Lions' Gate, City gate in Old City of Jerusalem, Israel

Lions' Gate is a gate in the northern part of the eastern wall of the Old City of Jerusalem, leading into the Muslim Quarter. Its facade of tan, cream and pale orange rectangular blocks has a pointed arch framed by a shallow rounded band, with two pairs of carved feline reliefs flanking the upper facade. Above the arch are a rectangular panel with small dark openings, carved medallions and two small windows.

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 feline reliefs are attributed by historian Moshe Sharon to the Mamluk sultan Baibars, who died in 1277, and he links them to similar pairs at Jisr Jindas and Qasr al-Basha in Gaza, dated to about 1273. They were likely reused from a pilgrim hostel Baibars built nearby. Some scholars argue the animals are cheetahs rather than lions.