Beneath the magnificent Damascus Gate, which has guarded Jerusalem since the days of Sultan Suleiman, lies a secret kept for thousands of years: the breathtaking remains of a massive Roman gate and ancient city plaza, among the most complete and impressive surviving examples of the late Roman period in the Land of Israel.
The Ancient Gate is now open to the public, featuring a spectacular new sound-and-light show.
What Will You Discover at the Ancient Gate?
Remains of an ancient gate nearly 1,900 years old -a monumental structure that was over 40 meters (130 feet) wide and 20 meters (65 feet) high, one of the city gates of Roman Jerusalem built during the reign of Emperor Hadrian. Pass through the original eastern opening of the gate and feel the breath of history.
A sound-and-light show that brings the past to life, depicting the significance and centrality of city gates in Biblical times.
The Roman Plaza – Walk on millennia-old paving stones of the ancient Roman city plaza. Romans carved a game board into the plaza floor to pass their leisure time- would you like to discover how it was played?
Scale models of Jerusalem’s city gates — a 3D model display of the gates of the Old City.
The impressive column –At the center of the plaza once stood a towering column, clearly visible on the Byzantine Madaba Map, which likely served as the zero-point for measuring distances across the province. It is this column that gave Damascus Gate its Arabic name — Bab al-Amud (Gate of the Column). A modern tribute to this column has been erected on the site.
The Eastern Tower and the Three Domes Viewpoint — Visitors are invited to climb the ancient staircase of the watchtower, which has survived to a height of approximately 12 meters, up to the Northern Ramparts Walk (additional fee) and one of the most beautiful viewpoints in Jerusalem.
The History Behind the Ancient Gate and the Roman Plaza
The Roman city gate was constructed before Emperor Hadrian’s visit to Judea in 130 CE, and possibly in response to the Bar Kokhba Revolt after 135 CE – scholars remain divided on the precise date of its construction. In any case, a magnificent gate was erected here — one of four — probably marking the boundaries of the sacred city.
A second-century Roman inscription uncovered above the eastern opening dates the gate to the era of Aelia Capitolina, the Roman city established around the time of the Bar Kokhba Revolt. Coins from the period attest to the city’s status as an “autonomous, holy, and asylum city.”
Archaeological excavations beginning in the 1930s (Hamilton), continuing in the 1960s (Hennessy and Bennet), and concluding between 1979–1984 (Magen) revealed a world that had vanished in the Middle Ages and been forgotten.
Guided Tours and the New Sound-and-Light Show
A spectacular sound-and-light show is now running at the site, telling the story of the roles ancient gates played in Biblical city life, the famous Madaba Map, Damascus Gate, and the Ottoman city walls — concluding with a stunning tribute to the Roman column that once stood at the center of the plaza.
Show duration: approximately 30 minutes | Recommended for ages 7 and up
Visiting Options
Guided tour with sound-and-light show:
Show times (in Hebrew) are published at the time of booking. Advance ticket purchase is required at www.pami.co.il. Please arrive 10 minutes in advance.
Shows in English are currently available for groups only by pre-reservation at tourism@pami.co.il
Self-guided visit (without show or guide):
Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays: 9:00–10:00, and additional hours subject to site availability.
Organized groups:
Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 10:00–15:00 / 16:00, subject to site availability. Special openings for groups can also be arranged on other days.
Group visits must be coordinated in advance by email: tourism@pami.co.il
Combine Your Visit and Save!
A visit to the Ancient Gate pairs perfectly with two nearby sites: the Ramparts Walk and Zedekiah’s Cave. Visitors who combine the Ancient Gate with either site on the same day are entitled to a discounted admission to the Ancient Gate.
Ramparts Walk: From the Northern Ramparts Walk, near the Three Domes Viewpoint, you can descend directly into the Ancient Gate, and vice versa.
A separate entrance ticket is required for each site; discount applied at the site ticket offices.
Zedekiah’s Cave: After visiting the Ancient Gate, we recommend continuing to the nearby Zedekiah’s Cave and its spectacular show, Mysteries Beneath the Walls. A separate entrance ticket is required for each site; discount applied at the site ticket offices.
Please note: To receive discount for the Ancient Gate audiovisual show, please coordinate your visit in advance by email at tourism@pami.co.il or by phone at 02-627-7550.
Important Visitor Information
Where can I purchase tickets?
At www.pami.co.il or at the site ticket office. For the show — advance booking is required.
What age is recommended for children?
The show is recommended for ages 7 and up, given the complexity of the content and the technology involved. Children up to age 5 enter free of charge.
What do I need to bring?
Footwear: Comfortable, closed walking shoes, the site has uneven surfaces and can be dimly lit in places. Restrooms: There are no restroom facilities on site — please plan accordingly. The site is suitable for visits year-round.
Is the Ancient Gate wheelchair accessible?
The Ancient Gate is not accessible for the disabled, and strollers cannot be accommodated. Entry is via stairs.
What are the operating hours?
Days and hours of operation are published on the website of the East Jerusalem Development Company. Show times for individual visitors may change — please note the time upon booking.
Cancellation Policy
Cancellations or changes must be made at least 3 business days in advance (excluding Friday–Saturday) in writing only, by email to: tourism@pami.co.il
- No shows or late arrivals within 3-day notice will be charged in full .
- Weather conditions are not grounds for cancellation.
- Latecomers will not be permitted to join a guided tour, so as not to disrupt the experience of other visitors.
Contact Us
- General enquiries and group bookings: tourism@pami.co.il
- Ticket purchases: www.pami.co.il
