provides background on the people of ancient Qumran and their beliefs, has a seven-minute multimedia program (in 16 languages) and displays a few ancient items, including a sandal fragment. An audio guide is available in Hebrew and English. The site is wheelchair accessible and has a restaurant.

Qumran is a safe vantage point for watching wintertime flash floods.

Qumran is 35km east of Jerusalem and 35km north of Ein Gedi. All Jerusalem–Dead Sea buses pass here.

Rte 90 near Kalya

Get In Touch

02-994-2235

https://​www​.parks​.org​.il​/

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Qumran National Park

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Qumran National Park - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

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Qumran National Park and the Discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls

Qumran National Park, famous for the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls, is an amazing archaeological site located just Northwest of the Dead Sea near Kibbutz Kalia. It is commonly thought that this settlement was originally occupied since 134-104 BCE until it was destroyed by the Romans in 68 CE.

Qumran National Park

It is now a National Park, where you can view many remnants of the original inhabitants including a potter’s workshop, water cisterns, Jewish ritual baths, scriptorium (writing room where it is believed the Dead Sea scrolls were written) and pottery kilns along with a dining hall or community room and a tower. There is also cemetery just east of the site containing thousands of remains, mostly male. Based on the size of the cemetery site, it is thought that about 200 people inhabited the settlement at one time.

Don’t miss: The  visitor center features an exciting and informative short film explaining the history of the settlement with the story of its inhabitants. Also, the center provides a breathtaking panoramic view of the nearby caves in which some of the Dead Sea scrolls were found.

Dead Sea Scrolls

Currently, the Scrolls are actually not located at this site but at the Israel Museum’s Shrine of the Book  in Jerusalem (I have been there, the building actually looks like a giant Hershey’s kiss). Actually, the scrolls were discovered between 1947-1956, in a series of eleven caves around Qumran. There is a debate among scholars as to what purpose these man made caves originally served. Some believe they were libraries while others claim they were domestic shelters for the residents of the settlement.

The Dead Sea Scrolls, considered to be the single greatest archaeological find of the 20th century contain the oldest known copies of the Hebrew bible. The scrolls date back to the 2nd century BCE to 70 CE and were written by the Essenes (a Jewish sect) and contain fragments of every biblical text with the exception of the Book of Esther.

These texts (mostly written on parchment and papyrus) are nearly identical to their modern versions supporting claims to the historical dating of the Hebrew bible.

Since the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls by a young Bedouin in 1947, extensive excavations have been taken place in this area and as a result nearly 900 scrolls in total have been found

Really Interesting note: The Scrolls were found by accident; the young Bedouin boy was searching for his lost sheep and threw a rock into a cave, he heard something break. Upon further inspection he found a collection of ceramic jars containing the scrolls.

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Qumran National Park

Top ways to experience Qumran National Park and nearby attractions

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Qumran National Park

Top ways to experience Qumran National Park and nearby attractions

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Qumran National Park

Top ways to experience Qumran National Park and nearby attractions

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

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QUMRAN NATIONAL PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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In 1946, near a desolate spot in the Judean desert known as Khirbet Qumran, a Bedouin teenager crawled into a cave and discovered multiple clay jars  he hoped were filled with treasure. He was disappointed when what he found inside was just some old scrolls. These old scrolls turned out to be more valuable than treasure though, and this accidental discovery exploded into an 11-year search producing almost 900 different manuscripts.

This was the greatest biblical manuscript discovery of all time confirming the reliability of the Old Testament. The manuscripts range from full scrolls to tiny fragments, written on papyrus, parchment, and bronze. They are written in Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, and can be divided into two categories: biblical books (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Psalms, etc.) and non-biblical books (prayers, legal, and end-time documents).

The initial scrolls were in such great shape that buyers doubted they were actually ancient. The scrolls were most likely hidden in this near perfect environment when word came of the approaching Roman army bent on crushing the Jewish Revolt (66-73 A.D.). It was written by the Essenes, a separatist sect of Jews who had retreated into the wilderness, and among other things, painstakingly transcribed the Scriptures over several years. The scrolls are significant because they are the oldest group of Old Testament manuscripts ever found. The ruins of the Qumran community where the Essenes lived can be visited today. The excavations revealed pools that were used for ritual baths, cisterns, storehouses, and a large meeting hall.

