The Jerusalem Archaeological Park
The Jerusalem Archaeological Park
4.5
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Sunday
8:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
The site introduces visitors to the remains of the Second Temple Period of Jerusalem including: the Southern Wall of the Temple Mount, the stairs to the Hulda Gates, the remains of Robinson's Arch, ritual baths used by the migrants, a Herodian street, remnants from the Hasmonean period, and more .
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4.5
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I visited this place🇬🇷🇨🇭🇬🇧🇳🇱🇺🇸
Israel14,763 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
PROS
• This is the most amazing and incredible historical and religious site
• Stunning actual archaeological remnants of the destruction of that Holy Temple 2000 years ago
• Original toppled stones still remain in the exact place where they fell- untouched and unmoved from almost 2000 years
• There are intact store fronts and ritual baths from the time of Jesus almost 2000 years
• Climb the original Jewish Holy Temple steps and then stand at the southern entrance to the place of the Holy Jewish Temple
• This is a very sacred spiritual Jewish prayer site where it’s possible to explore freely on your own and see and witness and experience a Jewish prayer ritual and/or to see Jewish individuals in prayer
• It’s amazingly and incredibly almost never crowded at all, with free access 24/7 and free from the side entrance
• Truly a magnificent “hidden gem”
• Close up view from below of the tower of the mosque currently occupying the southern end of the Temple Mount
CONS
• Steep steps to get there
• Rocky walkways of active archaeological excavation site
“I VISITED THIS PLACE”…
… with two teenagers and a nine year old as we participated in the 25 hour fast commemorating the destruction and desecration of our Holy Jewish Temple.
I feel that there is nothing- nothing at all- more dramatic and more incredible and more spiritually and historically meaningful than standing before the actual destroyed and discarded boulder stones of the holy edifice on the annual day that is dedicated to mourning its demise- the actual historical calendar day.
… and because I do truly love it- the archaeology, the history and the spiritual religious aspect.
And I truly find it amazing and incredible too that all those who clamor to utilize this space for activities of a religious nature are never anywhere to be found in these Jewish holy significant religious days. There were seven- seven- individuals there when we arrived this time, and not one – not a single one – identified with or were associated with the groups to whom this area was designated for their activities.
IS IT WORTH THE COST?
The part called “Israel section” is free entry down many rickety steps.
There is a Davison museum with displays and easy access to incredible archaeological wonders and the entire southern wall- that has an admission charge which I would say would be worth it to the one-time visitor.
WOULD I GO AGAIN?
For sure- absolutely. I’ve been there many times and intend to return many times, including (but certainly not limited to) next year’s anniversary date of the Temple’s destruction
TIPS
• Do not miss this experience
• Consider a guided tour to add meaning
• Adjacent to “main” famous Western Wall
• Side entrance labeled as “Ezrat Israel” section
• Visit on the Tisha B’Av, the annual 25 hour fast day commemorating the destruction of the Jewish Temples that stood at this location. See and experience the destructions and desecrations and relive the glory of the past at the exact site of the history on the exact commemoration anniversary day… you may very well be alone in your thoughts and contemplations there… except for me and the teenage boys… please don’t tell anyone else our secret.
Oh- and please see my “helpful” photos depicted the toppled stones of the wall.
• This is the most amazing and incredible historical and religious site
• Stunning actual archaeological remnants of the destruction of that Holy Temple 2000 years ago
• Original toppled stones still remain in the exact place where they fell- untouched and unmoved from almost 2000 years
• There are intact store fronts and ritual baths from the time of Jesus almost 2000 years
• Climb the original Jewish Holy Temple steps and then stand at the southern entrance to the place of the Holy Jewish Temple
• This is a very sacred spiritual Jewish prayer site where it’s possible to explore freely on your own and see and witness and experience a Jewish prayer ritual and/or to see Jewish individuals in prayer
• It’s amazingly and incredibly almost never crowded at all, with free access 24/7 and free from the side entrance
• Truly a magnificent “hidden gem”
• Close up view from below of the tower of the mosque currently occupying the southern end of the Temple Mount
CONS
• Steep steps to get there
• Rocky walkways of active archaeological excavation site
“I VISITED THIS PLACE”…
… with two teenagers and a nine year old as we participated in the 25 hour fast commemorating the destruction and desecration of our Holy Jewish Temple.
I feel that there is nothing- nothing at all- more dramatic and more incredible and more spiritually and historically meaningful than standing before the actual destroyed and discarded boulder stones of the holy edifice on the annual day that is dedicated to mourning its demise- the actual historical calendar day.
