Jerusalem City Gates Walking Tour (Self Guided), Jerusalem

The busiest among the seven gates of the Old City, this serves as the primary entrance for both traffic and pedestrians arriving from modern West Jerusalem via Mamilla. Despite its substantial size, the entrance tunnel is narrow and L-shaped, intentionally designed to impede the progress of attackers. Constructed during the reign of Suleyman the Magnificent, a dedication within the arch on the outside of the gate indicates the exact date of 1538.

Cars can access the Old City through this gate, a privilege attributed to Kaiser Wilhelm II's visit in 1898. Legend has it that the Ottoman authorities, mindful of the belief that every conqueror of the city must enter through here, created a breach in the wall between the gate and the Citadel. This allowed the Kaiser and his entourage to enter through the breach instead of the gate itself, which is on the north side of the breach. However, when General Edmund Allenby captured Jerusalem for the British in 1917, he famously declined to use the Kaiser's breach, opting instead to dismount along with his retinue and enter on foot through the gate, as a sign of respect to the city.

Known as Sha'ar Yafo in Hebrew and Bab al-Khalil in Arabic, the gate offers access to the ramparts, allowing visitors to walk along the city walls. Its various names reflect the diverse perspectives of Jerusalem's inhabitants: the English and Hebrew names allude to the ancient port city of Jaffa on the Mediterranean coast, known as an embarkation point for immigrants, pilgrims, and early tourists, while the Arabic name originates from the holy town of Hebron ("Al-Khalil"), signifying the old road leading to Hebron that commenced at this spot.

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.

Easily recognizable as one of the main entrances to the eastern part of Old Jerusalem, this gate stands out due to its monumental size and the constant activity surrounding it. As the most elaborate and fortified among the original seven gates, it features battlements, firing loopholes, and flanking turrets. Back in the day, the large opening above the entrance served to pour boiling oil or projectiles onto would-be invaders. Inside, the gate is designed with a double right-angle turn to further hinder hostile forces.

Named after the Syrian capital located 135 miles (or 220 kilometers) to the north, this structure has remained largely unchanged since its construction between 1537 and 1542 under the direct supervision of Ottoman Sultan Suleyman the Magnificent. Known as Bab el-Amud, or "Gate of the Column", by Arabs, it possibly references a large column topped with a statue of Emperor Hadrian that once stood within.

Built over remnants of the original Roman gate and parts of the Roman city, this gate offers access to archaeological excavations. Outside, steps lead to the excavation site where remnants of a Crusader chapel, a medieval roadway, and signs of the Roman 10th Legion's presence can be found. Further inside, the surviving arch of the Roman gate provides entry to the intriguing Roman Square Excavations. The original Roman plaza, marked with a gaming board engraved in the paving stones, serves as the starting point of the Roman Cardo. One can also observe a hologram depicting Hadrian's column in the main plaza.

Tip:
Starting point for the Ramparts Walk around Jerusalem's, offering routes towards the Lions' Gate in the east or the Jaffa Gate in the west.

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.

This gate on Jerusalem's eastern ramparts is known by multiple names. While commonly referred to as the Lions' Gate due to the pair of beasts flanking the entrance, it is also called Saint Stephen's Gate after the first Christian martyr who was stoned to death outside the city. His tomb was originally located near the Damascus Gate but was later relocated here for the convenience of Christian pilgrims.

In Arabic, the gate is known as Bab al-Ghor ("Jordan Valley Gate") or "Gate of Our Lady Mary", since the Virgin is believed to have been born just inside. Yet another Arabic name is Meshikuli, which in more modern terms would mean "wicket" – a small opening in a wall – through which, back in the day, people could observe approaching enemies and, in case of attack, pour boiling oil or tar onto their heads.

Legend has it that the emblematic lions flanking the gateway (although one school of thought insists that they are panthers) were originally symbols of the Mamluk sultan Baybars I and were placed there by Suleiman the Magnificent in celebration of his successful campaign to rid the Holy Land of Crusaders. Another story suggests that Suleiman had the panthers installed after dreaming that he would be eaten by lions if he didn't rebuild Jerusalem's ramparts.

Despite its age and historical significance, the Lions' Gate remains remarkably well-preserved, having never undergone restoration. Visitors should be prepared for crowds, particularly on Fridays when Muslims gather for prayer at the nearby Al-Aqsa Mosque.

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.

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.

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.

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.