The most interesting room is the Scriptorium, where two inkwells were found with benches for scribes to do their work. This room is probably where many of the manuscripts were copied

FROM THE SCRIPTURES:

Oh, how I love your law! It is my meditation all the day. Your commandment makes me wiser than my enemies, for it is ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers, for your testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the aged, for I keep your precepts. I hold back my feet from every evil way, in order to keep your word. I do not turn aside from your rules, for you have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through your precepts I get understanding; therefore I hate every false way (Psalm 119:97-104 ESV).

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. I have sworn an oath and confirmed it, to keep your righteous rules. I am severely afflicted; give me life, O LORD, according to your word! Accept my freewill offerings of praise, O LORD, and teach me your rules. I hold my life in my hand continually, but I do not forget your law. The wicked have laid a snare for me, but I do not stray from your precepts. Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart. I incline my heart to perform your statutes forever, to the end (Psalm 119:105-112 ESV).

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account (Hebrews 4:12-13 ESV).

Ein Gedi * 

Ein Gedi and its nature reserve on the shore of the Dead Sea, is where the fauna and flora of a splendid nature reserve intersect with great biblical adventures. This oasis has been a green Garden of Eden in the wilderness since ancient times, a refuge in the endless desert. The living landscape of David’s hideout from Saul and the Song of Solomon comprise some of these adventures.

As you climb the path toward the sparkling waterfall, the picture of David hiding from King Saul (1 Sam. 24:1-22) comes alive with a view of cliff-side caves. The spirited animals that gave the site its biblical name, the “crags of the wild goats” (1 Sam. 24:2), rest at cave entrances and walk around the reserve. The water gurgling through the tangled reeds and under shady acacias once nourished the beds of spices that enrich the poetry of the Song of Solomon (Song 1:14).

The mosaic floor at the excavated remains of the Ein Gedi Ancient Synagogue and town shows the dramatic story of Ein Gedi’s people at the time of Jesus The inhabitants of Ein Gedi in present days have established an internationally acclaimed botanical garden, where you can find more than 900 species of plants from all over the world.

FROM THE SCRIPTURES

David Spares Saul's Life

1 Samuel 24:1-7 (ESV)

When Saul returned from following the Philistines, he was told, “Behold, David is in the wilderness of Engedi.” Then Saul took three thousand chosen men out of all Israel and went to seek David and his men in front of the Wildgoats' Rocks. And he came to the sheepfolds by the way, where there was a cave, and Saul went in to relieve himself. Now David and his men were sitting in the innermost parts of the cave. And the men of David said to him, “Here is the day of which the Lord said to you, ‘Behold, I will give your enemy into your hand, and you shall do to him as it shall seem good to you.’” Then David arose and stealthily cut off a corner of Saul's robe. And afterward David's heart struck him, because he had cut off a corner of Saul's robe. He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do this thing to my lord, the Lord 's anointed, to put out my hand against him, seeing he is the Lord 's anointed.” So David persuaded his men with these words and did not permit them to attack Saul. And Saul rose up and left the cave and went on his way.

Song of Songs 1:14 (ESV)

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Qumran Caves

Qumran National Park is a park with a waterfall. It is really shocking. There are many small ponds to swim in. Overall, it is worth playing for a day, not too tired.

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Explore near Qumran Caves: Where to Stay, Eat, and Visit

Qumran caves reviews: insider insights and visitor experiences.

From Jerusalem, the place that came all the way to the northwest near the Dead Sea came here, Quinlan, the holy place of the Jewish people, although the grass is not passing, although the stone is strewn, but this is the first place where the Old Testament appeared. It is a holy place. It is completely empty.

Kunshan is a stone mountain peak, not far from Si Beach, Quinlan tourists are still quite a lot, tourists here will basically choose to pass here, climbing to the top of the mountain is not too hard.

Kunmulan is Qumran, at the northwest end of the Dead Sea, is actually a large messy stone post. It is said that in the early years, many handwritten scriptures and manuscripts were found by locals in the cave, and later developed as a monument. Kunmulan can now visit some of the monuments left over from the area at the time...

From Jerusalem, through Kunmlan, many Bible relics have been unearthed here, Kunmlan - the Dead Sea scroll excavation site. The years are long, and the wilderness seems to still have the figure of believers working, baptizing, and copying the scrolls thousands of years ago.

Frequently Asked Questions About Qumran Caves

What's the address of qumran.

Preston_Dominguez : Wadi Qumran, Israel

What's the recommended attractions near Qumran?

Jeremy_Dodson : I recommended Qumran,Qumran National Park

What hotels are near Qumran?

