Herod's Gate — Attraction in Jerusalem

From a topographical point of view, the gate is built near the brook of Beit Zita. The gate serves as one of the entrances to the Muslim quarter. On one hand it provides access to the Temple Mount located within the walls of Jerusalem, and on the other hand it provides access to the neighborhoods outside the wall. The gate was built during the Ottoman rule, in 1539 by Suleiman the Magnificent. Originally, the entrance to the gate was from the east with a 90-degree turn, so when you entered, you had to turn left into the city. The objective of such type of entrance was to slow down attackers. At the beginning of the 19th century, the gate was blocked with stones, but in 1875 it was opened again at the request of the residents of the nearby Bab al-Hutta neighborhood inside the walls, so to enable them short access to the growing number of neighborhoods outside the wall. After it was opened, the use of the a 90-degree turn entrance from the east was abolished, and the entrance has since been a passthrough type entrance. An important historical event near Herod’s Gate that happens right at this point is the breaking of the wall by the Crusaders under the leadership of Godfrey of Bouillon. This led to the conquest of the city and to the Crusader control of Jerusalem in 1099. As occurred in a number of events throughout history, the wall breaking point was at the northern wall. Just as with the other cases, also in this case there were different reasons for selecting the northern wall. One of the main reasons was that the battering ram and the Siege Tower needed a flat area, and two sites in the northern wall met the requirement: the central ravine near Nablus Gate, and the smaller ravine, Nahal Beit Zita (Known also as Wadi al-Sahara), located east of Herod’s Gate. This is where scholars believe the Crusader invasion took place, about 65m east of Herod’s Gate. The conquering of the city through this point was a famous event, and during the time of the Crusaders between the years 1099 and 1187, every year on July 15, the event was celebrated...

Jerusalem Herod’s Gate Herod’s Gate, modest and less frequented than its counterparts, is a quiet but meaningful entrance into the Old City’s Muslim Quarter. Located on the northern wall, near bustling East Jerusalem, the gate derives its name from its association with a nearby structure once linked, perhaps inaccurately, to King Herod. In Arabic, it’s called “Bab az-Zahra,” which connects it to a local neighborhood and reveals layers of linguistic and cultural history. Unlike the grand facades of Damascus or Jaffa Gates, Herod’s Gate exudes simplicity and function, making it a fascinating lens into the everyday life of the city. The gate’s current form dates to the Ottoman period, and it was originally sealed and later opened in the 19th century to ease access between neighborhoods. Passing through, visitors enter a more residential, authentic part of the Old City where tradition is lived, not displayed. Local shops, schools, and quiet homes fill the narrow streets just inside, giving a rare view into the rhythm of Jerusalem beyond its most famous landmarks. Herod’s Gate may not boast ornate towers or tourist crowds, but its understated character offers something just as valuable: a genuine window into the lives that shape...

Herod's Gate, also known as the Flower Gate or Bab al-Zahra in Arabic, is one of the entrances to the Old City of Jerusalem. Located on the northern side of the city, it is named after Herod the Great, the famous Roman-era king of Judea. The gate features a distinctive architectural design with a pointed arch and decorative stonework. It provides access to the Muslim Quarter of the Old City and connects to the busy street of Suq Khan ez-Zeit, known for its shops and bustling atmosphere. Herod's Gate is less crowded compared to other entrances, offering a more serene and relaxed experience for visitors. It serves as a starting point to explore the historical and cultural sites of the Old City, including the famous Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Herod's Gate is an important entry point that immerses visitors in the rich history and vibrant atmosphere of...