pay attention:
Reaching the beginning of the hiking trail that ascends to the fort requires a ride on a winding road up the mountain. The road exits from Road No. 90 between Moshav Masua and the Jordan Valley Regional Council. The road is accessible only to those coming from the north, those coming from the south need to move north and make a U-turn at the next junction.
The beginning of the road is not the most obvious and easy to miss, see Waypoint.
Sartava or Alexandria is an ancient fortress located on a high mountain dome in the mountain range in southeastern Samaria, above the Jordan Valley. The summit of Saratva rises to a total height of 650 meters above the valley, of which 377 meters above sea level. The fortress constructed by the Hasmoneans between Scythopolis and Jerusalem on a pointy barren hill towering over the Jordan Valley from the west. It was likely named after Hasmonean king Alexander.
The name "Saratba" has been preserved from an ancient period and also remains the Arabic name of the place, Keren Saratba (سرطبا). The word "horn" in Arabic is often used in the oil of prominent peaks.
Saratba is mentioned as the second station in the chain of stations, where a beacon was lit to convey the news of the sanctification of the month in the days of the Second Temple. These stations were established on prominent mountain peaks, and enabled the rapid transmission of messages from Jerusalem to the rest of the country and even to the Jews of Babylon.
The vehicle is parked in a small parking lot in front of the military base. Climb the green path that goes directly to the summit of Saratva. Trail with a large and not easy slope (high difficulty rating). Those in good shape can reach the summit in a 30-45 minute walk. Walking at normal speed takes an hour to an hour and a quarter. You can also return by way of the jeeps marked in red (see map).
The treasure itself is located just below the summit in a relatively flat plaza where the remains of the fort can be seen. You are looking for special heart-shaped stones, in one of the heart springs you will find the treasure. Why did they build a heart-shaped stone? The explanation is that the heart stones were the corners of the fortress, such a corner is stronger than a corner at a 90 degree angle. Continue the walls of the wall on each side of the heart walls.
Do not miss the opportunity and also reach the summit after finding the treasure. You are guaranteed a spectacular view and a great place to make coffee / tea. You can start the route before sunrise and watch it from the summit.
At the end of the route do not miss the observation near the military base (see Waypoint).
Enjoy, upload the Saratva, find the treasure.
