Lions' Gate, City gate in Old City of Jerusalem, Israel
Lions' Gate is a historic gate set in the eastern wall of the Old City of Jerusalem, marked by four carved stone lions on its facade. This roughly 4-meter-high structure opens directly into the Muslim Quarter and provides a main entry point to several major religious sites including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent commissioned this gate in 1538 as part of Jerusalem's defensive wall system. The structure witnessed major transformations in the city's modern history, notably when Israeli forces passed through it in 1967 during military operations.
This gate marks the beginning of the Via Dolorosa, the traditional route that commemorates Jesus's path to crucifixion according to Christian tradition. Pilgrims and visitors walk this sacred path through narrow streets, experiencing its profound meaning for Christian faith.
Entry leads directly into the Muslim Quarter, where you will find multiple religious sites within walking distance. Wear comfortable shoes, as the streets inside are narrow and often steep with many stairs to navigate.
The four lions carved on the facade may actually be leopards, animals used in Islamic art to represent strength and power. Few visitors notice this detail upon arrival, though the distinction adds depth to understanding the gate's artistic heritage.
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