The 8 Gates of Jerusalem: History, Facts, Pictures
The first time I went to Jerusalem I was shocked to see that its walls are still standing. Most ancient cities were surrounded by walls for protection. But very few have walls that are still intact.
Archaeologists think that King Solomon first built defensive walls around Jerusalem over 3,000 years ago.
The walls that are currently standing were built by Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent between 1537-1542. They surround Jerusalem’s Old City, which is a 35-mile square walled area in East Jerusalem.
The walls contain 34 towers and 8 gates; 7 of the gates are currently open. They lead to the Christian Quarter, Jewish Quarter, Armenian Quarter, and Jewish Quarter. (See below map).
This post will tell you everything you need to know about the history of the Gates of Jerusalem and how to visit them!
➡️Explore the 9 Gates of the Jerusalem Old City
1. Damascus Gate
The Damascus Gate (also known as the Nablus Gate and the Gate of the Pillar) is the largest of the 7 open gates. It leads to the Muslim Quarter and is the main entry point for Palestinians to worship and shop in East Jerusalem. The gate is connected to an Ottoman plaza that looks just like it did in 1537.
It has remained a central gateway for centuries, connecting the Old City to northern trade routes. The Damascus Gate is named after the Syrian capital of Damascus, because ancient travelers to Damascus exited the gate to get there.
During the Roman-Byzantine era, a Roman victory column topped by a statue of Emperor Hadrian (76-138 A.D.) stood in the center of the courtyard. We know this because of the Madaba Mosaic Map, a 6th century floor mosaic in the Church of Saint George in Madaba, Jordan.
Historical Background
The Damascus Gate was constructed on the remains of ancient gates built since the Second Temple Period. The Romans built a gate here to mark the connection between the road to Neopolis and the Cardo. It was their main north-south road through Jerusalem
Ottoman and British Mandate Restorations
A new gate was built between 1537-1540 under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent at a higher elevation as part of the Old City’s fortifications. During the British Mandate, restoration efforts were undertaken to preserve the gate. The restoration project was conducted in three phases.
- Phase 1 (1981): Focused on repairing deficiencies in the gate’s outer area.
- Phase 2 (1982): Renovated the street and shops within the gate.
- Phase 3 (1985): Preserved Roman-era remains beneath the gate, transforming the area into an archaeological garden open to the public.
2. Herod’s Gate
East of the Damascus Gate is Herod’s Gate (also called the Flower Gate). The oldest gate in the Old City walls, it leads to the Muslim Quarter. The gate links the Old City’s Muslim Quarter with the Palestinian Bab az-Zahra neighborhood just outside the walls.
Before Sultan Suleman built Herod’s Gate, there was a wicker gate at that location that was rarely opened. Suleman built a new gate to provide a passageway to the nearby neighborhoods.
Despite its name, Herod’s Gate had nothing to do with the despised Roman puppet King Herod. Instead, the gate was named after a nearby Crusader Church. The church was named after Herod because it was built over the site of Herod’s house at the time of Jesus’ crucifixion.
Herod’s gate was once called Bab-a-Sahairad (Gate of Those Who Do Not Sleep). This name symbolizes the belief in the future resurrection of Hajji Muslims buried in the cemetery opposite the gate. Sheep’s Gate was named after the weekly sheep market traditionally held in the square outside its entrance.
Architectural Features
The gate, as it appears today, dates back to the early 20th century and includes a pointed arch. Visitors pass through a vaulted passageway that leads into the Old City. The gate tower features:
- A guardroom above the entrance.
- Steps leading to the ramparts.
- A stone rosette above the entrance, giving it the nickname “Flower Gate.”
3. Lion’s Gate
The Lion’s Gate is located on the east wall. It opens directly into the Muslim Quarter near the Temple Mount’s northern wall.
It is named after two pairs of lions – one on both sides of the gate. (See below picture). Lions were the symbol of Sultan Baybars (1228-1277), the fourth Mamluk Sultan of Egypt and Syria.
