photo of The Quarter of the Priests' Houses (the renewed Herodian quarter)

The Quarter of the Priests' Houses (the renewed Herodian quarter)

4.7

based on 169 traveler reviews

closedUntil 10:00

|Around an hour

Kids Friendly

Accessible

+972-72-394-4538

Embark on a journey to the "Upper City," deep beneath the earth's surface. During your visit, you'll get a fascinating glimpse into the homes of Jerusalem's elite, leaders, and priests who lived in this quarter around two thousand years ago, during the Second Temple period.

The site has recently undergone a meticulous renewal process, ensuring that visitors are treated to a unique and immersive experience. With special lighting and personal headphones, you'll be guided through a walking route that brings the history of the place to life. Dynamic lighting will illuminate your path, and a dedicated projection hall will host an impressive performance, adding to the spectacle.

The History Behind the Herodian Quarter: From Ruin to Revival and a Tourist Wonder

During the Six-Day War, the IDF was met with a sobering sight upon entering the Temple Mount and the Jewish Quarter. On the brink of destruction, the Jewish Quarter was a stark reminder of the urgent need for restoration. Recognizing this as a historic window of opportunity, Israel embarked on an unprecedented archaeological dig in the Quarter, unearthing and restoring the image of ancient Jerusalem from the ruins.

What awaits you

One of the biggest surprises for researchers was found in the 'Herodian Quarter,' a luxurious residential neighborhood from the time of King Herod the Great. Visitors are invited to descend three meters underground and embark on a journey back in time two thousand years. You'll tour the homes of Jerusalem's wealthy elite.

google reviews

4.7

based on 169 traveler reviews

Tzvi Sklar
November 20, 2018
If you like archaeology and history this is definitely a museum not to miss. you literally get to walk down the streets of the herodian era and see the houses of the priests and wealthy of the period. The museum is litera...
Bob Carlson
July 4, 2023
If you like 1st CE Biblical Archeology, visit here. If this is not the house of the former High Priest Annas, it is what his house where Jesus first trial was would have been like.
Thomas Conway
April 2, 2019
Terrific exhibit of 1st century upper-class homes. So glad they were preserved. Many interesting artifacts, which give insight to the lifestyle of the people of that neighborhood. Also on display is some of the destructio...
Robert Fuchs
August 21, 2018
No audio guides were available and the open air site has only rudimentary signage. What a pity. The museum itself is a bit run down and has a few interesting pieces. It feels as if it's designed to tell the story of the J...
Fabrizio Iozzi
June 6, 2019
Mixed feelings about this museum. On one side it's an interesting underground excavation which shows some roman times dwellings with a few mosaics. The audio guide is available in English and the panels complement the sto...