Siebenberg House

Despite the insistence of stonewalling archaeologists, Theo Siebenberg was convinced he could find archaeological treasures under a house in the Old City. So in 1970 he bought the house along with his wife, Miriam, and, over the ensuing 18 years, the two managed the excavations at the site.

Needless to say, the Siebenbergs struck a vein of archaeological gold, uncovering ancient dwellings, rooms hewed out of rock, a huge cistern, ritual baths, aqueducts, burial vaults and other findings, many of which reached back some 3,000 years to the First-Temple era and the days of King Solomon. Siebenberg House has since become a museum, displaying an impressive array of artifacts including mosaics, jars, pottery, coins, glass and weapons.

Visitors to the Museum are shown a fascinating slide show and given a guided tour of the excavations – available in a several languages. Just be sure to call ahead for the unique chance to go below the surface and get to the bedrock of Jewish life in Jerusalem.

Siebenberg House is located at 5 Beit Hasoeva Alley, which can be reached from the lower half of Batei Mahase Road.