Zedekiah’s Cave (King Solomon’s Quarries)
Beneath the houses of the Old City, there’s a beautiful and vast cave hidden – Zedekiah’s Cave. The cave is unbelievably extensive and lengthy (225 metes), and first it served as an ancient quarry. It was the place where the known stone “Malka” was mined. It is the most excellent building stone that crafted many of the most luxurious and striking buildings of Jerusalem. Archaeologists assume that the mining began during the period of the First Temple.
The last known quarry in the cave is dated to the early 20th century. The mined stones were used for constructing the “Clock Tower” that previously stood above the Jaffa Gate but was destroyed during the British Mandate era. There are numerous myths and traditions related to the cave — first, the escape of king Zedekiah from the Chaldeans. Also, the construction of the Second Temple by King Solomon. The Freemasons order gave a warm embrace to the cave and named it “King Solomon’s Quarries.” There’s an Arabic tradition that sees the cave as a burial place of Korach and his congregation. Moreover, there was a winged creature discovered in the cave during the late 19th century, a carved form of a mythological character similar to the Sphinx. Thousands of graffiti works on its walls, a drizzling spring “Zedekiah’s tears” and a mysterious narrow channel that discovered recently.
Events in Zedekiah’s Cave
The cave is the origin of mysterious and almost unbelievable tales and legends. Nowadays, it had also turned into a stronghold of culture and music as well. Lately, a line of boutique performances was established in the cave with the participation of Yoni Rechter, Keren Peles, Berry Sakharoff. Idan Amadi, Yishai Ribo, Miri Mesika, Sarit Hadad, Eviatar Banai, Ehud Banai, and Nathan Goshen. The cave is considered as “unusual performing spot” by most of the artists, thanks to the unique experience it provides to the artist and the audience with its exceptional acoustics. The line-up of the shows is available on the official Facebook page.
The cave also serves as a site for unforgettable events. Up to 500 people can be hosted here during any time of day and night. It has various sitting options and allows ordering catering services. The cave has a partially accessible entrance, and the place has bus parking. As a special treat, the staff of Zedekiah’s Cave offers a guided tour in the cave and the secret tunnel.
Photographs: Pami, Yael Herman
Directions
Walking Directions:
Walk around the Old City walls from Jaffa Gate to Damascus Gate. The entrance to the cave is hidden between Damascus Gate and Herod’s Gate. Then, enter the Northern Ramparts Walk (from Jaffa Gate to Lions gate). Descend at the Damascus Gate. The entrance to the cave is about 200 yards east of the Damascus Gate. There is a direct exit from the northern Ramparts Walk to Zedekiah’s Cave.
Public Transportation:
Light Rail: Get off at Damascus Gate Stop
Egged Busses: Get off at Damascus Gate Stop/ Sultan Suleiman Street
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 83 traveler reviews
It looks like this was the place where many of the stones were cut that made up the original temple. It is huge. We were in it in November of 2019 and they were still opening up new pathways. You can see where a craftsman started to cut on one of the pillars. The...
MoreIt looks like this was the place where many of the stones were cut that made up the original temple. It is huge. We were in it in November of 2019 and they were still opening up new pathways. You can see where a craftsman started to cut on one of the pillars. The foreman probably stopped him as that pillar held up tons of rock overhead. At the very back is a spring called Zedekiah's tears. Nice cool place to visit on hot days, Entrance fee was minimal.
LessMaybe this is the case with caves in general but this particular one was very powerful in its expanse and depth and not a little spooky. I almost turned around and left, to be honest, because it was almost too much for me to take in, in terms of the strength of the...
MoreMaybe this is the case with caves in general but this particular one was very powerful in its expanse and depth and not a little spooky. I almost turned around and left, to be honest, because it was almost too much for me to take in, in terms of the strength of the rock but I am glad I went in to see this quarry that had been the source of building material for the old city (amongst other interesting theories including the reason for its name). Worth a visit.
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Also promoted as Solomon’s Quarries (more marketing than reality), this is basically a humid cave with a few passages and big open area occasionally used for concerts. Unless you really like walking underground, you won’t miss anything by skipping this site. Entry cost is 10 NIS. It is located outside the old city wall...
MoreAlso promoted as Solomon’s Quarries (more marketing than reality), this is basically a humid cave with a few passages and big open area occasionally used for concerts. Unless you really like walking underground, you won’t miss anything by skipping this site. Entry cost is 10 NIS. It is located outside the old city wall between the Damascus and Herod gates.
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