The Jerusalem Archaeological Park – Davidson Center
Photo: The Jerusalem Archaeological Park – Davidson Center
Visit an Exquisite Archeological Park
Davidson Center, the Jerusalem Archaeological Park, is located nearby the Western Wall in the Old City. Davidson Center is one of 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.
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 – Temporarily closed due to renovations.
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)
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 74 traveler reviews
Seeing the actual stone blocks of the walls of the Holy Temple that had been demolished by the Romans 2,000 years ago is very inspiring. A small point that I came to realize is that there are Mediterranean Cyprus trees growing in this park. There are many of these cyprus in other places in...
MoreSeeing the actual stone blocks of the walls of the Holy Temple that had been demolished by the Romans 2,000 years ago is very inspiring. A small point that I came to realize is that there are Mediterranean Cyprus trees growing in this park. There are many of these cyprus in other places in Israel also. In the Book of Kings chapters 5 and 6, it is mentioned that King Solomon used cyprus wood from these trees as the floorboards of the Temple.
LessPROS • Actual remnants of the Holy Temple • Artifacts 2000 years old • Priceless archaeological artifacts • Original toppled stones still in place • Untouched and unmoved 2000 years • Original intact ritual baths 2000 years • Explore extension of Western Wall • See southwest corner of Western Wall • Streets and stores from time of Jesus • Climb original Jewish...
MorePROS • Actual remnants of the Holy Temple • Artifacts 2000 years old • Priceless archaeological artifacts • Original toppled stones still in place • Untouched and unmoved 2000 years • Original intact ritual baths 2000 years • Explore extension of Western Wall • See southwest corner of Western Wall • Streets and stores from time of Jesus • Climb original Jewish Holy Temple steps • Stand at southern entrance to Temple • Holy spiritual Jewish prayer site • Possible to see Jewish prayer ritual • Possible to see individuals in prayer • Explore freely on your own (usually) • Almost never crowded at all • Access 24/7 and free from side entrance • Truly a magnificent “hidden gem” • Close up view of mosque currently occupying Temple Mount CONS • Security guards firm handed and unfriendly MY EXPERIENCE “I visited this place” again because I do truly love it- the archaeology, the history and the spiritual religious aspect. TIPS • Do not miss this experience • Consider a tour to add meaning • Adjacent to “main” famous Western Wall • Side entrance labeled as “Ezrat Israel” • Visit on the Tisha B’Av, the annual 24 hour fast day commemorating the Destruction of the Jewish Temples that stood at this location. See and experience the destructions and desecrations and relive the glory of the past at the exact site of the history on the exact commemoration anniversary day… you may very well be alone in your thoughts and contemplations there… except for me and the boys… please don’t tell anyone else our secret
LessFascinating 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.
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