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  Downtown Jerusalem is the heart of the modern metropolis, with nightlife, dining and culture to rival any major city. The area is made up of several neighborhoods, including the colorful Mahane Yehuda Market, charming Nahalat Shiva, bustling Ben Yehuda and Yafo Streets. Each has its own unique personality and atmosphere that you won’t want to miss out on.
  
  South
  South Jerusalem is an up-and-coming area that has seen the development of numerous attractions in recent years, including the state-of-the-art Jerusalem Payis Arena, which hosts some of the biggest international musical acts and sporting events. It joins places like Emek Refaim Street, Malha Mall, the Biblical Zoo, Teddy Stadium, Gazelle Valley and Ramat Rachel tourism complex in making up an area that is particularly popular with families.
  
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  West Jerusalem includes some of Jerusalem’s most charming neighborhoods and interesting attractions. Head to the picturesque Ein Karem at the foot of the Jerusalem Hills for a day of nature, quaint shops and elegant dining with a view. And for an unbeatable cultural experience, check out the Museum District, home to the world-class Israel Museum, the Bible Lands Museum, Science Museum and much more.
  
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  The Old City of Jerusalem has been a center of culture, religion and history for thousands of years, from the time of the Judean kings and the Roman era through the times of the Islamic Empire to the modern State of Israel. Every brick and stone is teeming with history. No trip to the Middle East is complete without wandering through alleys of the bazaar, walking the ramparts and exploring the Old City’s rich history at the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa) or Tower of David Museum.
  
  NEAR OLD CITY
  Not far from the Old City, you can find some of Jerusalem’s most vibrant entertainment and shopping centers. Mamilla Mall is just a few steps from Jaffa Gate and counts as one of the most luxurious shopping centers in the city, replete with high-end shops, Mamilla Hotel’s Akasha Spa and a collection of restaurants with amazing views. And if you follow Hebron Road, you’ll find the First Station cultural complex and the Yes Planet movie theater and entertainment center.
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Home > Attractions > Hezekiah’s Pool

Hezekiah’s Pool

Hezekiah’s pool is an impressive water storage pool, apparently dating back to the era of the Second Temple. It is located in the Christian Quarter and surrounded by densely packed and crowded buildings. The eastern boundary of the pool adjoins the Christian Quarter Road, and most of the shops on the western side of the street have small windows that overlook the pool. Its southern side adjoins David Street, the north with the Coptic Khan, and the west with various buildings in the Christian Quarter.

The pool was part of the water supply system of Jerusalem and the Temple during the time of the Second Temple. The water source was probably the Mamilla pool. The Greek name of the pool is: “Amigdalon” (the walnut tree), probably a mistaken pronunciation of the Hebrew name “Migdalim (the Towers) Pool”, mentioned by the second temple era historian, Yosef Ben Matityahu. This name might have been given to the pool due to its proximity to the Herod towers. During the crusaders era, the pool was named “The Pool of the Patriarch”. The Arab name is “Birkat Hammam El Batrak”.

After the pool was cut off from its water sources and dried out, it was filled with sewage and garbage whose stench rose to the high heavens. In 2011 the Jerusalem municipality and the Jerusalem Development Authority started an operation to evacuate the huge amounts of garbage filling the pool, and its bottom was exposed after decades of neglect and filth.

Near By (Up to 10 minutes walk)