Messiah_Dillon : Here are some hotels near Qumran: Kalia Kibbutz Hotel,Biankini Village Resort Dead Sea

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Ancient Qumran

Where an ancient sect kept the world’s oldest library of scripture.

Perched on an arid plateau overlooking the northwestern shore of the Dead Sea, Qumran is an archeological site dating back to the Iron Age. During its heyday the community was home to about 200 people, and included homes, cisterns, a fortress, a cemetery, and most famously, a series of caves in which scriptures were stored. The discovery of these caves – and the Dead Sea Scrolls contained inside them – was one of the greatest archeological discoveries in history, and gave Qumran a permanent place in the imaginations of scholars, historians, theologians and believers around the world.

ARCHEOLOGICAL SITE

The Qumran hamlet was established in the eighth century BCE. A rectangular fortress on the site dates from this early period, which lasted until the Babylonian invasion of Judea and the destruction of the First Temple in 586 BC. The site was abandoned in the wake of the Babylonian exile, and resettled in the second century BCE (the Hasmonean Era). Bronze coins found on the site establish a period of continuous habitation beginning from the rule of John Hyrcanus (135–104 BCE) and continuing through the First Jewish-Roman War (66–73 CE).

The contents of the Dead Sea Scrolls, along with archaeological evidence and supporting historical texts, have led scholars to conclude that Qumran was inhabited by a sectarian religious community sometimes referred to as the Dead Sea Sect or “Hayachad” (together) sect. Many scholars believe that this sect was in fact a community of highly ritualistic Jews called the Essenes.

Later coins from the period of the Bar Kokhba Revolt (132-135 CE) were also found at Qumran, indicating that some of the late Judean fighters also found shelter in its ruins. The name Qumran, from the Arabic word meaning “crescent moon,” replaced an earlier name for the community, which has since been lost to history.

THE DEAD SEA SCROLLS

In the winter of 1946-7, Bedouin shepherd Muhammed Edh-Dhib followed a goat into a cave near Qumran and emerged with 7 ancient scrolls. The finding led to the discovery of ten other caves over the ensuing decade yielding a total of 929 texts – scrolls housed in jars inside the caves – known collectively as the Dead Sea Scrolls.

The scrolls include the oldest manuscripts of the Hebrew Biblical Scriptures ever found. Most have been carbon dated to the second and first century BC. As evidence of the diversity of religious and political ideas in existence at the period of the Second Temple, they are of monumental historical, religious and linguistic significance. They also provide invaluable information about Qumran’s inhabitants’ daily life and way of thinking.

The texts are written mostly in Hebrew and Aramaic, along with Greek and Nabataean. The scrolls – mostly written on parchment but some on papyrus or bronze – can be divided into three groups:

1. Copies of texts from the Hebrew Bible 2. Texts from the Second Temple Period and which ultimately were not canonized in the Hebrew Bible, such as the Book of Enoch, Jubilees, the Book of Tobit, the Wisdom of Sirach, and certain Psalms. 3. Sectarian manuscripts of previously unknown documents that shed light on the rules and beliefs of the Dead Sea Sect (probably Essenes) or other Jewish sects. Such manuscripts include the Community Rule, the War Scroll, and The Rule of the Blessing.

Of all the scroll’s contents, perhaps the most remarkable are similarities of several of their expressions to teachings of Jesus that appear in the New Testament. Paul used terms that can be found in the scrolls written at Qumran, and according to some scholars, the sect is also hinted at in the Gospel of John.

Several historical texts describe a sect of Jews called the Essenes, some of whom lived near the northwestern coast of the Dead Sea, whose practices were similar to those of the Dead Sea Sect as depicted in their manuscripts. This leads many scholars to conclude that the Essenes were in fact the sect that assembled the library of manuscripts that comprise the Dead Sea Scrolls. Recent interpretations have challenged this association and suggest that the sectarian scrolls came from Jews living in Jerusalem who hid them away for safekeeping as the Romans destroyed their city, or that the sect living at Qumran were actually Zadokite (Saducean) Priests.

THE ESSENES

The people who lived in Qumran during the Hasmonean Era and at the beginning of the Roman period were probably Essenes, a sect of Second Temple period Judaism that existed from the second century BC to the first century AD.

During the Second Temple period there were several ascetic, mystic, and messianic sects that broke off from the mainstream Judean social order. The Essenes were the largest such sect, living in cities throughout Judea, but also on the northwestern shores of the Dead Sea, which is one of the stronger indications that they are the Dead Sea Sect who lived in Qumran.

