Written by Stephen Langfur
|
|
Page 6 of 6
Logistics for visiting the first Jerusalem and the City of David
The "City of David Visitors Center" (which has restrooms) controls the site. Telephone: (02)6262341 or *6033. Open in winter from Sunday through Thursday 08:00 -17:00, Friday and holiday eves, 08:00 - 13:00. Open in summer from Sunday through Thursday 08:00 - 19:00, Friday and holiday eves, 08:00 - 15:00. The Pool of Siloam has different hours, which should be checked by phone. The whole site is closed on Sabbaths and Jewish holidays. Leave enough time to complete the tour (e.g. Hezekiah's tunnel).
For Hezekiah's Tunnel, be prepared to walk fifty minutes in water, sometimes waist-deep. You will need footwear that won't slip off in the current. A flashlight (candles not permitted!) is necessary.
Since this hill is a residential neighborhood, it can be visited apart from the opening hours. The main entrance is open, and the area of the stepped stone structure is accessible, as well as a spot for an overview. The entrances to "David's Palace (?)," to Warren's Shaft and to the tunnels will be locked. One should be aware, too, that the neighborhood is inhabited both by Palestinian Arabs and Israeli Jews. There are tensions between the two groups deriving not just from the general conflict but also from specific disputes here over land and housing.
|
RSS | Terms of Use | Contact Us