… and because I do truly love it- the archaeology, the history and the spiritual religious aspect.
And I truly find it amazing and incredible too that all those who clamor to utilize this space for activities of a religious nature are never anywhere to be found in these Jewish holy significant religious days. There were seven- seven- individuals there when we arrived this time, and not one – not a single one – identified with or were associated with the groups to whom this area was designated for their activities.
IS IT WORTH THE COST?
The part called “Israel section” is free entry down many rickety steps.
There is a Davison museum with displays and easy access to incredible archaeological wonders and the entire southern wall- that has an admission charge which I would say would be worth it to the one-time visitor.
WOULD I GO AGAIN?
For sure- absolutely. I’ve been there many times and intend to return many times, including (but certainly not limited to) next year’s anniversary date of the Temple’s destruction
TIPS
• Do not miss this experience
• Consider a guided tour to add meaning
• Adjacent to “main” famous Western Wall
• Side entrance labeled as “Ezrat Israel” section
• Visit on the Tisha B’Av, the annual 25 hour fast day commemorating the destruction of the Jewish Temples that stood at this location. See and experience the destructions and desecrations and relive the glory of the past at the exact site of the history on the exact commemoration anniversary day… you may very well be alone in your thoughts and contemplations there… except for me and the teenage boys… please don’t tell anyone else our secret.
Oh- and please see my “helpful” photos depicted the toppled stones of the wall.
Written 7 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
zevb
Ashkelon, Israel154 contributions
Sep 2022
Seeing the actual stone blocks of the walls of the Holy Temple that had been demolished by the Romans 2,000 years ago is very inspiring. A small point that I came to realize is that there are Mediterranean Cyprus trees growing in this park. There are many of these cyprus in other places in Israel also. In the Book of Kings chapters 5 and 6, it is mentioned that King Solomon used cyprus wood from these trees as the floorboards of the Temple.
Written 16 September 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I visited this place🇬🇷🇨🇭🇬🇧🇳🇱🇺🇸
Israel14,763 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
PROS
• Actual remnants of the Holy Temple
• Artifacts 2000 years old
• Priceless archaeological artifacts
• Original toppled stones still in place
• Untouched and unmoved 2000 years
• Original intact ritual baths 2000 years
• Explore extension of Western Wall
• See southwest corner of Western Wall
• Streets and stores from time of Jesus
• Climb original Jewish Holy Temple steps
• Stand at southern entrance to Temple
• Holy spiritual Jewish prayer site
• Possible to see Jewish prayer ritual
• Possible to see individuals in prayer
• Explore freely on your own (usually)
• Almost never crowded at all
• Access 24/7 and free from side entrance
• Truly a magnificent “hidden gem”
• Close up view of mosque currently occupying Temple Mount
CONS
• Security guards firm handed and unfriendly
MY EXPERIENCE
“I visited this place” again because I do truly love it- the archaeology, the history and the spiritual religious aspect.
TIPS
• Do not miss this experience
• Consider a tour to add meaning
• Adjacent to “main” famous Western Wall
• Side entrance labeled as “Ezrat Israel”
• Visit on the Tisha B’Av, the annual 24 hour fast day commemorating the Destruction of the Jewish Temples that stood at this location. See and experience the destructions and desecrations and relive the glory of the past at the exact site of the history on the exact commemoration anniversary day… you may very well be alone in your thoughts and contemplations there… except for me and the boys… please don’t tell anyone else our secret
• Actual remnants of the Holy Temple
• Artifacts 2000 years old
• Priceless archaeological artifacts
• Original toppled stones still in place
• Untouched and unmoved 2000 years
• Original intact ritual baths 2000 years
• Explore extension of Western Wall
• See southwest corner of Western Wall
• Streets and stores from time of Jesus
• Climb original Jewish Holy Temple steps
• Stand at southern entrance to Temple
• Holy spiritual Jewish prayer site
• Possible to see Jewish prayer ritual
• Possible to see individuals in prayer
• Explore freely on your own (usually)
• Almost never crowded at all
• Access 24/7 and free from side entrance
• Truly a magnificent “hidden gem”
• Close up view of mosque currently occupying Temple Mount
CONS
• Security guards firm handed and unfriendly
MY EXPERIENCE
“I visited this place” again because I do truly love it- the archaeology, the history and the spiritual religious aspect.
