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The Citadel Jerusalem

The Citadel, one of Jerusalem’s most famous sites and what used to be Herod’s palace back in the 1st century, the Citadel, situated next to Jaffa Gate, comprises a marvelous restoration area with the Tower of David in its center, The Citadel is a home for the renowned Tower of David Museum, an impressive complex of several halls, which present the history of the city throughout the ages.

In the citadel compound are archeological findings attesting to Jerusalem’s long and eventful history: remains of a quarry from the First Temple period; a segment of the wall surrounding Hasmonean Jerusalem; remains of monumental steps ; remains of a fortress that stood in this location during the rule of the Ummayid dynasty (7th and 8th centuries CE) and more. In fact, the citadel compound includes archeological findings from most of the periods in the city’s history.

Virtual tours of the The Citadel Jerusalem >>

Information:

Museum Opening Hours
September – June:
Sunday to Thursday 10:00-16:00
Friday: closed (open for group visits – advance coordination required)
Saturday, holiday eves, holidays 10:00-14:00
July – August:
Sunday to Thursday, Saturday: 10:00-17:00
Friday: 10:00-14:00

Guided tours of the permanent exhibition – for individuals
Hebrew: Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30
(in July and August also on Fridays at 10:30)
English: Sundays to Thursdays at 11:00
(in July and August also on Fridays at 11:00)
French: Tuesdays at 11:00
Tours are included in admission fee.
Tours are not available on holidays and holiday eves.

To get to the Citadel take bus No 6, 20, or 27 from the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem to Jaffa Gate.

Israel's favorite Jerusalem - More options:

Mamilla Alrov Mall, Jerusalem

The summer vacation is at its peak, and it seems like there's no stopping the mall from becoming the hottest venue for all events during the vacation months. And if you're going to be shopping, you should definitely check out the Mamilla Mall in Jerusalem - a city in which anyone who doesn't live there or wasn't born there feels like a tourist. The mall is situated opposite the Jaffa Gate, close to the Mamilla Jerusalem Hotel and is part of the exclusive area that overlooks the Old City of Jerusalem. The Mamilla Mall is an open-air mall, built as a boulevard that preserves the area's architectural heritage, while integrating it into a modern day shopping experience. There are 120 stores in the mall, both national chains as well as select stores belonging to local and international designers, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The mall also has a closed auditorium where various performances are held, and where games and entertainment options are available for children. Among the huge variety of stores in the mall are: Mango, MAC, GAP, Castro, Steimatzky, H. Stern, BEBE, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nautica, Tommy Hilfiger, Topshop and many, many more! Among the luxury international stores that recently immigrated to Jerusalem, you'll be able to find Rolex Show, which is Rolex's flagship store. The mall also hosts a number of other luxury brands including Gucci, Rado, Lacroix, Omega and many others. The Nike store has a European design and carries unique and exclusive styles. Other stores in the mall include Crocs, the only one in Jerusalem, and The North Face - one of the leading brands in the world for climbing and backpacking equipment, mountaineering apparel and skiwear. The mall offers its patrons an adjacent, indoor parking lot.

Exploring the Ancient Herodian Quarter of Jerusalem

There is no other city in the world quite like Jerusalem. This city is so much more than a physical location; it is full of historical and spiritual significance. One of the most remarkable places to explore in Jerusalem is the Herodian Quarter, which dates back over 2000 years and still retains its original architecture from when it was first built. Let's take a journey through this ancient quarter and learn about its fascinating history. The History of the Herodian Quarter The Herodian Quarter was built during the reign of King Herod (37 BCE to 4 BCE). The quarter was located outside the walls of what was then known as the Old City, near today's Damascus Gate entrance. It was intended as a place for wealthy residents to live and enjoy luxurious amenities such as private gardens, public baths, palaces, and temples. The beautiful mosaics that remain today are testament to how impressive this area once was. The quarters were destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE in response to Jewish revolts against their rule. The stones from the quarter were used to build new structures elsewhere in the city. In recent times, however, archaeologists have uncovered some of these ancient stones and put them back together again to give us an insight into what life must have been like during King Herod’s reign. Today’s Visitors Experience - At the moment it is closed for renovations! Today, visitors can explore this ancient site by taking guided tours or simply wandering through on their own accord. The ruins are surrounded by modern-day shops and restaurants which give visitors a unique glimpse into how this part of town has evolved over time. You can also take a trip up onto one of the many hilltops where you will get stunning views over Jerusalem’s rooftops - perfect for those looking for an unforgettable photo opportunity! The Herodian Quarter is an incredible place full of history and culture which offers something special for all kinds of visitors. Whether you’re looking for an educational experience or just want to soak up some atmosphere, exploring this unique part of Jerusalem could be right up your street! So come along and experience first-hand what life must have been like hundreds of years ago during King Herod’s reign!

The Twin Cave - attractions around Jerusalem

The Twin Cave is an ancient cave intertwined with stories and discoveries from the time of the Maccabees and stories about different types of bats that find their favorite cool and dark place. The route leading to the cave lasts less than an hour in each direction and is not particularly difficult, children aged 4 and over will manage without help most of the time. The tour of the cool and humid cave is especially pleasant after the heat outside and you should enter with personal flashlights if you want to see their way. In the depths of the Twin Caves springs a spring that some believe have healing properties for its waters. Up the road, minutes after the cave opens, you can glide on a natural slide made of very smooth rock. The children will be able to spend long minutes of fun there and so will you. The cave is not open to visitors at a time when the bats are sleeping their winter sleep. The cave is not far from the Stalactite Cave a short distance from Beit Shemesh and Jerusalem.

Jerusalem - one of a kind