Timna valley(about 30km/19mi north of Eilat) is considered the place of the first mines on Earth. Copper mining began in Timna more than 6000 years ago, at the end of the fifth millennium BCE. It is also believed to be the place of copper mining under King Solomon. There are many ancient copper mines in the valley, some look like holes in the ground, others are caves hewn in stone; in some places, there are remains of copper-smelting ovens.
The landscapes of Timna valley, are most unusual and breathtaking. The valley is U-shaped, surrounded by yellow sandstone mountains from three sides, and red volcanic Mt Timna is in the centre. One of the most famous sights in Timna is The Mushroom, a red sandstone rock so shaped by wind and water that it indeed looks like a gigantic mushroom. Besides this "natural sculpture", there are many more amazing formations, here and there one can see arches, "tables", "mushrooms" of different sizes.
Open 8am-4pm, July-August: Fri and Sun 8am-1pm, other days also 6pm-8:30pm
