Walls of Jerusalem Wall

The Walls of Jerusalem are the stone defensive walls that enclose the Old City of Jerusalem, largely rebuilt under Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent between 1537 and 1541. They define the present Old City boundaries and incorporate multiple gates and towers.

Key points along the walls include the large historic gates such as Damascus Gate and Jaffa Gate, and the walls are approximately 4 kilometres in circumference with towers and bastions at intervals. Parts of the wall line are accessible to the public via the Ramparts Walk, which offers elevated views over the Old City and surrounding hills.

The current stone walls replaced earlier fortifications and were constructed during the 16th century Ottoman rebuilding program; earlier walls and fortifications existed in Byzantine, Crusader and earlier periods and were incorporated or replaced over time. The Ottoman walls have been restored at various times since the 19th century.

The walls surround the Old City in the heart of Jerusalem, running close to major historic and religious sites; they are immediately east of modern West Jerusalem and form a well-defined urban boundary visible from the Mount of Olives and nearby viewpoints.

• Ramparts Walk access: The Ramparts Walk provides panoramic views and is ticketed with limited opening hours - it is a direct way to view the Old City’s layout from the wall line.
• Date of construction: The present walls date to Ottoman rebuilding under Suleiman the Magnificent between 1537 and 1541 and enclose the modern Old City footprint.

What to See#

• Damascus Gate: One of the main historic gates on the north side of the Old City, providing access to the Muslim Quarter and standing at a major traffic and pedestrian route.
• Jaffa Gate: The principal western entrance from the Old City toward the Jaffa Gate road axis, close to the citadel known as the Tower of David and heavily used by visitors.
• Ramparts Walk: A long, ticketed pedestrian walkway that allows visitors to walk along sections of the wall for panoramic views of the Old City and surrounding hills.

The Walls of the Old City of Jerusalem are reached on foot from several city access points; the most used are Jaffa Gate, Damascus Gate and Zion Gate. From Jerusalem’s Central Bus Station or Jaffa Road you can walk to Jaffa Gate in about 10-20 minutes, or use the Jerusalem Light Rail (Red Line) to the Jaffa Centre stop and walk roughly 10-15 minutes to Jaffa Gate. Numerous city buses and taxis also serve the area around the Old City.

• Visit the Old City early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak tour-group times and to see the light on the Temple Mount and surrounding hills.
• Enter through Jaffa Gate for the easiest access to the Christian and Armenian Quarters; use Dung Gate (southern Old City) if your aim is the Western Wall and to avoid the busiest market crowds at Damascus Gate.
• Buy a ticket and walk the Ramparts (the wall-walk) for panoramic city views many day visitors miss - check opening times and ticket points before you go, as access is limited and seasonally scheduled.