During Jesus’ time the Lion’s was known as the Sheep’s Gate. Located near the Pool of Bethesda, it is where sheep were brought into the city to be sacrificed at the Temple.
It is also called St. Stephen’s Gate, after the first Christian martyr who was stoned nearby. (Acts 7:54-60)
The Lion’s Gate is located at the beginning of the Via Dolorosa; which is the last walk of Jesus from prison to crucifixion. It is the closest gate to the First Station of the Cross on the Via Dolorosa. Outside the walls, the gate connects to the Jerusalem-Jericho Road, leading through the Kidron Valley.
The Golden Gate is the closest gate to the Mount of Olives, but it is permanently closed. Therefore, the Lion’s Gate is used to get to Christian holy sites outside the Old City walls on the Mount of Olives. This includes the Garden of Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations, and the Chapel of the Ascension.
As an interesting historical sidenote, during the Six Day War in 1967 the Israeli Army fought its way into the Old City through the Lion’s Gate.
Names and Significance
Lion’s Gate is named for the lion carvings on its exterior. Legend says the lion motif was inspired by the builder’s dream.
- Hebrew: Sha’ar HaArayot.
- Arabic: Bab Sitna-Mariam (Saint Mary’s Gate).
- Christian Names: Santa Anna Gate (St. Anna Church nearby); Yehoshafat Gate (valley reference); Saint Stephen’s Gate (martyrdom site of Saint Stephen).
Construction of Lion’s Gate
Lion’s Gate was constructed in 1538/9 during Ottoman rule under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. It features lion (actually leopard) carvings, a tribute to Mameluk Sultan Baibars. Baibars was known for defeating the Crusaders and Mongols. The inscription on the inner wall commemorates Sultan Suleiman and dates the gate to 1538/9.
4. Golden Gate
The Golden Gate (or Gate of Mercy or Eastern Gate) is located on the east wall, adjacent to the Temple Mount /Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. It is the only gate facing the Mount of Olives.
The original Eastern Gate was built by Solomon in 960 B.C. or Hezekiah in 715 B.C. Then in 19 B.C. Herod the Great rebuilt the gate and added a stairway.
The Golden Gate is considered holy by all 3 Abrahamic religions:
- Jewish Tradition: Jews believe that the Messiah will enter Jerusalem through the Eastern Gate and the dead will be resurrected.
- Christian Beliefs: Christians believe that when Jesus triumphantly entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday riding a donkey he rode through the Golden Gate. And when Jesus returns he will enter through the Eastern Gate just like how he left. (Ezekiel 43:1-5)
- Islamic Traditions: Muslims believe that on the Last Day the righteous will pass into paradise through the Golden Gate.
The Gate’s Names
- Gate of Mercy (Sha’ar HaRachamim/Bab al-Rahma): Named for its role in Jewish prayers for mercy and Islamic traditions.
- Shushan Gate: Mentioned in the Mishnah, named for its alignment with the ancient city of Shushan.
- Gate of Repentance (Bab al-Taubah): One of the names in Islamic tradition, symbolizing redemption.
- Gate of Eternal Life (Bab al-Zahabi/Bab al-Dhahabi): Islamic name linked to resurrection and eternal judgment.
Key Features
The gate has two sealed openings, each nearly 4 meters wide, framed by semicircular arches. A central column separates the openings, and the gate features a rectangular tower protruding 2 meters from the walls. Inside, the gate leads to two vaulted areas.
Closed for over 500 years
The Eastern Gate of Jerusalem has been closed for over 500 years!
It was first closed by the Muslims in 810 A.D., then reopened in 1102 by the Crusaders, and then closed again in 1187 after Saladin reconquered Jerusalem.
Then in 1541 Ottoman Sultan Suleiman rebuilt the Old City walls – including the Golden Gate. He once again sealed the gate, and it has been closed until this day.
