King Herod's Hilltop Palace-Fortress Near Jerusalem to Open Soon Published December 17th, 2020 - 12:29 GMT Fortress Herodium (Shutterstock) Highlights 'This is an unparalleled archaeological laboratory,' said Roi Porat, the Hebrew University archaeologist in charge of the excavations, comparing it to Pompeii's preservation in lava. Israeli authorities are set to unveil structures within King Herod's hilltop palace-fortress Herodium, in the Desert, that were previously off-limits. Israel's Nature and Parks Authority plans to open the revamped site on Sunday, allowing visitors to see for the first time Herodium's arched stairway, foyer and private theatre. Herodium is a cone-shaped mound in the desert, about six miles from Jerusalem, covering the remains of King Herod's impressive palace.