Jerusalem City Gates Walking Tour, Jerusalem

Jerusalem City Gates Walking Tour (Self Guided), Jerusalem

Historians believe that the Old City of Jerusalem probably came into being more than 4,500 years ago. The defensive wall around it features a number of gates built on the order of the Ottoman sultan Suleyman the Magnificent in the first half of the 16th century, each of which is an attraction in its own right. Until as recently as 1870, they were all closed from sunset to sunrise; nowadays, just the section between Lions’ Gate and the Dung Gate is closed to the public.

Begin your walk with Jaffa – the busiest of the seven Old City gates, and the main one for both traffic and pedestrians coming from modern West Jerusalem. The old road to the town started here, and today this large gate one is the best place for visitors to access the ramparts and walk along the city walls. After climbing the steps immediately inside and paying admission, the ramparts pass over the New Gate, added in the 1880s to allow pilgrims direct access to the Christian Quarter, and the Damascus Gate – the grandest of all the Old City gates, providing a sort of opening to a microcosm of the Palestinian world with all its flurry of daily activity.

Between the Damascus Gate and the Zion Gate, you’ll find the Christian and Armenian quarters, on the right, and on the left, the Muslim Quarter and then the Jewish Quarter. Occasional vantage points allow you to look out across the Hinnom Valley below to the red rooftops of the early Jewish settlement of Mishkenot Shaananim, while the final stretch affords wonderful views of the Arab village of Silwan.

Our self-guided walking tour will lead you gate to gate, revealing all the mysteries and curiosities along the way. Put on some good shoes, stay hydrated and take photos that will be much different from everyone’s usual travel photos!
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Jerusalem City Gates Walking Tour Map

Guide Name: Jerusalem City Gates Walking Tour
Guide Location: Israel » Jerusalem (See other walking tours in Jerusalem)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
# of Attractions: 9
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Author: vickyc
Sight(s) Featured in This Guide:
  • Jaffa Gate
  • New Gate
  • Damascus (Shechem) Gate
  • Herod's Gate
  • Lions’ Gate
  • Golden Gate
  • Huldah Gates
  • Dung Gate
  • Zion Gate
1
Jaffa Gate

1) Jaffa Gate

The Jaffa Gate is one of the eight points of entry to the Old City Jerusalem, and was built by the Ottomans in the 16th century. It is also the only structural opening in the wall surrounding the city that is set at a 90 degree angle; no doubt, this was done as a defensive measure. Located on the western side, it faces in the direction of the eponymous town of Jaffa – hence the name.

The gate goes by several other different names as well, including “Sha'ar Yafo” in Hebrew and “Bab el-Khalil” in Arabic which means "the gate of a friend." The ''friend'' part refers to prophet Abraham, “the friend of God”. Legend has it that the prophet was buried here somewhere, and since Hebron was his hometown, another name for this place is the "Hebron Gate." It is also often referred to as the “prayer niche of David.” During the Crusader period, it was known as “David’s Gate” because of its proximity to the Tower of David.

It was also from this spot that the Biblical character Jonah embarked on a sea voyage, and pilgrims used to debark here on their trip to the Holy City as well. Even today, the old road starting from the gate is still in use, converted to a superhighway linking Jerusalem with Tel Aviv.
2
New Gate

2) New Gate

The New Gate stands as a unique addition to Jerusalem's Old City wall, diverging from the original 16th-century design. Erected in 1889 during the twilight of the Ottoman Empire, it holds historical significance distinct from the Second Temple's New Gate referenced in the Book of Jeremiah. Positioned at 790 meters (2,590 ft) above sea level, it represents the highest point along the Old City wall, serving as the swiftest pedestrian route between West Jerusalem and various quarters of the Old City.

Also referred to as “Bab es Sultan Abd ul Hamid”, the gate owes its existence to the Ottoman Sultan who acquiesced to the French Consul's plea for access to the Old City from the Notre Dame Hospice, completed in 1886. Additionally, it aimed to facilitate direct passage for Russian pilgrims residing at the Russian Compound to reach the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter.

Throughout the 20th century, the New Gate endured multiple assaults from various parties. In 1929, an unprovoked Arab attack resulted in the loss of several Jewish lives, while in 1945, an Israeli paramilitary group attempted to demolish a section of the adjacent wall (though their efforts were thwarted by a malfunction in the explosive device). During the 1948 Arab-Israeli war, a Jewish demolition charge intended for the gate was triggered by a stray artillery shell, igniting the Arab wooden barricade nearby. Subsequently, the gate was sealed off by the Jordanian occupation administration until its reopening in 1967 by the Israeli Army following the Six-Day War.
3
Damascus (Shechem) Gate

3) Damascus (Shechem) Gate

One of the main entrances to the Eastern part of Old Jerusalem, this gate is named after the Syrian capital which lies some 135 miles (or 220 kilometers) up north. The structure has remained pretty much intact since the time it was built, between 1537 and 1542, under the reign and direct supervision of Ottoman sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. The size of the gate, however, resulted from the work commissioned centuries before that by another ruler – Roman emperor Hadrian – and it was a column, owing to which is yet another name for this gate, “Bab al-Amud” (Gate of the Column).

