Known in English as Damascus Gate, in Hebrew as Shaar Shechem–Nablus Gate and in Arabic as Bab el Amud -Gate of the Pillar, after the Roman-era pillars there, Damascus Gate is the most decorative of the seven existing gates into Jerusalem’s Old City.
The stone work of Damascus Gate was restored in 2011 and today the gate functions once again as the main gate in and out of the Moslem Quarter. Many orthodox Jews use Damascus Gate to get to the Western Wall from the neighborhoods of Meah Shearim and Beta Israel.
Underneath the gate as we see it today (built in the mid-1500s) lies the Roman-era gate of the 2nd century CE, built by the Roma Emperor Hadrian. Be sure to go inside and see the preserved Roman-era structures and floor.
On either side of the imposing gate you’ll find merchants laying out their wares for great prices–fruit, vegetables, fresh herbs, underwear and watches all share the flagstone pathway, where you can practice your bargaining skills.