When we say "the Old City of Jerusalem" we picture the Jaffa gates, the ramparts, The Holy Sepulcher Church, Via Dolorosa, etc. But the walls of what we know now as "the Old City" are actually not so old – they were build in the 16th century A.D., when Jerusalem was took over by Ottoman Turks and ruled by Suleiman the Magnificent.
Let's go deeper in history – to the tenth century B.C. This was the time when King David conquered the city of Jebus from Jebusites tribe, renamed it to Jerusalem and established it as the first capital of the United Kingdom of Israel. For the first time the twelve tribes of Israel are unified to one state. Just imagine, this was 3000(!) years ago. Two and a half centuries before Rome was even founded!
The real ancient Jerusalem – the City of David – is located just outside the Old City Walls, 5 minutes walk from the Dung Gate.
And then Charles Warren thought: "If you want to find an ancient city, search for the water". Jerusalem is located in the desert, and the only natural source of water here is the Gihon Spring which fills the Pool of Siloam ("Shiloah" in Hebrew). Here is it – an ideal place for a city – a hill bounded from both side by deep natural valleys, defending it from enemies; land suitable for agriculture and a source of water. The team started to dig on the hill, and their efforts were rewarded.
A good story always have twists, changes of focus, a stereo-effect. The tour of "Biblical Jerusalem in the City of David" is exactly this. Here we are in the beginning of our 3-hour tour – standing at the observation deck, looking down at the valley and seeing by our own eyes how Charles Warren got to his conclusions. Now Kidron Valley and Tyropoeon Valley surrounding the hill are not so deep as they were in the times of King David, but they are still clearly visible. Then the tour continues with a 3D-movie showing the conquest of the city by the King David's army and building of ancient Jerusalem.
We are entering the archaeological site at the top of the hill, called the "Large Stone Structure" – presumably this was the palace of King David himself, but this is not 100% proved. One of the exhibits found here is the capital of a column – every Israeli knows its image on a 5-shekel coin.
The high-society houses are located near the palace. We can even see an ancient toilet – a stove with a hole, an incredible luxury at that era.
Archaeologists have found here a lot of personal clay stamps which the country officials and the merchants used to seal the documents. 
Our guide Michal is carrying a small book with bookmarks – it is the Old Testament. Some names found on the stamps are mentioned in the Bible, in the Book of Jeremiah – we know that they were officials in 7-6 century B.C. A living quote from the Bible just blows my mind!
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The Biblical Jerusalem tour in the City of David takes place almost every day (except Shabbat) in English and Hebrew – you may check the schedule and book tickets here. The best way to park is at the First Station complex (the old train station turned into a culinary and entertainment cluster) – there are free shuttle buses running every 20 minutes from the First Station parking lot to the Old City, stopping at the entrance of City of David.
Looks like a great experience and a very comprehensive tour. It really looks like one of those bucket list historic destinations and you would definitely need a guide to talk you through the history. Love your photos.
Thanks! I agree, without a guide, it’s just a pile of stones!
it must have been so interesting to see this! the water looks fun too!
I've always been fascinated by history, and it is hard to get more historic than this. Looks like a great tour. I would love to be able to visit this one day.
Oh, yes, Jerusalem as a whole is a living history.
Gosh this looks incredible. The Biblical Jerusalem tour is definitely something that I would love.
Wow looks incredibe and so much history! I would love to vist and I think for sure it a place where you nee a giude to get the most of our visit! To bad you didnt have the right shoes ..but the experince looks great!
Without a guide any archaeological site is just a pile of stones…
Wow! This looks like an amazing experience! I've never took a tour like this, but I hope I can in the future. It would be awesome to learn more about Jerusalem. Thanks for letting me know such tours exist.
As a Christian, I think a tour like this would be utterly fascinating! I'm looking forward to reading more about your trip in Israel!
I think any Christian should visit Jerusalem at least once – seeing Via Dolorosa or the Garden of Gethsemany in a real life is a mind-blowing experience.
Wow! This looks amazing. I would love to visit. The kids splashing in the tunnel look like they're having so much fun.
What an excellent historical background of the "Old City" of Jerusalem. I never knew it was the city of David. And what fascinating relics! That old, make-shift toilet is better than many places I've gone! Lol. Israel has recently piqued my interest due to the vegan culture in Tel Aviv. After reading this well-written and researched article, I'm sold!
Thanks, Cristina! I live in Israel and think it is a terrific place to visit, both Tel-Aviv and Jerusalem!
Thanks so much for the indepth info on visiting Jerusalem. I know it will be in my future travels and this is very helpful. Amazing how old eveyrhting is… I cannot wait!
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