Zion Gate

Welcome to the southern boundary of the Old City of Jerusalem. You are standing before one of the most evocative and historically saturated thresholds in the world, Zion Gate. …

Let us step closer and carefully examine the exterior facade of Zion Gate. Look up toward the top of the structure. …

As you direct your gaze to the lower half of the gate's exterior, the smooth elegance of the Ottoman stonework gives way to a violently scarred surface. The stone here is heavily pitted, shattered, and pockmarked by hundreds of…

Now, let us actually step across the threshold and walk into the inner chamber of Zion Gate. As you cross under the archway, pay close attention to the architectural layout. …

As you complete the right hand turn and prepare to step out of the gatehouse and into the Old City proper, pause and look closely at the right side of the doorframe. Affixed to the stone, you will see a small, cylindrical object. …

Let us step just outside the immediate exit of the gatehouse and look for the stone stairway leading up to the ramparts, the walkway along the top of the city walls. Climbing up to this elevated vantage point offers a spectacular…

Descending from the ramparts and stepping fully onto the street just inside Zion Gate, I want you to direct your attention to the walls of the buildings immediately surrounding the entrance. Look for the street signs affixed to…

If you take a slight turn to your left upon entering the city through Zion Gate, you will find yourself standing on the very edge of the Armenian Quarter. This is the smallest of the four traditional quarters of the Old City, and…

Turning your attention away from the Armenian Quarter and looking toward the east, you are facing the entrance to the Jewish Quarter. The transition here is visually striking, largely because much of what you see before you is…

As we conclude our extensive exploration of Zion Gate, I ask you to turn around and take one final, lingering look at the inner archway before you continue your journey into the depths of the Old City. We have spent our time…