Gevulot and nearby Mitzpe Gvulot

For your trip planning around Gevulot, nearby Mitzpe Gvulot is a tangible historical reference point. The story of an early observation post in the Negev and guided accounts of the site take center stage there.

History and activities at Mitzpe Gvulot

Mitzpe Gvulot was founded on May 12, 1943, near Kibbutz Gvulot as the first of three observation posts in the Negev. After the Israeli War of Independence, Kibbutz Gvulot was relocated to its current site, about 1.5 kilometers northeast of Mitzpe Gvulot. The establishment of the outpost and the kibbutz’s later relocation were therefore two distinct stages in the site’s history.

The outpost buildings stood empty until their reconstruction in 1996. This timeline provides a concrete framework for the historical accounts: the founding was followed by years of vacancy and, finally, reconstruction. The site’s history can thus be explored through both its early role as an observation post and the later development of its buildings.

Guided tours featuring stories are offered at Mitzpe Gvulot. Activities include stories about the site and the pioneering era, sometimes with costumes, as well as building with mud bricks. Historical storytelling and a hands-on activity are offered side by side. Advance booking is required for tours and activities, so do not count on them being available on a walk-in basis.

Other historic sites in the Southern District

Across the wider Southern District destination, historic sites range from Avdat National Park to Masada. Avdat is a UNESCO World Heritage Site along the route of the ancient Incense Route in the Negev Highlands. Masada, in turn, is considered a symbol of the ancient Kingdom of Israel, its violent destruction, and the final resistance of Jewish patriots against the Roman army in 73 CE.

Masada preserves the remains of Herod’s palaces and intact Roman siege works. These fortifications are among the most complete of their kind in the Roman world. Registering in advance in the visit coordination system secures a place in Masada National Park for your selected visit date. Since operational details may change, check the latest information before planning your visit.

Landscape and nature in the Southern District

The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve encompasses Israel’s largest oasis, with springs, waterfalls, flowing streams, ibexes, and hyraxes. A hiking trail in the reserve follows the perennial Nahal Arugot to a hidden waterfall and pools in its upper reaches. Trail conditions may change after floods, so check them before setting out.

Besor Park (Eshkol), on the river’s eastern bank near the Ein Besor spring, features expansive lawns, picnic facilities, and children’s playgrounds. The park also has marked cycling trails and a disc golf course. If you plan to use a particular facility, check its current operating status.

The coastal landscape offers a different highlight: the Canaanite Gate in Ashkelon was built from mud bricks and kurkar bricks, dates to 1850 BCE, and is considered the oldest vaulted gate in the world. The southern part of Ashkelon National Park is a nature reserve protecting the unique flora and fauna of the sand dunes. The Southern District thus offers archaeological remains and protected natural areas as distinct attractions.

Discover more destinations: Afikim, Metulla, Gesher Haziv, Kafr Qasim, Shivta, Nazareth, Petah Tikva, Kokhav Ya'ir

Back to the wider travel guide: Israel.