The Gates of Jerusalem

The Damascus Gate might be the busiest of the seven gates into the Old City of Jerusalem. This newly restored gate opens to the north and true to its name in antiquity, offered travelers the way to Damascus.

Beneath the present gate lies the Roman gate into Emperor Hadrian's new city which was built after the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE. He renamed the city, Aelia Capitolina. These actions precipitated in part the revolt led by Bar Kokhba (132-136 CE).

While the crowd today was relatively small, the gate area teems with businessmen barking their wares, sidewalk-chefs grilling on the barbe, and folks hurrying home from prayers at the Dome of the Rock on Friday afternoon. Don't miss it on your trip to Jerusalem!