Gates of Jerusalem - Walls of Jerusalem - 1 Oz - Silver Collector Coin

The Walls of Jerusalem

The third part of the series "Views of Jerusalem"

Throughout history, Jerusalem has been surrounded by a defensive wall.

The walls of Jerusalem that exist today were built between 1537 and 1541 by Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent , during the Ottoman rule, on the site where the city walls stood during the Second Temple period. The walls measure about 4 km in length, with an average height of about 10 m and a thickness of about 2.5 m. There are 34 watchtowers and 8 gates along the walls. Seven of the eight gates are open and serve as passages to and from the Old City - the Lion Gate, the Dung Gate, the Zion Gate, the Jaffa Gate, the Damascus Gate, the New Gate and the Herod Gate. The eighth gate - the Golden Gate - is blocked and, according to Jewish tradition, will miraculously open when the Messiah comes and the dead are raised.

The beauty of the unique holy city is crowned by the walls, which were probably built by the Sultan to beautify rather than defend it. The walls and gates are decorated with floral and other artistic forms carved in stone.

Today, Jerusalem's walls have become an icon of the holy city and an attraction for tourists from all over Israel and the world. Walking the walls is an extraordinary experience that provides a beautiful view of Jerusalem.