This fulfilled a Jewish and Christian prophecy that the Golden Gate would remain shut because the Lord had entered through it. (Ezekiel 44:1-3) It is said to be awaiting a miraculous opening when the Messiah comes and the dead are resurrected.
Why do Muslim leaders keep closing the Golden Gate? To prevent the return of the Jewish Messiah. That is also why they built a cemetery in front of the gate.
5. Dung Gate
Located on the southeastern part of the wall, the Dung Gate leads directly to the Western Wall. It is the most convenient gate for accessing the Western Wall. It’s used as a main passage for buses headed to the Western Wall and for vehicles coming out of the Old City. Dung Gate is also known in Arabic as the Silwan Gate and Mughrabi Gate.
It’s pretty obvious where the Dung Gate got its name! In ancient times refuse was taken out of the city through the gate and burned in the Kidron Valley below. This includes the remains of sacrifices at the Temple. Locals also claim that rubbish was thrown down to the valley every time Jerusalem was destroyed.
The prophet Nehemiah mentioned the Dung Gate when he surveyed the ruined city of Jerusalem in 445 B.C.! (Nehemiah 2:13)
For several hundred years there was only a tiny opening in the wall at this spot for pedestrians to go in and out. Then in 1952 King Hussein of Jordan increased the size of the gate so cars and buses could go through.
In 1984 the Israelis decided to renovate the Dung Gate. Due to the historical sensitivity of the site, they considered 42 designs. The winning design placed the original small Ottoman arch over a wide new arch.
Modern-Day Highlights
When you enter the Dung Gate, you’ll find the Jerusalem Archaeological Park and Davidson Centre on your right. Here you can explore reconstructed ruins from 2,000 years ago, including walls, gates, and ritual baths (mikve’ot).
To the west of the gate is the Eastern Cardo Maximus. It’s a Roman-era street that was once a bustling marketplace lined with shops and traders.
6. Zion Gate
Zion Gate is the southernmost gate; it faces Mount Zion and Hebron. It leads to the Armenian and Jewish Quarters, and connects the Armenian Quarter with Mount Zion. It is also known as David’s Gate (Bab el Nebi Daud) because the Tomb of King David is on Mount Zion. Due to its connection to the Jewish Quarter, it’s also called Gate of the Jews (Bab Hart el Yahud).
The word “Zion” is mentioned 152 times in the Old Testament of the Christian / Hebrew Bible. Jerusalem was originally a Jebusite city called Zion.
The Wounded Gate
Zion Gate is often referred to as the Wounded Gate, bearing visible bullet holes from battles during the 1948 Israeli War of Independence. The bullet holes remain visible, symbolizing the gate’s turbulent history. Jewish forces briefly captured the Jewish Quarter, but Jordan controlled the Old City until 1967, when Israel retook it.
Unique Features
Zion Gate is uniquely designed with an L-shaped passageway. In an interesting sidenote, Zion Gate is tilted at a sharp angle to stop enemy attacks. Visitors entering the gate must make a 90° turn under the stone archway before exiting.
The gate’s defensive measures include a second-floor balcony above the entrance, once used to pour boiling oil on attackers. There is an adjacent arrow slit, allowing guards to safely aim at their enemies.
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7. Jaffa Gate
The Jaffa Gate is the only gate that is positioned at a right angle to the wall. It leads to Hebron where Abraham – the father of 3 faiths – is buried. Therefore, the gate is also known as Bab Al-Khalil (“friend” in Arabic) or Gate of the Friend.
The Jaffa Gate leads to the Armenian, Christian, Muslim, and Jewish Quarters. Which is fitting since Jews, Christian, and Muslims all revere Abraham. Nearby are David’s Tower and the Mamilla shopping center.
The Gate features a metal-coated wooden door with Ottoman reliefs. The Jaffa Gate was made from pale Jerusalem stone. The construction of the walls and gate took place from 1535 to 1541. The slits above the gate were designed for pouring boiling oil on intruders.