The Essenes renounced wealth and material comforts and elected to live a communal life of asceticism. They rejected the ways of the two larger Jewish denominations at the time – the Pharisees and the Sadducees – and saw themselves as the true inheritors of the Saducean (Zadokite) priestly traditions.

After the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in Qumran, the similarity of the ideas contained in the scrolls’ sectarian manuscripts and ideas attributed to the Essenes in other historical texts further buttressed the theory that the Essenes were either the authors of the scrolls or the “librarians” who assembled and stored them.

The daily routine of the sect is described in the scrolls. They would rise at dawn and begin the day with communal prayer. After the prayer they worked – some as shepherds of sheep and goats, others as farmers (of dates), or in communal functions like drawing water or preparing food. In the afternoon, they immersed themselves in water as part of a ritual bath before praying again. A communal meal prepared by the priests, was then eaten in hallowed silence. The Essenes prayed once again at sunset, and spent much of the night studying scriptures.

Some scholars have also theorized that John the Baptist himself lived among the Essenes. Though there is no direct evidence of this theory, it is supported by certain similarities between John’s recorded life and practices, and those of the Essenes. Both John and the Essenes lived in the desert, saw themselves as “voices in the wilderness” as prophesied by Isiah, and practiced baptism.

Although the Essenes believed that all of life was pre-ordained by God, their belief in free-will led them to aspire to righteousness. They saw the world as being divided into righteous and evil, and built their lives around a commitment to keep the righteous path. They believed that a great and final war was before them – one in which the world would be destroyed – and saw their role as one of readying the world for the new social order that would come in its wake.

EXCAVATIONS

Qumran was known to nineteenth century European explorers. The cemetery was the focus of the earliest excavations, conducted by Henry Poole in 1855 and followed by Charles Clermont-Ganneau in 1873. A string of late nineteenth and early twentieth century archaeologists and scholars visited the site, taking note of the fortress and cistern, and establishing Qumran as part of a string of fortresses along the southeastern border of ancient Judea.

Full-scale excavations of Qumran began after the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls in the late nineteen forties. In the winter of 1946-7, Bedouin shepherd Muhammed Edh-Dhib went into a cave near Qumran and emerged with 7 ancient scrolls. The war that broke out in the years that followed made it impossible to explore the cave until February 1949. It was then that Lancaster Harding, director of the Jordanian Department of Antiquities, and Roland de Vaux, of the Palestine Archaeological Museum, arrived at the cave, known as Cave 1, and began to dig. Soon de Vaux was given authorization to conduct a full scale excavation of the area.

The site that de Vaux uncovered contains two sections: the main building, a two story structure with a central courtyard and a defensive tower on its corner; and a secondary building to the west. The excavation also revealed a complex water system featuring an aqueduct that delivered water to several cisterns and ritual baths around the site, two of which were within the walls of the main building. These findings indicated a community that was consistently developing, with many improvements and new projects undertaken to accommodate growth.

The contents of the Dead Sea Scrolls, which continued to be discovered in nearby caves throughout De Vaux’s excavations of the main site, led scholars to conclude Qumran was inhabited by a sectarian religious community. Additional texts, like the historical accounts of Josephus Flavius, Philo, and Pliny the Elder, led De Vaux and others to adopt the theory that the site was inhabited by a sect of highly ritualistic Jews called the Essenes (despite the fact that the term “Essene” does not appear in the scrolls themselves).

Although de Vaux’s excavations of Qumran were quite exhaustive, and thereby the most important source of information on the settlement, there have been several excavations since de Vaux finished his work, notably:

• The 1967 restoration performed by R.W. Dajjani on behalf of Jordan’s Department of Antiquities • A systematic survey of the caves and pathways around Qumran conducted by Joseph Patrich and Yigael Yadin between 1984 and 1991. Patrich concluded that the caves were not inhabited by the Dead Sea Sect, but were rather used as hiding places and storage. • “Operation Scroll”: from November 1993 to January 1994, under the direction of Amir Drori and Yitzhak Magen, the Israel Antiquities Authority carried out works in the Qumran compound. • In the winter of 1995-1996 and later seasons Magen Broshi and Hanan Eshel carried out further excavations in the caves north of Qumran, in the cemetery and in marl terrace caves. • Continued excavations as recent as 2010.

VISITING QUMRAN

The site of ancient Qumran is operated by the Qumran National Park, under the direction of Israel’s National Parks Authority. For visiting hours, prices and other useful information, visit the Nature and Parks Authority website.

