The City of David was built over 3,000 years ago, when King David left the city of Hevron for a small hilltop city known as Jerusalem, establishing it as the unified capital of the tribes of Israel. Years later, David’s son, King Solomon, built the First Temple next to the City of David on top of Mount Moriah, the site of the binding of Isaac, and with it, this hilltop became one of the most important sites in the world.
Today, the City of David is an exciting ancient attraction with a vibrant visitor’s center that welcomes visitors for an exciting tour to the site, archaeological digs, jeep rides, segway tours, and a famous water hike. These activities are great for ages 5+ and especially for teenagers. You can bring your own tour guide or request a guide when you make a reservation.
VIRTUAL TOURS
The City of David is always a family-friendly, fun and exciting adventure. Thankfully, they’ve curated the same energy into their online platform! Visiting the website you will find podcasts, videos, stories, coloring and activity pages for kids, promising hours of mystery and fun! The adults can enjoy the TOGO history tidbits, and the virtual 360-Degree tour is a family must! More Info
The Madness and Magnificence of Herod the Great – Ahron Horovitz
King Herod was one the great builders of the ancient world, his crowning glory being the rebuilding of the temple in Jerusalem whose magnificence out shown anything built in the Roman empire. But Herod was also a cruel tyrant whose frenzied purges of his enemies, both real and imagined brought many to believe that he was clinically insane. This short lecture will delve into the workings of the diabolical mind of Herod and seek the logic behind his actions.
“Real” Indiana Jones: Uncover the ark in the City of David – Dr. Shahar Shilo
In the year 586 BCE, Jerusalem was destroyed and the treasures of the Jewish Temple looted by Nebuchadnezzar, King of Babylon. Surprisingly, the Ark of the Covenant was not mentioned in the list of the sacred vessels taken from the Temple. Over 2,500 years later, a British expedition led by Captain Montague Parker arrived in Jerusalem, then under Turkish rule, on a quest to uncover the Holy Ark and the hidden treasures of the Temple. This fascinating webinar will relate the incredible events of this expedition and the mysterious secrets it uncovered.
Live Behind-the-Scenes Tour – The Pilgrimage Road Revealed
Join us for an experience in the heart of Ancient Jerusalem.
The Pilgrimage Road in the City of David is the very thoroughfare used by the ancient Jews to ascend to the Temple thousands of years ago during the Passover festival. Archaeologically documented and with inscriptions that match names found in the Bible, the Pilgrimage Road is likely the most important archaeological discovery made in decades in Jerusalem. City of David Vice Presidents Doron Spielman and Oriya Dasberg open the doors to this closed excavation for a rare peak at one of the world’s most precious places, a place where billions of people around the world can trace their roots.
CITY OF DAVID TOURS
Biblical City of David Tour
Tour the heart of ancient Jerusalem, the city of Kings and Prophets, where the books of the Bible were written.
Journey through the underground tunnels through which the city was conquered and residents fled. Go down to the hidden spring where kings were coronated. Explore the underground mysteries of Hezekiah’s Tunnel, where water has flowed since the time of the prophets. Join the mysterious, magical journey between ancient shafts, walls and fortresses at the City of David, the place where Jerusalem began.
– The Byzantine Pool
– The Gihon Spring
– Warrens Shaft
FIJ TIP: In the summer, the Hizkiyahu Water Tunnels are a MUST SEE activity. There are lockers to rent for your dry clothes and make sure to take a few shekel with you in case you want to return after the tunnels by cab to the main entrance.
The Temple Mount Ascent Tour
From the City of David to the Western Wall – New! The Herodian Water Channel leading to the Western Wall
A new tour in the City of David brings us on a journey back to the Second Temple period, where, as a result of new discoveries, one can now walk in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims.
Thanks to recent excavations, one can now walk the streets of Second Temple Jerusalem and be amazed by its splendor.
FIJ TIP: The walking tour is approximately 1½ hours long and is appropriate for people of all ages and children aged 4 and up.
HALLELUJAH Nighttime Sound & Light Show
The City of David’s Nighttime Presentation tells the story of our return to rebuild ancient Jerusalem. A thrilling, outdoor cinematic experience of lights projected onto the ancient ruins in the actual site where this story unfolded. Under the stars of Jerusalem’s night sky, cutting-edge video mapping technology, the first of its kind in Israel, reveals a story 2,500 years in the making.
Armon Hanatziv Tours & Attractions
Segway Tour in Jerusalem
Experience the majesty of Jerusalem’s stunning Peace Forest on a Segway ride through the heart of the city with views of the Old City.
Hasmonean Aqueduct Tour
More than two thousand years ago, two long and magnificent aqueducts were constructed to bring water from the Pools of Solomon (near Bethlehem) to the Temple. Tour the aqueducts with illuminated flashlights and learn about this magnificent feat of ancient engineering.
Outdoor Jerusalem Trivia
Know a lot about Jerusalem? With a map, trivia cards and cell phone in hand, navigate your way through Armon Hanatziv by answering questions and solving riddles about the ancient city. A fun and challenging experience for families, groups and organizations that encourages bonding and team building. HEBREW
Mount of Olives Tours & Attractions:
A Magical Experience in Absalom’s Pillar –
Journey back in time as you explore these centuries-old structures surrounded by the stunning landscape of the Mount of Olives, deep within the Biblical Kidron Valley. Follow the now-dry riverbed to see monumental rock-cut structures and tombstones, including Absalom’s Pillar, the Tomb of Zechariah and Tomb of the Sons of Hezir, carved into the mountainside by ancient artisans of the Second Temple period.
The Archaeological Experience in the Emek Tzurim National Park
Fun for the Whole Family – When was the last time you discovered antiquities from ancient Jerusalem? You can do it today at Emek Tzurim!
The seal of King Hezekiah, an Egyptian amulet from the days of the Pharaohs, Babylonian arrowheads, jewels, mosaic stones and coins – these are only some of the exciting discoveries found over the years at the sifting project in the Emek Tzurim National Park. Many more treasures are still hiding in the debris of ancient Jerusalem, and you have the opportunity to discover them!
Become archaeologists for a day and hold ancient history in your hands!
FIJ TIP: The area is shaded with a large tent so you can sift during the summer as well.
Legacy Tours of the Mount of Olives
The cemetery on the Mount of Olives stands at the heart of the Jewish connection to Jerusalem. Walk in the footsteps of history amidst the personal stories, traditions and burial places of the city’s most famous inhabitants.
