City of David

The City of David, known locally mostly in Arabic as Wadi Hilweh, is the name given to an archaeological site considered by most scholars to be the original settlement core of Jerusalem during the Bronze and Iron Ages. It is situated on southern part of the eastern ridge of ancient Jerusalem, west of the Kidron Valley and east of the Tyropoeon Valley, to the immediate south of the Temple Mount and separated from it by the so-called Ophel saddle.

Its historical story is also significant: the City of David (Hebrew: עיר דוד, romanized: ʿĪr Davīd), known locally mostly in Arabic as Wadi Hilweh (Arabic: وادي حلوة, romanized: Wādī Ḥulwah), is the name given to an archaeological site considered by most scholars to be the original settlement core of Jerusalem during the Bronze and Iron Ages. Its historical story is also significant: the site is also home to the Siloam Tunnel, which, a common hypothesis, was built by Hezekiah during the late 8th century BCE in preparation for an Assyrian siege.

Among its defining features, it is situated on southern part of the eastern ridge of ancient Jerusalem, west of the Kidron Valley and east of the Tyropoeon Valley, to the immediate south of the Temple Mount and separated from it by the so-called Ophel saddle. Among its defining features, two monumental Iron Age structures, known as the Large Stone Structure and the Stepped Stone Structure, were discovered at the site.

Experiences depend on season, access and available guides. Sightseeing, photography and locally organised activities are typical starting points; confirm availability before travel.

Check current access, fees, transport, safety and opening arrangements with the official operator or a trusted local source. Conditions can change with weather and management decisions.