Just outside the park gates, the Qumran Visitor’s Center offers dining, shopping and tourist information to the public at large.

The Qumran Visitor Center restaurant is open daily from 11:30 to 16:00 (including Friday, Saturday and Sunday).

The Qumran Visitor Center gift shop features exotic hand-made jewelry from the Qumran region, religious icons, relics and souvenirs, and authentic Judaica made by local artisans.

The nearest lodgings are located at Kibbutz Kalia, about 1 mile (1.5 km) from Qumran National Park. Overnight guests of Kibbutz Kalia are invited to participate in the unique experience of Kibbutz life by taking their meals in the communal cafeteria. Guests also are welcome to make use of the Kibbutz facilities, which include a swimming pool and horse stables. Kibbutz staff can arrange desert jeep tours. For more information.

Visitors who would like to combine a trip to Qumran National Park with a dip in the Dead Sea can visit Kalia Beach, about 2 miles (3 km) from the archaeological site. Kalia Beach is one of the only places on the Dead Sea shore where bathers can also dip in natural Dead Sea mud located on the premises. Additional facilities include a restaurant, a cafeteria, souvenir shops, showers and toilets. For more information.

Qumran in Kalia – Israel

The ruins and former excavation site operate under the guidance and patronage of the Qumran National Park. Driving to the said site will require you to go west of Road 90. This also means that you need to travel on the road along the Dead Sea. There is a turn that will lead you to Kibbutz Kalia, which is actually located around seven kilometers from the junction of Beit Haarava. The park itself is about a 40 minute drive away from Jerusalem situated in the West Bank.

What to See

As stated earlier, the scrolls that were found in the cave complex in the Qumran National Park have now been moved to the Jerusalem Israel Museum. Those interested in seeing the actual scrolls themselves may visit the said museum. However, the park and cave complex are also open to the public.

Many of the things you can find here include many relics from various time periods. Like the many historical sites in the area, Qumran in Kalia – Israel is a rock solid monument to the lives that people lived in the past. The most important remains that can be seen here include finds that date back to the second temple period. Another important set of artifacts hails from the time of the Bar-Kachva rebellion.

Other than taking the tour in and around the national park, visitors will also be treated to an audio-visual presentation. This presentation relates the history behind the dig site and the people who used to take abode there. Other than the tours and presentations, visitors may also visit the Qumran canyon, which basically gives you a nice panoramic view of the surrounding countryside.

History of Qumran in Kalia – Israel

The site where all of the relics lie was established in the 8th century BCE. The settlement continued on even after the destruction of Jewish Temple in the year 586 BCE. The site was abandoned but was eventually resettled by the 2nd century BCE. Its present name was given at the time of the Arab period.

Adults who take the tour are required to pay an entry fee of NIS 21 while children are required to pay NIS 9. Take note that senior citizens get a 50% discount. They also give discounts to group tours provided that there are at least 30 people in a group.

Other Information

The tour in Qumran in Kalia – Israel usually lasts from one to two hours. They usually open at 8 am and close either at 4 pm or 5 pm. They usually close at 5 pm from April to September.

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Hotels near National Park Qumran, Kalia

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כפר נופש קלי"ה ים המלח

Hotel in Kalia (0.8 miles from National Park Qumran)

Located within an Israeli settlement, כפר נופש קלי"ה ים המלח is surrounded by green plants and gardens with outdoor swimming pool. Located in the desert, it is 4.3 mi from the beaches of the Dead Sea....

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Kalia (2.9 miles from National Park Qumran)

A good location for a stress-free stay in Kalia, Glamping -420 is a luxury tent surrounded by views of the sea.

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Kalia (2.8 miles from National Park Qumran)

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Ovnat (4.5 miles from National Park Qumran)

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Ovnat (4.7 miles from National Park Qumran)

Beautiful home on the dead sea! offers accommodations in Ovnat, 28 miles from Bethany Beyond the Jordan and 30 miles from Church of All Nations.

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Family apartment Dead-sea view is located in Ovnat, just 27 miles from Bethany Beyond the Jordan and 30 miles from Church of All Nations.

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Located in Jericho, 5.7 miles from Allenby/King Hussein Bridge, Qasr alnkheel resort and hotel provides accommodations with an outdoor swimming pool, free private parking, a garden and a shared lounge...

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Qumran National Park

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QUMRAN NATIONAL PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)