Damascus Gate
שער שכם / باب العامود
The most magnificent and ornate northern gate of the Old City walls, built in 1537. Inside the gate is the bustling Arab market of the Muslim Quarter.
Damascus Gate was built in 1537 and is the most elaborately decorated gate in the Old City walls. Its battlements and gatehouse are well preserved, and remains of a Roman gate from the period of Emperor Hadrian can be seen beneath it. The stepped plaza in front of the gate is a gathering place for residents of East Jerusalem. Inside, the road splits into Haggai Street and Khan ez-Zeit Street, which lead into the Muslim Quarter. Spice, sweet and bread stalls line the streets. This is a politically sensitive area, and police are sometimes deployed here. Pay attention to the situation on the ground and avoid times of tension.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Garden Tomb
- Via Dolorosa
- Jewish Quarter & Cardo
- Jaffa Gate & Ramparts Walk
- Rockefeller Archaeological Museum
- Dome of the Rock (Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif)
- Church of Saint Anne & Pool of Bethesda
- Tower of David Museum