Pool of Siloam
Monastery Ancient Jerusalem pool associated with biblical healings
In Jerusalem’s City of David, the Pool of Siloam is an excavated ancient pool tied to Second Temple-period water systems and biblical accounts. Pilgrims and archaeology-minded visitors follow the site and nearby excavations.
The Pool of Siloam is an ancient rock-cut pool in the City of David area of Jerusalem that was part of the city’s historic water system and ritual life. The pool seen today includes remains from the Second Temple period and later periods and is associated with biblical accounts.
The site includes a series of stone steps and basin remains that were uncovered during modern archaeological excavations; preservation work has exposed walkways and access so visitors can see the pool levels and original stonework. The pool’s significance combines practical water engineering with religious and communal functions in antiquity.
Historically the pool was fed by underground channels, most notably Hezekiah’s Tunnel, which diverted spring water into the city’s reservoirs and pools; the pool was used in later Second Temple-era activities and has been mentioned in historical and religious texts. Excavations in the 19th and 20th centuries progressively revealed the pool’s layout and historic phases.
The Pool of Siloam lies on the southeastern slope of ancient Jerusalem’s core, within the City of David archaeological area and just below the Old City’s southern wall; it is accessible from the modern City of David visitor routes.
- Archaeological excavations: Excavations in the late 19th and early 21st centuries revealed stepped stone access and Second Temple period features; some exposed steps and pools are accessible to visitors.
- Water system and pilgrimage: The Pool of Siloam lies at the end of Hezekiah's Tunnel and was part of Jerusalem's water system in antiquity, making it both an archaeological site and a place of pilgrimage.
How to Get to Pool of Siloam #
The Pool of Siloam lies just outside Jerusalem’s Old City walls to the south-east, adjacent to the City of David archaeological park. From the Jaffa Gate, it’s roughly a 20-30 minute walk downhill; taxis and local buses to the City of David/Ir David visitor center are convenient alternatives. The nearest major reference point in the Old City is the Dung Gate; from there the site is within a 10-15 minute walk.
Tips for Visiting Pool of Siloam #
- Enter via the City of David visitor center for context and the best-preserved access routes to the pool.
- Visit in the cooler hours-down in the valley the stone reflects heat in summer.
- Look for the steps and channels cut into the bedrock; they tell the story of pilgrim traffic over centuries.
Best Time to Visit Pool of Siloam #
Spring and autumn are the best times to see the Pool of Siloam: weather is moderate and the site is less crowded than during major religious holidays.
Weather & Climate near Pool of Siloam #
Pool of Siloam's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 29°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (103 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 11°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 11°C. Moderate rainfall (50 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cool with highs of 14°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (78 mm).