TIPS
• Do not miss this experience
• Consider a tour to add meaning
• Adjacent to “main” famous Western Wall
• Side entrance labeled as “Ezrat Israel”
• Visit on the Tisha B’Av, the annual 24 hour fast day commemorating the Destruction of the Jewish Temples that stood at this location. See and experience the destructions and desecrations and relive the glory of the past at the exact site of the history on the exact commemoration anniversary day… you may very well be alone in your thoughts and contemplations there… except for me and the boys… please don’t tell anyone else our secret
Written 25 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kim G
Pacific Grove, CA3,187 contributions
Dec 2019
Fascinating experience to walk the excavated ruins of ancient Jerusalem, and its streets. Archaeological exploration near the corner of the Western Wall and along the Southern Wall was started under Charles Warren in the 1860's, revealing remains from the 1st Temple Period: 8th-7th Centuries B.C., and as far back as the Umayyad Period from the 9th-7th Centuries B.C. While excavations remain in progress, it is an interesting experience walking through the ancient, former Jewish shopping area at the base of the Western Wall, and to observe the massive stone blocks, tragically toppled under the Roman destruction in 70 AD, from Temple Mount above, onto this street below. Note the advanced sewage channel running below the old street for rainwater drainage. Look for "Robinson's Arch", which previously supported an access staircase to Temple Mount. On the southern side of Temple Mount lies the "Staircase of the Hulda Gates", formerly accessing the now blocked-off entrance. Ritual baths for cleansing prior to a Temple visit are located here as well. Look for the Templar Tower, built for lookout purposes. An interesting prop for a photo op is placed on the Southern Wall steps, where Temple visitors from an earlier period will appear in your photo. We explored the areas in near solitude which added to the unique experience; however, following a rain storm we encountered large puddles and uneven surfaces in some areas. Dress for outdoor weather conditions and wear good walking shoes.
Written 23 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I visited this place🇬🇷🇨🇭🇬🇧🇳🇱🇺🇸
Israel14,763 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Yes- that’s what you will see and experience at this large, massive, sprawling and impressive site. It encompasses the southern side of the western wall and the entire southern wall of the retaining structures that King Herod built to surround and support the Holy Temple more than 2000 years ago.
If you want to see and touch ancient history, here is your spot. If you want to walk and visit places that were visited and walked on by historical personages and figures from 2000 years ago in Jerusalem and Judea, this is the place. If you want to know what a religious Jewish person saw and did when visiting his Holy Temple 2000+ years ago, this is the place.
The area is full of archaeological stuff- all original from more than 2000 years ago- original streets, original remnants of buildings, stores and ritual baths etc.
But the part that is most incredible and meaningful for me, as stated and written previously, is the area where one comes face-to-face with the tumbled massive building boulders that were toppled by the evil brutal pagan idol worshiping destructive Romans... and that, of course, is exactly where we went (see my few photos).
There is entry for pay through that Davidson Center- a museum of artifacts that I haven’t been there in maybe 17 years- read the reviews of others.
I enter via a free side location known as Ezrat Yisrael. It leads to a lower platform opposite a less famous (by far) section of that Western Wall (but still equally as holy).
Again this year, we were virtually alone (of course this is the era of corona).
It was of course the 1950th commemoration day of Tea Shah Above, the Hebrew date of the destruction of this elegant edifice and despite our 25 hour fast of total abstention of food and drink, we walked the whole way- the 66 year old leading the way for the younger ones.
If you want to connect to history and architecture, this is the place.
For more details and to read about exploring other parts of this site, see my previous reviews, when I explored the place virtually alone during the midnight hours- August 2019, April 2018 and August 2017.
I’ve included a few photos for you to see- primarily of those boulders and the corners of the structure- because we didn’t explore this year- we had religious contemplation at this most significant important site- reflecting on our past, our present.... and our hope for the future.
To all my TripAdvisor friends, followers and readers: I wrote this with you in mind and hope that you find this “helpful” (and yes- that’s a hint).
So in conclusion- again this year:
“I visited this place”
If you want to see and touch ancient history, here is your spot. If you want to walk and visit places that were visited and walked on by historical personages and figures from 2000 years ago in Jerusalem and Judea, this is the place. If you want to know what a religious Jewish person saw and did when visiting his Holy Temple 2000+ years ago, this is the place.
The area is full of archaeological stuff- all original from more than 2000 years ago- original streets, original remnants of buildings, stores and ritual baths etc.
