City of David & Hezekiah's Tunnel
עיר דוד
The most ancient quarter of Jerusalem, an archaeological site where you can wade through a water tunnel dug about 2,700 years ago by King Hezekiah.
The City of David lies on the southern slope outside Dung Gate in the Old City. It is believed to be the core of Jerusalem in the Bronze Age, from the Jebusite city to the time of King David. The archaeological park includes the remains of a royal palace, the Warren Shaft, and Hezekiah's Tunnel. King Hezekiah had the tunnel cut around the 8th century BC, and it is about 530 metres long. The water is knee-deep, so bring a torch and shoes that can get wet. The walk takes about 40 minutes. If you do not want to get wet, you can take the dry Canaanite Tunnel instead. The exit connects to the Pool of Siloam and the Pilgrimage Road. Booking on the official website is recommended. Admission is about 30 to 60 shekels.
Opening hours
Sun–Thu approx. 8:00 am–5:00 pm; closes early Fri; closed Sat
Nearby sights
- Western Wall
- Jewish Quarter & Cardo
- Dome of the Rock (Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif)
- Cenacle & King David's Tomb
- Abbey of the Dormition
- Armenian Quarter & Cathedral of St. James
- Via Dolorosa
- Gethsemane & Church of All Nations