Jerusalem, Israel - Dec. 17, 2019 - After years of work on the Walls of the Old City, in Jerusalem, Israel, the Northern Ramparts Walk (Wall Promenade) was opened. The new section encompassing over half of the Old City to the west, north, and east, allows a bird's-eye view of the Christian and Muslim Quarters and Har HaZetim. On Tuesday morning, a walking tour of the new section departed from Zedekiah Cave to Lion's Gate.
At the overlook near Lion's Gate, Minister of Jerusalem and Heritage MK Ze'ev Elkin cut the ceremonial ribbon. "For years the Old City of Jerusalem has not realized its tourist potential. The new section will allow the millions of tourists in Jerusalem to experience the city on a route that allows both a view into the Old City and from the walls outward. This project joins tourism projects that will increase the number of visitors each year such as the cable car, accessibility of the Old City alleys and the renovation of the Old City's urban space. The Jerusalem and Heritage Ministry will continue its work to make the Old City a vibrant and attractive place," stated Elkin.
The development was initiated by the Ministry of Jerusalem and Heritage at a cost of 11 million shekalim, and undertaken by the East Jerusalem Development Company (PAMI), as part of the policy of the Jerusalem and Heritage Ministry to prepare, develop and rehabilitate excursions in the Old City area.
In the new section which includes the moat, the Stork Tower (Burj Al Lalak) and the Lion's Gate, infrastructure work, balustrades, lighting and more, have been carried out, and operations have been arranged with other wall-mounted facilities including various buildings and residences. Looking into the Old City are views of the Muslim Quarter, private homes and public spaces, and Har Habayit. This section overlooks the A-Sahara neighborhood, Rockefeller Museum, Mount Scopus, Mount of Olives and the Kidron Valley (Jehoshaphat Valley) outside of the Walls.
The Promenade on top of the Jerusalem Ramparts Walk was the guards’ trail of Ottoman Jerusalem fortifications for some 480 years. Now, the Ramparts Walk is a unique and challenging attraction for the whole family divided into two routes.
This walk is not recommended for persons with disabilities, not for wheelchairs or those needing assistance with a cane. Young children should be in a carrier, the stairways are narrow and steps uneven. New handrails are along the path, but it involves going up and down many steps.
The photo essay begins at Zedekiah Cave and includes views inside and outside of the Walls to Lion's Gate. The weather was perfect and the views spectacular.
Genezia workers were cleaning the notes from the Kotel before the holiday crowds arrive.
South Walk:
Sun -Thur 9:00 am - 4:00 pm (summer to 5:00 pm July-August to 8:00 pm)
Friday and Holiday evenings 9:00 am -14:00 pm.
North Walk:
Sun - Thur 9:00 am- 4:00 pm (summer to 5:00 pm)
Fees:
Adult - 20 NIS, student / retiree 10 NIS, child / soldier 8 NIS
The ticket is valid for both sections, for two days.
Tickets: PAMI website www.pami.co.il and at the box offices
