Jerusalem – On, around, inside and under the old city walls

The old city walls in Jerusalem are probably the best preserved Turkish style old city walls anywhere in the world. Sultan Süleyman or “Süleyman the magnificent” did an amazing job with the old city walls in Jerusalem back in the 16th century. On top of many other city walls built and destroyed before his time by endless conquerors, he constructed walls that last till this day in excellent condition.

Coming from the Jaffa gate there’s a tourist information center and next to it the entrance to stairs going up on the old city walls.

        

With very few other tourists, surrounding the old city, I did the walk from Jaffa Gate all the way through the northern walls to the Lions’ Gate where Jesus was said to be making up his way to the old city to preach every day. It took me over an hour to do that half circle.

     

Arriving at Lions’ Gate I went for a quick tour of what is believed to be Virgin Mary’s Tomb next to Gethsemane where it is said Jesus and his disciples prayed the night before the crucifixion.

      

Going back through the Lions’ Gate is the famous Via Delarosa, where most believe Jesus carried the cross on the way to crucifixion. It was a bit odd seeing all the tourist traps around the main spots with some local Arab guides pulling stunts I detested back in India, so I guess you get that sort of thing everywhere.

 

Church of Condemnation / Flagellation

      

 

The underground water reservoirs

  

 

Jesus’ Prison

  

 

Last stop #8

  

 

I then came back through the Damascus Gate and paid a visit to the Zedekiah Caves, underground caves dating back to the First Temple period (~2500 years) dug underneath the old city.

  

 

Jerusalem is just endless.

I came across a few tour-guides showing around Chinese-HK-Singaporean-Taiwanese groups with the most horrible accent in Chinese. Maybe I could try and give similar tours in Chinese one day.