Today, this is by far one of the busiest and most colorful spots in the Old City. In many ways, this gate symbolizes a sort of opening to a microcosm of the Palestinian world. Here, vendors heading to and from the Old City bring their goods, and the life boils with activity pretty much as it has done for centuries before.

A sign of modern day reality, however, is the presence of the Israeli soldiers standing guard on the steps of the nearby buildings. Still, the area is dominated primarily by the vendors offering herbs, fresh produce and other goods to the passers-by. Local women are distinctively famous for wearing embroidered dresses that are a part of their dowry and identity.

Why You Should Visit:
This is one of the Old City's prettiest gates with the castellated wall. Truly majestic!

Tip:
The gate area is super busy, if not intimidating, towards the end of Ramadan. When it's Friday in Ramadan, DO NOT try to exit the gate, for it will be like swimming against the tide!
Right outside the gate there are few stalls selling all kinds of fruits and vegetables, as well as dry and canned goods and other household stuff. The prices here are quite affordable and the produce is always fresh.
4
Herod's Gate

4) Herod's Gate

Herod's Gate, about 400 meters east of the Damascus Gate and north of the Via Dolorosa, is often overlooked by tourists, except for those venturing through to sample falafel or explore the local market frequented by residents for everyday necessities. The tranquil residential neighborhood within does indeed provide a glimpse into the Old City's quieter, less touristy side.

The English name, "Herod’s Gate", stems from a historical misconception dating back to 16th-century pilgrims who believed that the nearby monastery of Deir Abu Adas had once been the palace of King Herod Antipas. In Arabic and Hebrew, the gate is known as Bab el-Zahra and Shaar ha-Prakhim, respectively, meaning "Gate of Flowers", a reference to the rosette above the arch. In the past, this corner of the city housed the Jewish quarter until the Crusaders breached the walls nearby in 1099, leading to the slaughter of the Jewish inhabitants and their replacement with Syrian Christians.

Originally designed with a 90-degree turn to impede invaders, the gate was modified in 1875 to allow for a straight-through entrance, facilitating easier access. Adjacent to it stands the Burj al-Luqluq, or Stork Tower, constructed during the building of the city walls in 1537. While storks are no longer a common sight on the tower today, the area surrounding it has been home to a small community of Domari, also known as Gypsies, since the 19th century. The Domari people share a Rajasthani origin with the Romani people of Europe.
5
Lions’ Gate

5) Lions’ Gate

The Lions’ Gate takes its name after the pairs of stone animals carved into the design. Legend has it that sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, who built the wall around Jerusalem in the 16th century, had a nightmare in which he saw lions about to devour him as he had failed to secure defenses for this part of the citadel.

Waking up, he ordered a wall to be built with the lions placed at the city gate. There are speculations as to whether the carvings are actually lions and not panthers, in which case they may depict animals from the crest of the Mameluke sultan Baybars, and thus be part of an older building.

Another name for this point of entry is “Bab Sitt Maryam” and it refers to Mary, mother of Jesus. Legend has it that she has been laid to rest somewhere around the Kidron Valley. In Christian tradition and lore, this gate is also known as St. Stephen's, the first Christian martyr who was stoned to death. On a Palm Sunday, there is a procession recreating the historical route of Jesus from Scripture, passing through the gate from the Mount into the Old City.

The Arabic name for the gate is "Meshikuli", which in more modern terms means “wicket” – a small opening in a wall – through which, back in the day, people could watch those approaching and, in case of attack, pour boiling oil or tar onto the enemies' heads.

Why You Should Visit:
Impressive and incredibly well-preserved historic sight, considering it has never been restored!

Tip:
Can get crowded, especially on Fridays, because of the influx of Muslims coming for prayer at the nearby al-Aqsa Mosque.
6
Golden Gate

6) Golden Gate

The Eastern Gate of the Temple Mount, commonly known as the Golden Gate, holds significant historical and religious importance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. It is unique as the only eastern gate and one of the few entrances to Jerusalem from that side. While its construction dates vary, it is considered one of the oldest gates in the city, with origins dating back to as early as 520 AD.