But the part that is most incredible and meaningful for me, as stated and written previously, is the area where one comes face-to-face with the tumbled massive building boulders that were toppled by the evil brutal pagan idol worshiping destructive Romans... and that, of course, is exactly where we went (see my few photos).
There is entry for pay through that Davidson Center- a museum of artifacts that I haven’t been there in maybe 17 years- read the reviews of others.
I enter via a free side location known as Ezrat Yisrael. It leads to a lower platform opposite a less famous (by far) section of that Western Wall (but still equally as holy).
Again this year, we were virtually alone (of course this is the era of corona).
It was of course the 1950th commemoration day of Tea Shah Above, the Hebrew date of the destruction of this elegant edifice and despite our 25 hour fast of total abstention of food and drink, we walked the whole way- the 66 year old leading the way for the younger ones.
If you want to connect to history and architecture, this is the place.
For more details and to read about exploring other parts of this site, see my previous reviews, when I explored the place virtually alone during the midnight hours- August 2019, April 2018 and August 2017.
I’ve included a few photos for you to see- primarily of those boulders and the corners of the structure- because we didn’t explore this year- we had religious contemplation at this most significant important site- reflecting on our past, our present.... and our hope for the future.
To all my TripAdvisor friends, followers and readers: I wrote this with you in mind and hope that you find this “helpful” (and yes- that’s a hint).
So in conclusion- again this year:
“I visited this place”
Written 4 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sarah C
Sydney, Australia3,783 contributions
Jan 2020 • Friends
TheJerusalem Archaeological Park is located close to the Western Wall in the Old City. You will find remains of temple walls and streets from the First and Second Temple periods. The occupation even goes back 5000 years. The monumental structures are super impressive. Whilst you’re here, pay a visit to the Western Wall.
Written 12 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
beachlovernc2015
Leland, NC1,943 contributions
May 2019
We were on a guided tour so we had a private guide to explain things to us here. It is quite a large complex with much history so some sort of guidance would be a good idea to get the most from your visit here. There is a small museum area but the majority of it is outside where you can get an idea of exactly how many important periods of history are represented here.
Written 17 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
frtravler
Paris, France256 contributions
Sep 2019
I don't think the Davidson Center is interested in having tourists visit. There is no map to guide you at the sight, audio guides are no longer available, the signage that used to be there is not there now. There is a new section which has opened dealing with mikvaot, but finding it, and interpreting the information is not easy. I had been several times in the past, but the site has deteriorated and I will never go again.
Written 15 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Geoff H
Cranbrook, UK12,315 contributions
May 2019
As you exit Jerusalem through the Dung Gate, you immediately come upon The Jerusalem Archaeological Park and Davidson Centre. Here, just outside the City's walls, you can view the remains of streets, walls, squares and Jewish ritual baths. There is an audio guide to assist in the open-air part of the Park and videos, in the visitor centre, show the 1970s excavations and also show what the area looked like 2000 years ago.
Written 9 September 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I visited this place🇬🇷🇨🇭🇬🇧🇳🇱🇺🇸
Israel14,763 contributions
Aug 2019
What a thrill to be here and experience first hand the glory of what was our Holy temple and the tragedy of its destruction- the stark remnants of destruction are right there in front of you for the touching- but don't touch- it's too holy.
I am always mesmerized and humbled to stand in front of the toppled stones from 200 years ago- and this time- again on our annual 25 hour fast day that commemorates its destruction.
This is a quiet isolated place that still doesn't get the attention that it deserves, so the visitor can find solitude amidst findings and excavations and locations of the biggest significance to world history.
This year on the 9 Av mournful day, more people were there than ever before- so come now and visit !!
I am always mesmerized and humbled to stand in front of the toppled stones from 200 years ago- and this time- again on our annual 25 hour fast day that commemorates its destruction.
This is a quiet isolated place that still doesn't get the attention that it deserves, so the visitor can find solitude amidst findings and excavations and locations of the biggest significance to world history.
This year on the 9 Av mournful day, more people were there than ever before- so come now and visit !!
Written 12 August 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine F
Hanover, Niedersachsen, Germany3 contributions
I would like to know if I can buy the ticket to visit the Davidson Center there?
Debora M
4 contributions
Can we visit the site individually (2 people) with audioguide or is this only possible with big groups? Thanks
Debora M
4 contributions
Can we visit the site individually (2 people) with audioguide or is this only possible with big groups? Thanks
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Claim your listingTHE JERUSALEM ARCHAEOLOGICAL PARK: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
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