City of David

Attribution:

Doron Bar

Jerusalem

Key Dates

A fortified city stood on the hill in the Middle Bronze Age, 1800-1550 BC. A city wall at the site has been dated back to the 12th century BC, and it seems certain that a fortified city existed by that date. In 1867, the remains of the underground water tunnel were discovered and archaeological exploration of the city begun.

Key People

The Iron Age period corresponds to biblical Kings from Hezekiah to Josiah. The period of the 10th and 9th century BC corresponds to the biblical Kings David and Solomon. British explorer Captain Charles Warren found the ancient underground water tunnel.

The City of David is the name of the thin headland south of Jerusalem’s Temple Mount and Old City. It is 3000 years old and considered to be the original Jerusalem. As with many sites critical to Biblical legend it is a subject of intense interest and controversy.
Up until as late as the 1980s, it was a mess, covered in waste and human detritus. Thanks to extensive recent restoration work, it is now in much better shape, and tourists are able to explore its various excavated fortresses and passageways, as well as relive King David’s famous capture of the city as described in the 2nd Book of Samuel and wade through King Hezekiah’s 2,700 year old water tunnel, a masterpiece of early engineering.

Admission Fee

General admission to City of David National Park ranges from 13NIS for senior citizens and children aged 5-18 to 21NIS for adults. Guided tours range from 40-55NIS. Prices vary for other specific attractions and activities.

Related Websites

City of David

Images