Ancient city gate opens to public, revealing Jerusalem’s rich history

On a crisp winter day in Jerusalem, as vendors and locals passed through the iconic Damascus Gate, a newly restored historical site beneath the street level opened its doors, offering a rare glimpse into the city's ancient past.

The Damascus Gate, a primary entrance to the Old City’s Muslim Quarter, is as bustling as ever with women in headscarves, Christian priests, and people from all walks of life, according to Israeli media. 

However, just below street level, the newly reopened "City Gate" presents visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to step back in time and explore Jerusalem’s layered history. Dating back to the 2nd century CE, the gate is part of the Roman city of Aelia Capitolina, which was built by Emperor Hadrian atop the ruins of ancient Jerusalem.

Restored by the East Jerusalem Development Company (PAMI), the site gives visitors access to an important piece of Jerusalem’s past. Established in 1966, PAMI has been committed to preserving key sites across the city, including the Yemin Moshe and Mamilla neighborhoods.

“Today, we stand at the site of a 1,900-year-old gate that reveals Jerusalem’s rich past,” said PAMI CEO Beni Sasi. “While many are familiar with the Damascus Gate built by Suleiman, fewer know about the remains of ancient Jerusalem beneath it.”

The City Gate features a 4.85-meter-high eastern arch leading to the Roman plaza, as well as a 12-meter-high guard tower that offers access to the Ramparts Walk, which is also managed by PAMI. Inside the tower, visitors are greeted by an immersive light show illustrating the biblical significance of gates as places of justice, commerce, and prophecy.

The exhibit also showcases a virtual reproduction of the 6th-century Madaba Map of Jerusalem and a replica of the ancient pillar that gave the Damascus Gate its Arabic name, Bab al-Amud, meaning “Gate of the Column.”

Designed by Breeze Creative, the exhibit aims to offer an engaging experience for global visitors, blending history and excitement. The Israel Antiquities Authority provided archaeological data for the exhibit, although they declined to comment on its development.

By Naila Huseynova