City of David Jerusalem Walls National Park
City of David Jerusalem Walls National Park – Historical Goldmine
View of Old City from Ir David (Photo: © The City of David and Ir David Foundation)
Jerusalem! Just hearing this name stirs up all kinds of emotions and spiritual feelings. There is no better place to experience life as it was throughout Jerusalem’s long and often stormy history than by visiting the City of David, Ir David in Hebrew. This area, believed to have been the original site of Jerusalem founded by King David 3000 years ago, is very close to the Western Wall, the kotel ma’aravi of the Second Temple and the Temple Mount. Here have been found some of the most amazing archaeological discoveries that shed light on the history of Jerusalem, the Temples, Judaism and the Tanach (Bible). The City of David (Jerusalem Walls) National Park with ongoing archaeological digs is also the site of the Megalim City of David Institute for Jewish Studies that offers courses and sponsors the annual City of David Jerusalem Archaeological Conference.
Jerusalem Archaeological Excavations
There are ongoing digs here, some open to the public and some not. As you walk on some of these ancient roads and through the tunnels you can feel transported back in time to experience life first-hand from when the Kings of Israel reigned and the First and Second temples were built. You can opt to take advantage of one of the exciting tours offered at Ir David including tours on electric bicycles and a Segway Tour, or find your own way around using a map to guide you. For information about tours email: Netanel netanel@cod.org.il or phone: 054-3316613.
Exciting attractions in the City of David Jerusalem Walls National Park:
Warren’s Shaft (Photo: © The City of David and Ir David Foundation)
1. Warren’s Shaft Jerusalem
In 1867 Charles Warren entered Hezekiah’s Tunnel from the Gihon Spring and discovered a fascinating shaft, now named after him, which led to an upper tunnel believed to have allowed residents of Jerusalem to have a fresh supply of water during a siege.
2. Hezekiah’s Tunnel
One of your most exciting and awesome experiences when visiting Jerusalem will be to walk through the refreshing, cool knee-high water in Hezekiah’s Tunnel. King Hezekiah, Hizkiyahu ha’melech, in the 8th century BCE organized a major engineering feat to protect Jerusalem’s water supply from an impending invasion by the Assyrians by stopping up the flow of water from the Gihon Spring and diverting it by carving out a tunnel that went right through the mountain to carry the water under the ground to the residents of Ir David. This is mentioned in the Bible in fact in 2 Kings 20:20, 2 Chronicles 32:2-4, 2 Chronicles 32:30 and Isaiah 22.11.
3. The Pool of Shiloach and the Second Temple Road
You can walk up this old 2000 year old road that leads from the Gihon Spring right up to the Temple Mount. On this very same road Jews made their way up to the Temple to offer sacrifices and prayer, especially during the festivals of Sukkot (Tabernacles), Pesach (Passover) and Pentecost (Shavuot). Two cooking pots and coins were found here, evidence of how Jews hid here from the Romans during the time of the Great Revolt.
4. King David’s Palace
Massive foundations were found on top of a hill that housed the first Visitor’s Center and many believe that this might have been the site of King David’s Palace.
5. City of David Visitors Center
There is an on-site Visitors Center that offers a 3D movie, snack bar, bathrooms and the opportunity to rent flash lights and water shoes. Due to numerous steps there is no wheel chair access to the National Park.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices City of David Jerusalem
Hours:
April to September: 8:00 am to 7:00 pm
October to March: 8:00 am to 5:00 pm
Fridays and Holiday evenings: 8:00 am to 1:00 pm
Prices:
Adult over age 18 – NIS 29
Children: Age 5-18 and senior citizen (women from age 60 and men from age 65) – NIS 15
3D movie – NIS 13 but this must be purchased with an entrance ticket,
There are also special group rates.
For further information phone the Visitors Center: 1-800-25-24-23; (02) 625-0143
City of David Jerusalem: Did You Know?
Did you know that a shard of a 2700 year old ceramic plate with ancient Hebrew inscription was recently found at Ir David and will be on display to the public during the 14th annual City of David Archaeological Conference to be held August 29, 2013.
