Tower of David Museum
מגדל דוד
An ancient citadel beside Jaffa Gate, with layers of remains from the Herodian, Mamluk and Ottoman periods. It houses the Museum of the History of Jerusalem, and its walls offer views over the Old City.
The Tower of David is in fact an ancient citadel beside Jaffa Gate and has no direct connection with King David. The name comes from a mistaken identification made in the Byzantine period. The citadel dates back to the Hasmonean period in the 2nd century BC. Herod the Great built three massive towers here, and the base of one still survives. Later the site was rebuilt under the Romans, Crusaders and Mamluks. Its present appearance is mainly Mamluk and Ottoman in style, and the prominent minaret was built in the 17th century. The citadel now houses the Museum of the History of Jerusalem, which reopened in 2023 after a major renovation. Using multimedia displays, models and interactive installations, it tells the roughly 4,000-year history of Jerusalem from the Canaanite period to the present day. It is a good place to start before exploring the Old City. From the tower and the walls you can take in a 360-degree view of the Old City rooftops, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre dome and the Mount of Olives. In the evening, a projection light show is held on the ancient walls of the citadel courtyard. It requires a separate ticket, and dates are listed on the official website. Check the official website for admission fees. A visit takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. It is right next to Jaffa Gate and can be reached on foot from the New City. Nearby, you can also buy a ticket to walk the Ramparts Walk along the city walls.
Opening hours
Sun–Thu approx. 9:00 am–5:00 pm; Fri and Sat hours vary (check official website)
Nearby sights
- Jaffa Gate & Ramparts Walk
- Armenian Quarter & Cathedral of St. James
- Abbey of the Dormition
- Jewish Quarter & Cardo
- Cenacle & King David's Tomb
- Via Dolorosa
- Yemin Moshe & Montefiore Windmill
- Damascus Gate