BIBLE HISTORY DAILY

Damascus Gate Restoration Completed

Bible and archaeology news

The Israel Antiquities Authority this week completed its restoration of Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate, the oldest and most imposing of the gates that stand guard over the entrances to the Old City. The magnificent gate, decorated with elaborate stone carvings and inscriptions, was built in 1538 by the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent over the ruins of the older Roman gateway. Although the gate has remained largely unchanged since the 16th century, recent wars and conflicts have taken their toll. During the Six Day War of 1967, the small but ornately decorated gate chamber atop the gate was severely damaged. Using historic photographs and expert stonemasons, restorers were able to accurately reconstruct the chamber to its original appearance.

The work, which took ten months to complete, is part of a larger project designed to clean and restore the entire Old City wall.

The Israel Antiquities Authority this week completed its restoration of Jerusalem’s Damascus Gate, the oldest and most imposing of the gates that stand guard over the entrances to the Old City.