Tower of David

Located near the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City, The Tower of David, also known as the Citadel, stands as a magnificent reminder of Jerusalem’s long history. This ancient citadel has borne witness to thousands of years of history, reflecting the changing tides of rulers, cultures, and beliefs in this sacred city.

Hasmonean Origins

The story of the Tower of David begins in the second century BCE when the Old City of Jerusalem expanded onto the Western Hill. During this period, the Hasmonean kings constructed fortifications, including the First Wall, marking the city’s growth and strategic importance.

Herod’s Towering Legacy

The Tower of David gained its name from Herod the Great, the Roman-appointed king of Judea. Around 37-34 BCE, Herod added three monumental towers to the city’s fortifications. These towers, named Phasael, Mariamne, and Hippicus, were not only defensive structures but also symbols of Herod’s power and the safeguarding of his nearby royal palace on Mount Zion.

Byzantine Misidentification

The Byzantine Christians, in the fourth century CE, mistakenly found the Tower of David as the palace of King David, as mentioned in the Bible. This historical misidentification led to the tower’s adoption of the name “Tower of David,” even though its origins trace back to Herod’s era.

Crusader Defenses

After the Arab conquest of Jerusalem in 638, the Tower of David underwent renovations. It withstood the Crusader assault in 1099 and served as a significant defensive position for the city. The Crusaders added their own structures, including a tower and moat, further enhancing the citadel’s military significance.

Mamluk and Ottoman Eras

The Tower of David underwent significant transformation during the Mamluk and Ottoman periods. Mamluk Sultan Al-Nasir Muhammad ibn Qalawun rebuilt the citadel in 1310, giving it much of its present shape. Later, in the 16th century, Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent oversaw its expansion, adding a large entrance and a cannon emplacement.

British and Jordanian Periods

Under British rule (1917-1948), the Tower of David was renovated and reopened to the public. It became a venue for cultural events, including concerts and exhibitions. After the 1948 Arab Israeli War, the Jordanian forces controlled the citadel, using it as a military post.

Museum

Following the Six-Day War in 1967, the Tower of David’s cultural role was revived. In 1989, the Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem was established. This museum, located within the citadel’s chambers, displays 4,000 years of Jerusalem’s history. Visitors can explore the city’s evolution under various rulers through maps, holograms, models, and artifacts. The citadel’s ramparts provide breathtaking panoramic views of both the Old and New Cities of Jerusalem.

Archaeological Treasures

The Tower of David area is a treasure trove of archaeological finds. These remnants include structures dating back to the First Temple period and artifacts from various historical eras, shedding light on the city’s ancient past.

Touristic Hub

Today, the Tower of David serves as a vibrant cultural hub. It hosts concerts, craft shows, benefit events, and sound-and-light performances that captivate audiences from around the world. Its timeless beauty and historical significance continue to make it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Jerusalem’s rich tapestry of history and culture.