Much easier to reach than Shivta, Mamshit National Park is the ancient city also known as Memphis or Kurnub. It is the smallest but best-preserved Nabataean city in the Negev.
Overlooking Wadi Mamshit, the settlement dates from the 1st century CE; it was later used by the Romans. The excavations include ancient reservoirs, watchtowers, churches and Roman and Byzantine cemeteries. One highlight is the large mosaic floor at the courtyard of the Church of St Nilus.
Mamshit is on Rte 25, about 8km from Dimona. Any of the buses heading to Eilat via Dimona will drop you at the turn-off for the site.