Featuring a double entrance with two vaulted halls, the gate has been sealed and reopened multiple times by different rulers. Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent sealed it shut in 1541, following closures by Muslims in 810 and reopening by Crusaders in 1102, and subsequent resealing by Saladin after defeating the Crusaders in 1187.

For Jews, the gate is associated with the Messiah's future entrance into Jerusalem and is also known as the "Gate of Mercy" due to the direct access it provided to what used to be the Jewish Temple. Christians associate it with the meeting of Mary's parents after the Annunciation and Jesus' entry on Palm Sunday. Muslims refer to it as Bab al-Dhahabi ("Golden Gate") or Bab al-Zahabi ("Gate of Eternal Life"), believing it will be the site of Allah's final judgment and resurrection.

Due to its importance to all three religions, the Golden Gate remains a history-rich and controversial site. While the Jews insist that Sultan Suleiman sealed off the gate to prevent the Messiah's arrival, others argue it was done for defensive reasons. Some even claim that the cemetery built in front of the gate by the Ottomans was intended to prevent a false Messiah or "Antichrist" from passing through.

From this spot, one can easily traverse to the Temple Mount and enjoy magnificent views across the Kidron Valley to the Mount of Olives. Alternatively, one can take a little hike into the lowlands to find the old trail to Bethany, or make way to the Garden of Gethsemane.
7
Huldah Gates

7) Huldah Gates

The remains of two ancient gates on the southern wall of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem are known by archaeologists as the "Double Gate" and the "Triple Gate". Historically, these gates were referred to as the "Huldah Gates", named after the 7th-century BC prophet Huldah, one of only seven women prophets mentioned in the Old Testament, believed to have been buried in the City of David neighborhood (south of the Temple Mount).

With its three triple arches, the Western Huldah Gate served as the entrance for Jewish pilgrims entering the Temple Mount, while the double-arched Eastern Huldah Gate served as the exit for pilgrims leaving the temple complex. These gates provided direct access to the Temple Mount, guiding pilgrims through underground tunnels into the outer courtyard of the Jewish temple.

Visitors to Jerusalem today can still observe and walk on the remains of the monumental staircases attached to the Huldah Gates. Rising from the valley below, they symbolized an "ascent" to the divine realm, or a transition from the profane to the sacred. During significant Jewish festivals like Passover, it's estimated that hundreds of thousands of pilgrims would have ascended and descended these staircases, passing through the Huldah Gates on their way to and from the temple.
8
Dung Gate

8) Dung Gate

The Dung Gate, one of the gates in the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem dating back to the 16th century, is located near the southeast corner of the Old City, southwest of the Temple Mount. The less-than-flattering "dung", derived from the original Hebrew name Sha'ar Ha'ashpot, meaning "Gate of Garbage" or "Ash Pot Gate", reflects its historical role. During the time of the First Jewish Temple, waste and ashes from sacrifices were discarded through this gate into the Valley of Hinnom to be burned.

The original Dung Gate from antiquity may differ from the one built in the 16th century, which was initially quite small, resembling a doorway in a typical domestic house, and was only enlarged in 1952 under Jordanian rule to accommodate vehicular traffic. Despite expansion, it remains the smallest of all the Old City gates and retains its original Ottoman carved arch with a stone flower above.

Today, the gate serves as the main entrance and exit for the Jewish Quarter, providing convenient access to the Western Wall compound directly behind it. Additionally, it offers easy access to the City of David and Hezekiah's Tunnel, making it a crucial entry point for visitors to these significant historical sites.
9
Zion Gate

9) Zion Gate

Lying among the eight gates embedded within the Old City's fortifications, the Zion Gate, also known as David's Gate, serves as a direct passage into the Armenian and Jewish Quarters. If the tales of the famous Jewish king's burial here hold true, the name couldn't be more fitting. With its angular features crafted to thwart invaders, one can now traverse it in the opposite direction and 'invade' the Old City at any hour of the day. Besides, the walls along here are especially nice, offering splendid photo opportunities under the afternoon sun.

Constructed by engineers of Suleiman the Magnificent around 1540, this gate facilitated direct access from the city to the sacred sites atop Mount Zion. In the 19th century, the nearby vicinity gained notoriety as a gathering point for lepers. The battleground was particularly intense here in 1948, as Israeli soldiers struggled to breach the walls to relieve the besieged Jewish Quarter held by the Jordanians. Today, the gate's exterior bears witness to the ferocious combat, marred by numerous bullet holes. A short distance to the west, conspicuous damage to the base of the wall remains from the soldiers' attempts to blast their way through with explosives.

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