- Address: Omar Ibn Katab, Jerusalem, Israel;
- Opened: in 1538;
- Working hours: 24 hours;
- Phone: +972 2-627-1422.
The Jaffa Gate is in the wall around the old part of Jerusalem , it's one of the eight gates. The Jaffa Gates are in the west and were built in the first half of the 16th century by the Ottoman Sultan. The structure differs from other gates in the wall with its L-shaped entrance and a car-hole.
Description
The Jaffa Gate is the beginning of the journey from the Old Town to the port of Jaffa , hence the name. Since the gates were the only ones on the west side, a few centuries later many people passed through them every day, keeping the way to the port.
In the 19th century a wide gap was made at the gate. Wilgem II ordered to expand the entrance, so that the Kaiser's carriage could pass. At first they wanted to destroy the entrance, but then it was decided to make an ice hole nearby. It has survived to our days, so cars can pass through the Jaffa Gate.
In 2010, a large-scale reconstruction was carried out, during which the gates were completely returned to their original appearance. For this, the metal elements were washed, and the destroyed stones were replaced by identical ones, and the historical inscription was also restored.
What is interesting about the Jaffa Gate?
The first thing that catches your eye when looking at the gate is their L-shaped entrance, that is, the entrance to the Old Town is parallel to the wall. The reason for this complex architecture is unknown, but scientists suggest that this was done in order to slow the flow of enemies in the event of an attack. Also, taking into account that the entrance looks at the main road, it is possible that it has such a complex shape to direct people immediately to it. Either way, the Jaffa Gate is the most unusual among others in the wall.
Unlike many other gates that were repeatedly rebuilt, the Jaffa gate was changed only once in the XIX century, but by now our original appearance was returned. So we see them as the people of the Old City saw six centuries ago.
Information for tourists
Tourists will be interested in the fact that after passing the gates, you will be at the junction of two blocks: Christian and Armenian. Between them there is a street, on which is everything that is necessary for the tourist: souvenir shops, shops and cafes.
Also guests of the Old Town, passing through the Jaffa Gate, have the opportunity to see one more attraction - the Tower of David , which is located next to the entrance.
Where is?
You can get to the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem by public transport, there are four bus stops nearby:
- HaKishle / Armenian Patriarchy - routes № 8, 38, 83, 882, 83х;
- Hativat Yerushalayim / Yitshak Kariv - routes №104, 117, 124, 125, 163, 204, 231, 232, 234, 286, 298;
- Mamila / Karib - 1, 51, 83, 104, 111, 115, 117, 163, 284, 298, 387, 480, 755;
- Yaffo Gate / Yafo - routes 3, 111, 117, 124, 125, 333, 3x.