
King David's Tomb, Jerusalem
King David is an essential part of Jewish identity; at his tomb, one realizes that, in a way, he is still alive. This site is considered by some to be his burial place, according to a tradition that began in the 12th century AD, shortly after the Crusades. Now in Jewish control, the building is from the times of the Crusaders, and parts of it are free for public visitation.
As you walk in, take a look at the beautiful tile work in the first antechamber, with the patchwork done to match the repairs to the Dome of the Rock during the 1500s. The second antechamber houses a mihrab with equally impressive tile work dating from the 1400s when the area was under Muslim control. The building is currently used as a synagogue and when going in through separate entrances for men and women, you will see the velvet-draped cenotaph that marks the place of David's tomb. Pictures are usually allowed, but try not to upset the people praying there.
The tomb compound includes the location traditionally identified as the Cenacle of Jesus (where, according to tradition, Christ washed his Disciples' feet after the Last Supper) – the original meeting place of the Christian faith, while on the roof of the building there is an impressive observation point, and a mosque's minaret, built by the Turks during the 16th century following the Christians' expulsion from Mount Zion.
Tip:
Be sure to be appropriately covered; modest dress is advised regardless of gender (kippahs are provided for men).
As you walk in, take a look at the beautiful tile work in the first antechamber, with the patchwork done to match the repairs to the Dome of the Rock during the 1500s. The second antechamber houses a mihrab with equally impressive tile work dating from the 1400s when the area was under Muslim control. The building is currently used as a synagogue and when going in through separate entrances for men and women, you will see the velvet-draped cenotaph that marks the place of David's tomb. Pictures are usually allowed, but try not to upset the people praying there.
The tomb compound includes the location traditionally identified as the Cenacle of Jesus (where, according to tradition, Christ washed his Disciples' feet after the Last Supper) – the original meeting place of the Christian faith, while on the roof of the building there is an impressive observation point, and a mosque's minaret, built by the Turks during the 16th century following the Christians' expulsion from Mount Zion.
Tip:
Be sure to be appropriately covered; modest dress is advised regardless of gender (kippahs are provided for men).
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 iTunes 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.
King David's Tomb on Map
Sight Name: King David's Tomb
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Jerusalem, Israel
Create Your Own Walk in Jerusalem
Creating your own self-guided walk in Jerusalem is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Muslim Quarter & Temple Mount Tour
The largest, most populous and perhaps most chaotic of all Jerusalem’s quarters, the Muslim Quarter is worth exploring for its unique atmosphere. Spending a day here may take you back to a simpler time, but be prepared for many sights and sounds as you pass many vendors, stores and restaurants on your way from site to site.
Some of the city’s most interesting city gates (Damascus and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Some of the city’s most interesting city gates (Damascus and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Mount of Olives Walking Tour
Aside from affording great views over the Old City, the Mount of Olives is home to half a dozen major sites of the Christian faith along with the oldest Jewish burial ground in the world. Considered a holy spot by many, it is associated with numerous events in Jesus’ life including ascending to Heaven and teaching his disciples the Lord’s Prayer.
The following self-guided walking tour will... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
The following self-guided walking tour will... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Jerusalem Old City Walking Tour
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, the Old City of Jerusalem is best explored on foot, since its narrow streets and alleys make it almost an entirely vehicle-free zone. In addition to hosting four ethnic quarters, – Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian – it is packed with major historical and religious sites, which all make a trip here unique, unforgettable and not to be missed.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.8 Km or 1.7 Miles
Armenian Quarter Walking Tour
Smaller and quieter than the Old City's other three quarters, the Armenian quarter contains a series of winding cobblestoned streets and alleyways teeming with people, shops, coffee stands, ceramic workshops and hookah bars. A city in miniature with distinct language, alphabet and culture, it has been in place since the 4th century, when Armenia adopted Christianity as a national religion.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Mount Zion Walking Tour
For those interested in religion and history, Mount Zion offers several unique sights that are situated in close proximity to each other. An important place for Christians, Jews as well as Muslims, it holds important constructions dating from the 20th century as well as a compound built by the Crusaders that marks the spot of both King David’s tomb and the Room of the Last Supper. How... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Following Steps of Jesus Walking Tour
Considered for centuries to be the center of the universe, Jerusalem is where the most famous figure in history, Jesus of Nazareth, fulfilled his divine mission by carrying a cross from the place of Pontius Pilate’s sentencing to Golgotha where he was crucified. This self-guided tour will retrace the steps of Jesus, allowing you to see what many consider some of the holiest places on our planet.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
16 Uniquely Israel Things to Buy in Jerusalem
Modern day Jerusalem is a mosaic of neighborhoods, reflecting different historical periods, cultures, and religions. The influx of repatriates in recent years has made the cultural and artisanal scene of the city even more colourful and diverse. To find your way through Jerusalem's intricate...