Exploring Jerusalem’s Old City, Western Wall, and City of David
- ryandbolton
- Aug 13
- 3 min read
Hello everyone! I’m Ryan, a Bible nerd, and I’m excited to share with you my latest journey through Jerusalem’s Old City. This is part 5 of my series about my trip to the Holy Land, and I hope you find it as inspiring and enriching as I did.
Walking Through the Old City
My adventure begins at the iconic Western Wall, a place filled with rich history, deep tradition, and spiritual reverence. Walking through Jaffa Gate into the Old City, I was struck by the palpable sense of history that surrounds every stone and street. The Western Wall Plaza was serene early in the morning, with fewer visitors—a perfect moment to reflect and soak in the spiritual atmosphere.
The Plaza is bustling during peak times but was peaceful during my visit. Here, visitors traditionally write prayers on scrolls and insert them into the cracks of the Wall—a beautiful practice symbolizing hopes and supplications. The area is divided, with men on the left and women on the right, honoring Jewish customs. I was able to walk down into the courtyard, and I even caught a lovely scene of children celebrating a Bar Mitzvah, dressed in traditional attire and singing hymns as they made their way to the Wall.
Discovering the Archaeological Wonders
One of the most awe-inspiring parts of my visit was touring the tunnels behind the Western Wall. These tunnels reveal layers of history, with archaeological excavations uncovering relics from centuries past. Walking through the tunnels, I marveled at the massive stones that make up the foundation of the Temple Mount—some of which are still a mystery regarding how they were transported and placed so long ago.
Further exploration included areas beneath the Arab quarter, where ongoing excavations continue to reveal remarkable insights into Jerusalem’s ancient past. The lighting, preservation, and guided tours make these sites both accessible and deeply moving.
The City of David
From the Western Wall, I made my way to the City of David—a significant archaeological and historical site located south of the Temple Mount. Walking down ancient streets and through tunnels, I experienced glimpses of life from thousands of years ago. The tunnels, some dating back to the Canaanite period, are narrow and steep, offering an exhilarating adventure underground.
One of the highlights was reaching the Pool of Siloam, an active excavation site believed to be the location where ancient worshipers performed ritual cleansing before ascending to the Temple. I also explored the remnants of the ancient water systems, including the Hezekiah’s Tunnel—an incredible feat of engineering that allowed water to flow into the city.
Modern Jerusalem Meets Ancient History
While immersed in history, I also enjoyed spotting modern life seamlessly intertwined with ancient structures. Walking through the streets, I saw Roman-era cardo streets that have been excavated and preserved. These bustling market roads once hosted shops, traders, and travelers, and now you can walk through them amid contemporary shops and art.
Another fun moment was capturing the lively atmosphere of local life—children playing, shops selling wares, and vendors offering spices and textiles reminiscent of ancient commerce.
A Special Moment with Jerusalem’s Horses
My trip wrapped up with a surprise encounter—two policemen on horseback near the city’s streets. I seized the moment to film this, sharing a fun and authentic slice of Jerusalem life. It also turned into a sweet scene as local kids approached, jumping onto the horses and taking photos, adding a joyful touch to an already unforgettable journey.
Final Reflections
Jerusalem is a place that changes you—spiritually, historically, and culturally. From the Western Wall to the City of David, every site offers a story that spans thousands of years. I encourage everyone to visit this incredible city someday; it truly is a life-changing experience.
If you’ve been to Jerusalem, I’d love to hear your stories and memories. And if you haven’t yet visited, I hope this glimpse inspires you to add it to your travel list—you won’t regret it.
Here is a link to a video I produced about this visit. I hope you like it!
Thanks for following my journey! Stay tuned for more stories from my trip, and feel free to share your thoughts in the comments.
God bless!
Comments