Hezekiah's Tunnel, Jerusalem (must see)
Exploring Hezekiah's Tunnel is an unforgettable experience, offering both historical insight and a refreshing escape from the heat. This ancient engineering marvel, discovered in 1838 by American biblical scholar Edward Robinson, provides a unique journey through a tiny underwater river.
Beginning at Gihon Spring, a major source of water for ancient Jerusalem for 1,000 years, the 2,700-year-old tunnel stretches 580 yards (530 meters) to the Pool of Siloam, the source for drawing water during biblical times. Built by King Hezekiah in preparation for the Assyrian siege in the 8th century BC, the tunnel was painstakingly chipped away by hand by two groups of workers who met in the middle to secure the city's water supply from impending invaders.
With proper preparation, exploring Hezekiah's Tunnel promises to be an unforgettable and enlightening experience.
Tip:
For almost the entirety of the tunnel, there is no light whatsoever. Even if there isn't a constant stream of water running underfoot, using something like your cell phone's flashlight setting for light won't be adequate. It is highly recommended that you use a strong headlamp, but a flashlight would work as well. It doesn't hurt to have a friend walk in front of or behind you as well, just in case your light dies and you're stuck walking in the dark.
You are advised to bring only a backpack, purse, or small bag that can be either hitched up high on your back or tucked under your arm well above the water level. Bulky packages would probably be very annoying to carry through the tunnel given its narrowness. Also, wear comfortable shoes that can get wet!
Beginning at Gihon Spring, a major source of water for ancient Jerusalem for 1,000 years, the 2,700-year-old tunnel stretches 580 yards (530 meters) to the Pool of Siloam, the source for drawing water during biblical times. Built by King Hezekiah in preparation for the Assyrian siege in the 8th century BC, the tunnel was painstakingly chipped away by hand by two groups of workers who met in the middle to secure the city's water supply from impending invaders.
With proper preparation, exploring Hezekiah's Tunnel promises to be an unforgettable and enlightening experience.
Tip:
For almost the entirety of the tunnel, there is no light whatsoever. Even if there isn't a constant stream of water running underfoot, using something like your cell phone's flashlight setting for light won't be adequate. It is highly recommended that you use a strong headlamp, but a flashlight would work as well. It doesn't hurt to have a friend walk in front of or behind you as well, just in case your light dies and you're stuck walking in the dark.
You are advised to bring only a backpack, purse, or small bag that can be either hitched up high on your back or tucked under your arm well above the water level. Bulky packages would probably be very annoying to carry through the tunnel given its narrowness. Also, wear comfortable shoes that can get wet!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Jerusalem. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Hezekiah's Tunnel on Map
Sight Name: Hezekiah's Tunnel
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Jerusalem, Israel
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