The Jaffa Gate was used for several centuries by western pilgrims who arrived at the Jaffa port by boat. Hence its name. It leads directly to the Jewish and Christian quarters.
Kaiser Wilhelm II’s Visit
In 1898 German Kaiser Wilhelm II made a historic visit to the Holy Land.
In anticipation of the kaiser’s visit to Jerusalem, the Ottoman Turks opened the Jaffa Gate. And they built a wide passage between the gate and the Citadel which is still there today. It leads to the Arab souk; which is my favorite. Travel Tip! This is the best place to be picked up or dropped off by an Uber or taxi.
The kaiser modeled his entry into Jerusalem on Jesus’ entry. When Jesus arrived in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday he was humbly riding on a donkey. According to biblical prophecy, Jesus is going to triumphantly return on a white horse.
In an amazing historical sidenote, Kaiser Wilhelm entered Jerusalem seated on a white horse; in reference to Jesus’ prophesized return to the city. (Revelation 19:11)
I don’t know why the Kaiser did it, but it was so arrogant!
As if that wasn’t interesting enough, at the end of World War I British General Allenby purposely entered Jerusalem by a different method then Kaiser Wilhelm. On December 11, 1917, Allenby passed through the Jaffa Gate on foot to accept the Ottoman Turks surrender to the Allied forces.
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8. New Gate
The New Gate leads to the Christian Quarter. It connects the French Catholic complex outside the city to the Christian Quarter inside. It was breached in the last days of the Ottoman Empire to give Christian pilgrims quicker access to their holy places.
It is the only gate that not part of the original design of the 16th-century walls. Unlike other gates, the New Gate has no tower or gatehouse. It was built in 1887 by Ottoman Sultan Abd al-Hamid II. Since it is now over 130 years old, it is not new anymore!
Visiting Jerusalem’s New Gate
In 2019, the New Gate was renovated to improve accessibility and foot traffic. The project added lighting, leveled the street, and updated nearby shops. The New Gate is quieter than other entrances, providing a peaceful route to explore the Old City. It’s also accessible for people with special needs and leads into a Christian neighborhood.
Check out my blog 31 BEST Things To Do In Jerusalem: A Must-See Guide For 2024.
FAQs on Gates of Jerusalem
Here are some frequently asked questions about the Gates of Jerusalem and my answers to each of them.
What is the real reason behind the Eastern Gate of Jerusalem being sealed?
The Eastern Gate of Jerusalem is sealed due to religious beliefs. Jews think the Messiah is going to come through the East Gate. Christians believe Jesus is going to return through it. And Muslims believe that on the Last Day the righteous will pass into paradise through the Eastern Gate.
Throughout history Muslim leaders have closed the Golden Gate to prevent the return of the Jewish Messiah. That is also why they built a cemetery in front of the gate.
Who closed the Golden Gate of Jerusalem?
The Golden Gate was closed by Muslims in 810, reopened in 1102 by the Crusaders, and sealed again by Saladin in 1187.
Then in 1541 Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent rebuilt the Old City walls – including the Golden Gate. He once again sealed the gate, and it has been closed until this day.
How many gates are there in the Bible?
The word “gate” is in the Bible 418 times. Jerusalem’s gates are mentioned throughout the Bible, especially in the Old Testament.
According to the Book of Revelations, Jerusalem will be surrounded by a wall with 12 Gates in heaven. The names of the 12 Tribes of Israel were written on them. They represent the restoration of the 12 Tribes. (Revelation 21:12-13)
Final Thoughts
The eight gates of Jerusalem hold centuries of history, each with its own unique story. They offer a window into the city’s rich past, connecting travelers to the sacred traditions of three major religions.
Exploring these gates is like walking through time. The ancient walls remind us about faith, conflict, and cultural heritage. Plan your visit and experience the timeless beauty of Jerusalem’s Old City firsthand!
Check out my blog 31 Holy Sites In Jerusalem Not To Miss In 2024 (With Map).
