Hezekiah's Tunnel, Jerusalem (must see)
Exploring Hezekiah's Tunnel is an unforgettable experience, offering both historical insight and a refreshing escape from the heat. This ancient engineering marvel, discovered in 1838 by American biblical scholar Edward Robinson, provides a unique journey through a tiny underwater river.
Beginning at Gihon Spring, a major source of water for ancient Jerusalem for 1,000 years, the 2,700-year-old tunnel stretches 580 yards (530 meters) to the Pool of Siloam, the source for drawing water during biblical times. Built by King Hezekiah in preparation for the Assyrian siege in the 8th century BC, the tunnel was painstakingly chipped away by hand by two groups of workers who met in the middle to secure the city's water supply from impending invaders.
With proper preparation, exploring Hezekiah's Tunnel promises to be an unforgettable and enlightening experience.
Tip:
For almost the entirety of the tunnel, there is no light whatsoever. Even if there isn't a constant stream of water running underfoot, using something like your cell phone's flashlight setting for light won't be adequate. It is highly recommended that you use a strong headlamp, but a flashlight would work as well. It doesn't hurt to have a friend walk in front of or behind you as well, just in case your light dies and you're stuck walking in the dark.
You are advised to bring only a backpack, purse, or small bag that can be either hitched up high on your back or tucked under your arm well above the water level. Bulky packages would probably be very annoying to carry through the tunnel given its narrowness. Also, wear comfortable shoes that can get wet!
Beginning at Gihon Spring, a major source of water for ancient Jerusalem for 1,000 years, the 2,700-year-old tunnel stretches 580 yards (530 meters) to the Pool of Siloam, the source for drawing water during biblical times. Built by King Hezekiah in preparation for the Assyrian siege in the 8th century BC, the tunnel was painstakingly chipped away by hand by two groups of workers who met in the middle to secure the city's water supply from impending invaders.
With proper preparation, exploring Hezekiah's Tunnel promises to be an unforgettable and enlightening experience.
Tip:
For almost the entirety of the tunnel, there is no light whatsoever. Even if there isn't a constant stream of water running underfoot, using something like your cell phone's flashlight setting for light won't be adequate. It is highly recommended that you use a strong headlamp, but a flashlight would work as well. It doesn't hurt to have a friend walk in front of or behind you as well, just in case your light dies and you're stuck walking in the dark.
You are advised to bring only a backpack, purse, or small bag that can be either hitched up high on your back or tucked under your arm well above the water level. Bulky packages would probably be very annoying to carry through the tunnel given its narrowness. Also, wear comfortable shoes that can get wet!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Jerusalem. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
Hezekiah's Tunnel on Map
Sight Name: Hezekiah's Tunnel
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Jerusalem, Israel
Create Your Own Walk in Jerusalem
Creating your own self-guided walk in Jerusalem is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
Entirely rebuilt in the 1980s after having been largely destroyed during the 1948 War, the Jewish Quarter is quite distinct from the rest of the Old City. Good signposting, spacious passageways, art galleries and a somewhat less buzzing atmosphere make the area a relaxing place to spend some time.
With its rebuilt residential buildings, some almost consider this area the "New... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
With its rebuilt residential buildings, some almost consider this area the "New... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Mount of Olives Walking Tour
Aside from affording great views over the Old City, the Mount of Olives is home to half a dozen major sites of the Christian faith along with the oldest Jewish burial ground in the world. Considered a holy spot by many, it is associated with numerous events in Jesus’ life including ascending to Heaven and teaching his disciples the Lord’s Prayer.
The following self-guided walking tour will... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The following self-guided walking tour will... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Mount Scopus Walking Tour
Dotted with many sightseeing places, Mount Scopus – translating as the “Observation Mount” from Greek – is a great place to get views over the whole Old City of Jerusalem on a nice day. The mount has been of major strategic importance since Roman times, with forces setting up camp here prior to laying the siege that culminated in the final Roman victory over Jerusalem around 70 AD.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Armenian Quarter Walking Tour
Smaller and quieter than the Old City's other three quarters, the Armenian quarter contains a series of winding cobblestoned streets and alleyways teeming with people, shops, coffee stands, ceramic workshops and hookah bars. A city in miniature with distinct language, alphabet and culture, it has been in place since the 4th century, when Armenia adopted Christianity as a national religion.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Following Steps of Jesus Walking Tour
Considered for centuries to be the center of the universe, Jerusalem is where the most famous figure in history, Jesus of Nazareth, fulfilled his divine mission by carrying a cross from the place of Pontius Pilate’s sentencing to Golgotha where he was crucified. This self-guided tour will retrace the steps of Jesus, allowing you to see what many consider some of the holiest places on our planet.... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Jerusalem Old City Walking Tour
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, the Old City of Jerusalem is best explored on foot, since its narrow streets and alleys make it almost an entirely vehicle-free zone. In addition to hosting four ethnic quarters, – Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian – it is packed with major historical and religious sites, which all make a trip here unique, unforgettable and not to be missed.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
16 Uniquely Israel Things to Buy in Jerusalem
Modern day Jerusalem is a mosaic of neighborhoods, reflecting different historical periods, cultures, and religions. The influx of repatriates in recent years has made the cultural and artisanal scene of the city even more colourful and diverse. To find your way through Jerusalem's intricate...