This Ancient Pilgrimage Road in Jerusalem Is Finally Open!

Information about the Pilgrimage Road in the City of David itself will be provided after this announcement. Due to the current situation and the ongoing war, I haven’t been able to guide tours in person as usual. However, I’m eager to continue sharing the rich and sacred history of the Holy Land through my videos. If you enjoy these journeys and would like to stay connected, I warmly invite you to subscribe to my YouTube channel, where I bring Jerusalem, Tel Aviv, and Israel to life from wherever you are. For more insights and updates, follow me on Facebook and Instagram -I regularly share additional content, stories, and behind-the-scenes moments you won’t want to miss. If you feel inspired to support my work, your generosity helps me keep these videos coming. Whether through a simple subscription, sharing with friends interested in Israel’s history, or by supporting me directly, every bit makes a difference. I also offer a personal touch: upon your request, I would be honored to pray for you at the Western Wall, light a candle in your name at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, or anywhere meaningful in the Holy Land. If you have any special personal requests, please reach out — I’m happy to respond and even create a dedicated video for you. Thank you so much for joining me on this journey. With gratitude, Your tour guide, Zahi Shaked Support and purchase of crosses: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/zahishaked PayPal Support: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/zahis... The Pilgrimage Road in the City of David The Pilgrimage Road in Jerusalem’s City of David is one of the most remarkable archaeological discoveries of recent decades. It was the main street of Jerusalem during the Second Temple period, leading pilgrims from the Pool of Siloam in the south up to the Temple Mount. Construction: Built in the 1st century CE, likely under the Roman governor Pontius Pilate or slightly earlier. The road was about 8 meters wide, paved with massive stone slabs. Purpose: Designed to carry the tens of thousands of pilgrims who arrived in Jerusalem for the three pilgrimage festivals – Passover, Shavuot, and Sukkot. Commerce: Excavations revealed remains of shops and stalls along the road, probably used for selling food, sacrificial animals, and ritual items. Destruction: Archaeologists uncovered signs of the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in 70 CE – collapsed stones, burnt remains, broken vessels, and arrowheads. Connection with the Pool of Siloam and Water Systems The road began at the Pool of Siloam, a large ritual pool fed by the Gihon Spring through underground channels, including Hezekiah’s Tunnel. Pilgrims would immerse themselves there to achieve ritual purity. From this pool, they began their steep ascent – about 600 meters – toward the Temple. Spiritual and Historical Significance The Pilgrimage Road embodied both the physical and spiritual journey of ascending to the Temple. From immersion in living water to arrival at the holiest place of Judaism, the road symbolizes purification and devotion. The discoveries along the road provide a vivid glimpse of daily life in Jerusalem 2,000 years ago. Today, visitors can actually walk along reconstructed sections of the road, retracing the steps of ancient pilgrims. The Connection with Jesus The Pilgrimage Road also has strong links with the life and times of Jesus: Historical Context: The road was fully in use during Jesus’ lifetime. Like other Jews of his time, he and his disciples likely walked on this very street when going up to the Temple during the feasts. Pool of Siloam: According to the Gospel of John (chapter 9), Jesus healed a man born blind at this pool – the very place where pilgrims began their journey. Festival Pilgrimages: The Gospels describe Jesus going to Jerusalem for major feasts, such as Passover and Sukkot. The Pilgrimage Road was the main route for these ascents. Atmosphere of the Time: Archaeology reveals a bustling environment of shops, ritual baths, and crowds – matching the social and religious background reflected in the New Testament. The Pilgrimage Road is therefore more than an archaeological site. It is a living bridge between history, faith, and scripture, allowing us to experience the path taken by countless Jewish pilgrims – and very likely by Jesus himself. #pilgrimageroad #cityofdavid #poolofsiloam #secondtemple #jerusalem #israel #jerusalemhistory #templemount #jesus #jesusinjerusalem #biblicalarcheology #holyland #ancientjerusalem #pilgrimageroad #דרךעוליהרגל #עירדוד #ירושלים