The Markets of the Old City: The Three Markets- The Butchers’ Market, the Perfume Market and the Goldsmiths’ Market

The three alleys are narrow and roofed- The Butchers’ Market, the Perfume Market and the Goldsmiths’ Market. These alleys are located on the route of the Cardo, Jerusalem’s main road during the Roman Byzantine era. It was 22-meter wide, with impressive rows of high pillars on both sides. The Cardo was apparently divided into three narrow roofed markets after the Byzantine era, during the early Muslim era or the crusader era, when Queen Malisande ruled Jerusalem. During the crusader era the inscription Santa Anna was placed in the three markets, and the revenues from these markets were apparently designated to the Saint Anne Monastery near the Lion’s Gate. The three markets unite in the north to one street: “Souq Khan El-Zeit” in Beit Habad Street, the largest market among the markets of the old city. Those touring the three markets will feel the difference between them: In the Butchers’ Market there are many meat shops as its name implies, but there are also shops for vegetables, preservatives and house items. In the Perfume Street there is a very divers market with jewelry shops, electronics and clothes. In the Goldsmiths’ Street many of the shops are inactive, except for some fabric stores.