Excellent movie in a good museum on palace grounds. Walk in the steps of both the First and Seond Temple. See from where the Romans toppled stones, view mikvaot (ritual baths), walk the historic steps up to toward the Temple. Constant archeological work uncovers history before our eyes. Highly recommend.
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 55 traveler reviews“Active archaeology site”
Interesting place. Turn left after you enter, you can see where the Second Temple was built. They built a wall with no mortar, then filled it with thousands of tons of rubble, by hand! The signature stones have a bevel cut around them, like a picture frame. Then go straight back, see the purification...
MoreInteresting place. Turn left after you enter, you can see where the Second Temple was built. They built a wall with no mortar, then filled it with thousands of tons of rubble, by hand! The signature stones have a bevel cut around them, like a picture frame. Then go straight back, see the purification baths which are in very good shape. On your left, there are the original Southern Steps leading to the now walled off entrances to the Temple Mount. Great spot for a picture.
Less“Unknown parts of the Second Temple. A surprising gem.”
Visiting this park broaden our horizons. We have learnt things we have never known. We have seen sites we would not have seen otherwise. We had a tour guide, Eugene, who made this visit unforgettable! My teen and my preschooler both enjoyed this visit very much as well. The teen enjoyed the history and...
MoreVisiting this park broaden our horizons. We have learnt things we have never known. We have seen sites we would not have seen otherwise. We had a tour guide, Eugene, who made this visit unforgettable! My teen and my preschooler both enjoyed this visit very much as well. The teen enjoyed the history and stories, and the preschooler enjoyed making his own antique letters and coins (there was a special attraction on during our visit). A surprising gem.
Less“Walk in the steps of the Second Temple”