During the Israeli-Arab War in 1948, the Jordanians conquered the Jewish quarter and deported its Jewish residents. The quarter was left in ruins for 19 years, until 1967. However, as a result of the Six-Day War, Jerusalem was re-united, now under Israeli sovereignty. The state of Israel strived to rebuild the Jewish quarter and repopulate it. A big archaeological project was launched before the construction began, during which many discoveries were made. Among others, the archaeologists uncovered a section of the “Cardo Maximus,” a wide street that stretched across Jerusalem in Byzantine times. Parts of the street, where Ottoman-era roofing was still intact, were developed into a commercial area, with some Byzantine-era columns repositioned.

Touring the Cardo

The Cardo is set in the heart of the Jewish Quarter and is open to all. A large and colorful mural set in its northern end suggests the street’s image 1,600 years ago.

The cardo can be a great stop and photo opportunity during a day tour of Jerusalem.