"As a historic site away from an urban center, its cultural integrity has been preserved. The site is well-maintained, and the signage is adequate. It offers vistas of the Dead Sea and Jordan Valley rock formations of unprecedented beauty. The risk for commercial overdevelopment is high and needs to be addressed before it spoils the site."
"Breathtaking and well worth the visit. Sunrises at Masada are especially beautiful. It benefits the local population both as an economic development tool and as a reminder of the population's connection with its past."
"Over the past decade management has improved enormously. The interpretation center and the parking areas at the base of the rock have now been rebuilt in a better style and relocated so as to be largely invisible from the top of the rock, whilst the cable car is now far less obtrusive."
"Tourist volume and cable cars—which allow much greater access—are minor problems. The evaporation of the Dead Sea presents more major long-term concerns to the area."
Jerusalem: Old City and its walls
Score: 54
"Most beautiful light of any city, and a unique place. Building codes in new city requiring Jerusalem stone exterior was a great idea. Barrier fence and TV towers intrude on Old City. Archaeology is amazing in the tunnel along the wall."
"Confusing as to what is history and what is now a modern Israeli interpretation. Guides do not provide accurate historical information—highly politicized. Local community has little benefit other than employment and shop revenue."
"The impact for any visitor is still strong, and restoration seems to be in good hands, but crowds are a nuisance and the high security is obtrusive."
"Disastrous. A political football. The way the authorities are developing it is killing the multi-religious nature of the city as well as robbing it of meaning."
"History is politics here, so hugely important Islamic heritage is not given sufficient emphasis (e.g., destruction of area around Wailing Wall to make piazza)."
