TheJerusalem Archaeological Park is located close to the Western Wall in the Old City. You will find remains of temple walls and streets from the First and Second Temple periods. The occupation even goes back 5000 years. The monumental structures are super impressive. Whilst you’re here, pay a visit to the Western Wall.
The Jerusalem Archaeological Park – Davidson Center
Davidson Center, the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, is located nearby the Western Wall in the Old City. Davidson Center is one of the Jerusalem’s top tourist attractions due to its historical and archeological significance and, of course, its beauty. You will find archaeological finds and displays from the First& Second Temple periods: the ancient city wall, the Temple’s staircase, a preserved ancient street, ritual immersion baths, and stores.
Enjoy coffee& pastry at the site’s entrance before/after your visit!
Events at the Davidson Center
If you’re planning on hosting an event and looking for a unique location with a professional and knowledgeable staff, the Davidson Center is the right choice for you. From private events, such as weddings and Bar/Bat Mitzvahs to conferences, product launches and ceremonies -this place hosts all kinds of events. As an extra value, you can also include in the program of your event educational activities and tours around the Old City and the Jerusalem Archaeological Park. Davidson Center can accommodate events of up to 1000 guests.
Davidson Center History
Davidson Center is home to some of the most intriguing and important archaeological finds from the Second Temple period. Researchers have discovered a wide and impressive street nearby the Western Wall. Apparently, this street used to be the area’s main street and was visited frequently by pilgrims, tourists, and sages such as Rabbi Yohanan ben Zakkai and Rabbi Akiva. Walk the street’s paving stones and immerse yourself in the story of ancient Jerusalem where thousands of Jews walked 2000 years ago, making their way to Temple Mount. Walking the street, you will also notice huge stones. These stones were knocked from the walls of Temple Mount and have been lying there ever since.
Another impressive discovery is a drainage channel which was found under the street, containing rare finds from the days of the destruction of Jerusalem. This channel used to be the place where ancient warriors escaped to, hoping to find shelter from the Romans. While you’re there, explore the Southern Wall where you’ll find an ancient staircase leading to Temple Mount. This is how the pilgrim entered the Temple.
In addition, the Davidson Center houses a museum with all of the site’s most significant finds that were discovered during excavation work in the area. Some of these exciting discoveries include remains from the Byzantine period, proving the existence of Jews in Jerusalem during a period of time when they were not allowed to live inside the city. Another interesting attraction you will find inside the museum is a 3D model of Jerusalem where you can walk around, visualizing the pilgrims’ experience.
Admission Fees
Adults: 29 ILS (Single); 25 ILS ( in a group of more than 20)
Children/students/soldiers/Israeli seniors: 15 ILS (Single); 13 ILS (in a group of more than 20)
Add extra 16 ILS for a guided tour around the site and museum, a virtual reality display, and the Archaeological Park.
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TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 72 traveler reviews“Walk the Ancient Streets of Jerusalem”
Fascinating experience to walk the excavated ruins of ancient Jerusalem, and its streets. Archaeological exploration near the corner of the Western Wall and along the Southern Wall was started under Charles Warren in the 1860's, revealing remains from the 1st Temple Period: 8th-7th Centuries B.C., and as far back as the Umayyad Period...
MoreFascinating experience to walk the excavated ruins of ancient Jerusalem, and its streets. Archaeological exploration near the corner of the Western Wall and along the Southern Wall was started under Charles Warren in the 1860's, revealing remains from the 1st Temple Period: 8th-7th Centuries B.C., and as far back as the Umayyad Period from the 9th-7th Centuries B.C. While excavations remain in progress, it is an interesting experience walking through the ancient, former Jewish shopping area at the base of the Western Wall, and to observe the massive stone blocks, tragically toppled under the Roman destruction in 70 AD, from Temple Mount above, onto this street below. Note the advanced sewage channel running below the old street for rainwater drainage. Look for "Robinson's Arch", which previously supported an access staircase to Temple Mount. On the southern side of Temple Mount lies the "Staircase of the Hulda Gates", formerly accessing the now blocked-off entrance. Ritual baths for cleansing prior to a Temple visit are located here as well. Look for the Templar Tower, built for lookout purposes. An interesting prop for a photo op is placed on the Southern Wall steps, where Temple visitors from an earlier period will appear in your photo. We explored the areas in near solitude which added to the unique experience; however, following a rain storm we encountered large puddles and uneven surfaces in some areas. Dress for outdoor weather conditions and wear good walking shoes.
Less“2000+ year old remnants of our Holy Jewish Temple”
Yes- that’s what you will see and experience at this large, massive, sprawling and impressive site. It encompasses the southern side of the western wall and the entire southern wall of the retaining structures that King Herod built to surround and support the Holy Temple more than 2000 years ago. If you want to...
MoreYes- that’s what you will see and experience at this large, massive, sprawling and impressive site. It encompasses the southern side of the western wall and the entire southern wall of the retaining structures that King Herod built to surround and support the Holy Temple more than 2000 years ago. If you want to see and touch ancient history, here is your spot. If you want to walk and visit places that were visited and walked on by historical personages and figures from 2000 years ago in Jerusalem and Judea, this is the place. If you want to know what a religious Jewish person saw and did when visiting his Holy Temple 2000+ years ago, this is the place. The area is full of archaeological stuff- all original from more than 2000 years ago- original streets, original remnants of buildings, stores and ritual baths etc. But the part that is most incredible and meaningful for me, as stated and written previously, is the area where one comes face-to-face with the tumbled massive building boulders that were toppled by the evil brutal pagan idol worshiping destructive Romans... and that, of course, is exactly where we went (see my few photos). There is entry for pay through that Davidson Center- a museum of artifacts that I haven’t been there in maybe 17 years- read the reviews of others. I enter via a free side location known as Ezrat Yisrael. It leads to a lower platform opposite a less famous (by far) section of that Western Wall (but still equally as holy). Again this year, we were virtually alone (of course this is the era of corona). It was of course the 1950th commemoration day of Tea Shah Above, the Hebrew date of the destruction of this elegant edifice and despite our 25 hour fast of total abstention of food and drink, we walked the whole way- the 66 year old leading the way for the younger ones. If you want to connect to history and architecture, this is the place. For more details and to read about exploring other parts of this site, see my previous reviews, when I explored the place virtually alone during the midnight hours- August 2019, April 2018 and August 2017. I’ve included a few photos for you to see- primarily of those boulders and the corners of the structure- because we didn’t explore this year- we had religious contemplation at this most significant important site- reflecting on our past, our present.... and our hope for the future. To all my TripAdvisor friends, followers and readers: I wrote this with you in mind and hope that you find this “helpful” (and yes- that’s a hint). So in conclusion- again this year: “I visited this place”
Less“Archaeological masterpiece ”