Our tour begins at the most impressive gate complex of the old city – Damascus gate. This highly ornamented gate is also flanked by two towers, and bears various elements of Ottoman architecture. Archaeological research in and around the gate indicated it had a significant role also in antiquity. In Roman times, for example, this gate had a pig plaza behind it. In its center a giant column was erected, marking the center of Jerusalem. Today it is also possible to climb to the top of the gate and view it through its crenellations.
Just outside Damascus gate a humble size green door leads into a giant size cave whose full history is still a mystery. Called 
For lunch there are many street food vendors offering a light meal along the roads coming out of Damascus gate. One of these roads lead to the 
Time permitting, we could end the day with a visit to the Tomb of Kings nearby. Discovered in the 19th century, these tombs were formed by a Syrian royal family who converted to Judaism and immigrated to Jerusalem. And after many years of restoration, only recently (in 2020) they were re-opened to the public again. Not far from them are remains of the “Third Wall”. Discovered in the 1920’s, these finds revolutionized the understanding of Jerusalem in the time of Herod’s Temple, some 2,000 years ago
Giant Caves and Sacred Sites
Most tourists coming to Jerusalem will focus on exploring its old city. Indeed, the old city of Jerusalem is a fascinating destination, but there is more beyond its walls. The City of David, Mount Zion, Mount of Olives, all bear additional points of interest, as well as fantastic view points. This tour is devoted to the area called Eastern Jerusalem. Spread outside Damascus gate, most of it is a commercial center of the Arabs of Jerusalem. Yet, between the shops, offices and hotels there are quite a few points of interests.
