Queen Helena Slept Here

Back in October I discussed the Shiloach, or the City of David.

If you've tried parking in the Givati parking lot at the entrance to this neighborhood any time in the past half year you've noticed the construction site that made this small parking lot even smaller. Actually it is an archeological dig.

It turns out, according the Jerusalem Post report, that they found a major 2nd Temple period palace believed to be the palace of Queen Helena (who also has a street named after her in Jerusalem - though not one we've looked at just yet in this blog).

The discoveries lately in the City of David have been amazing.

SL

Sponsored by Colony Real Estate Professionals

The City of David

There is no way that a simple post can do the City of David justice, so I recommend you go here for more information.

Known as the Shiloach, Silwan, and the Lower City, the “City of David” was Israel’s capital after King David captured it from the Jebusites some 3000 years ago. Buried underneath this city lies the amazing history of the Jewish people.

Today it is a layered congestion of slums, new buildings, and amazing archeological finds.



Below is the Ir David Archeological Museum where the uncovered remains of the Palace of King David has been found and can be seen.

SL

Sponsored by Colony Real Estate Professionals

Spinning around the Old City

Driving clockwise around the Old City of Jerusalem on Sultan Suleiman Street gives you the opportunity to view some lesser known sites. The first thing you notice on the right is the busy Damascus Gate (Sha’ar Shchem).

It's busy down below. Trust me.

On the left is the amazing Rockefeller Museum – well worth a visit. But just before it remember to look right for the Cave of Zecharia.

Following the road around the Old City, one can see the Hebrew University campus in the distance, and the Mount of Olives and Valley of the Kings just below you on the left.

Before you reach Sha’ar HaAshpot (Dung Gate), make a left down to the Givati parking lot and take a tour at the City of David excavations in the City of David (Silwan) – you won’t be disappointed.

SL

Sponsored by Colony Real Estate Professionals