I had been wanting to do the Ramparts Walk for a while. Finally, this gorgeous late October morning presented the perfect opportunity.
Just outside Jaffa Gate, I turned left and began to follow the directional signs toward the entrance to the Ramparts Walk.
October in Jerusalem is beautiful. The humidity is gone and the rainy season has not yet started.
The Fall moedim, (feasts or festivals of God) are over, and the city has returned to some semblance of order.
Although I’ve spent many happy hours exploring inside the Old City, I had never been this up close and personal with the exterior walls. The ancient factor is off the charts!
This narrow opening in the parapet would have been used defensively; perhaps to pour boiling liquids, like oil or tar, upon the enemy below.
As I followed the signs, I found myself in the company of several groups of kippa-clad, rifle-toting, young Israeli soldiers.
I had the option to go south towards Dung Gate or north towards Damascus Gate. The guide recommended south, so I ponied up my 20 shekels, and south I went.
In the Christian Quarter, King David’s Tower, or citadel, is wrapped in its own conforming walls, or ramparts, complete with arrow slits.
This pretty view facing west includes Teddy Park (with its awesome splash pad), Hebrew Union College, and Mamilla Mall.
Yemin Moshe, with its accompanying windmill, the first neighborhood built outside the city walls, is currently one of the trendiest addresses in town.
Trying not to intrude, I hurriedly take pictures of the moat surrounding the Citadel while the boys get a lecture.
By their stance, this appears to be prayer, or perhaps a blessing. Don’t ask me, I know just enough Hebrew to be dangerous.
My south-southwest view reveals Dormition Abbey and its prominent bell tower, the direction in which we are headed.
If you have read the post Risen (April 2020), you may recognize the Tower of the Ascension on a distant parallel with Tower of David.
Along with soldiers, there was a smattering of tourists, although they went quickly ahead, as I took endless photographs.
Like everything else here in Israel, this was not an easy trek. Frequent exertion was required on the uneven and over-sized stone steps.
As I continue south, bullet-riddled Zion Gate comes into view. It’s an interesting story; Zahi Shaked is a compelling storyteller. Worth a quick listen below…
I’ve walked this road, rounding this corner many times, never realizing what was above my head.
The golden Dome of the Rock is visible in the center of this photograph. It’s just plain weird to see a soccer field 30 feet above the ground.
This is the exit to Zion Gate and Batei Mahase Rd. I’m going to continue enjoying the killer views all the way to Dung Gate. Please join me.
I am definitely feeling blessed with these unparalleled views of the Mount of Olives and the City of David.
Couldn’t resist a peek back at where we began. See the Tower of David in the distance?
South parking lot for residents of the Jewish Quarter.
As we leave the Armenian Quarter, Batei Mahase St. leads into the Jewish Quarter.
The southwestern sky appears to be darkening and shows signs of lowering.
Literally, a birds’ eye view of the Mount of Olives. Best seat in the house, in my opinion.
The Hurva Synagogue, (Hebrew: בית הכנסת החורבה, Beit ha-Knesset ha-Hurva, “The Ruin Synagogue”) in the Jewish Qtr.
My eye is drawn to these irregular stone formations and they pique my curiosity.
It’s pretty amazing, the things one sees from a vantage point like this!
The population of the City of David is 45,000. Situated on 15 acres, that’s 3,000 people per acre.
According to Archeology News Network, this is the site of an 11th century moat.
https://archaeologynewsnetwork.blogspot.com/2019/07/fabled-crusader-moat-outside-jerusalems.html
Keep in mind, these photos are fairly sequential. I am standing on the ramparts between Zion Gate and Dung Gate, showing you what lies around me. Lots of good stuff!
This city is like one big layer cake. If I was younger, I could “dig” being an archaeologist.
I’m assuming these were taken from the moat dig down the road, since they seem to be well-organized and numbered.
Optical illusion alert! There are no buildings on the “cliff” to the left.
The black dome of the Al Aqsa mosque and the spires of the Russian church are much further apart than they appear.
City of David close-up. Wouldn’t this make a great jigsaw puzzle?
Nestled in Mt. Zion’s hillside, the Roman Catholic Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu commemorates the denial of Jesus by the apostle Peter. There’s a church for everything here…
I’m keeping one eye on the deepening sky and the other on my watch. It’s Friday, so the public transportation will be shutting down early for Shabbat.
I spot the turnstile ahead, signalling the end of today’s journey. Hope you enjoyed the tour. Tips are appreciated, so leave a comment.
The US Independence Day has just passed. It was very different this year. In the challenging days ahead, I pray that our country and our world may soon come to realize the peace and rest that God wants to give to each and every one of us. Shalom, mishpacha (family)! Love and blessings, MH
Thank you so much Marie for the wonderful pictures and comments. It flooded me with memories of my walk there in 2005. Bless you!!
HE is coming SOON….Bo Yeshua Bo
Thanks for your comment. Ken! Bo Yeshua bo! Then we can all be together there, where happiness lives. Love to you and Don.
I can’t believe I not read this blog sorry it is so wonderful so informative the pictures awesome I loved it