Views and News from the Ramparts of Old Jerusalem

Jerusalem ramparts , Photo: David Hyman

Very few visitors to Jerusalem know about the option to circle the Old City walls in a unique fashion, by walking on top of the ramparts. Here is a short update of all the options:

Three entrances to the ramparts are in use : two of them are on both sides of Jaffa Gate and the third is under Damascus gate. All three have a cashier who sells tickets, the price is 16 Shekels for the whole day, meaning that you can walk different parts of the ramparts with one ticket.  All three entrances are poorly signed and need some snooping around to find them, or just ask one of the locals. The three recommended tracks are as follows:

Jaffa Gate south, via the Armenian quarter, Zion gate and ends at Dung gate. The entrance is 150 meters south of Jaffa Gate , from the outer side of the walls!!!  Ascending the ramparts is by a series of steps and ladders, not recommended for those who are scared of heights. Once you reach the top you are rewarded with a great tour of the walls with views of Yemin Moshe and the Sultans pool from one side and rare vistas of back yards of the Armenian quarter. After passing the Mt, Zion Protestant Compound, you arrive at the top of Zion gate. You can either descend or continue to the next gate, Dung gate. This option is great for anyone who is planning to visit the Jewish Quarter, the Kotel and David’s City.

Second option is entering the Ramparts at the northern side of Jaffa Gate, and walking north and east towards Damascus Gate. The Cashier is located  just by the side of the tourist bureau, which is on your left hand side once you enter the Old City through Jaffa Gate. Once again, climbing the walls is a bit of a challenge, the ancient steps are in different heights and sizes, and you should watch your step. Once on top you will enjoy views of Jaffa road, and the new Jerusalem municipality on one side, and views of the Christian  Quarter churches on the other.

Damascus Gate is the third option to enter the ramparts. The cashier is at the lower tier of the gate , in the new visitors’ center that has been developed under the gate. From here you can either walk east or west, and check out views of the Muslim Quarter, and  the historic Rockefeller Museum.

Full day ramparts walk :

If you have a full day for the Old City and you are in the mood for Rampart walking, here is my suggestion: Start at Jaffa gate, walk south and descend at Dung gate, visit the Kotel, then traverse the Old City to Damascus gate. Use your same  ticket for the second entrance via Damascus gate, and walk the ramparts  back to Jaffa gate. This way you have covered seventy percent of the ramparts, visited the Old City and returned to the spot where you entered.

Be aware that last entrance is at 4 PM , but all exits are always open.

I guarantee an enjoyable walk

Yours, David Hyman          www.davidhymanisrael.com