Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem

The Jewish Quarter of Jerusalem is the smallest and oldest of the four quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem, located in the southeast of the ancient city. It borders the Armenian Quarter to the west, the southern fortress wall with Zion Gate to the south, Temple Mount to the east, and the Muslim Quarter along Shilshelet Street to the north.

History

The quarter has been inhabited by Jews since at least the 8th century BCE, though for much of its history it had a mixed population, including Muslims and others. The neighborhood suffered extensive destruction during the 1948 Arab-Israeli War and was nearly completely destroyed. After Israel recaptured the area in 1967, extensive restoration began, with many historic sites, such as the Hurva Synagogue, rebuilt almost from scratch.

Area and Landmarks

The Jewish Quarter covers 116,000 square meters, about 14% of the Old City. It contains numerous historical and architectural landmarks, including:

• The Western Wall, at the foot of Temple Mount, with a large public square for visitors
• Cardo Street, an ancient Roman thoroughfare
• Hurva Synagogue and several other restored synagogues and historic sites

Visiting the Quarter

Visitors can easily reach the Jewish Quarter via Jaffa Gate, walking along David Street and turning onto Cardo Street. The quarter’s narrow, picturesque streets share architectural similarities with the neighboring Armenian Quarter, creating a seamless historic atmosphere.