Warren's Shaft

Warren's Shaft is an ancient shaft in Jerusalem that descends deep into limestone rock and connects to a tunnel network. This system links the city to the Gihon Spring, which lies outside the original city walls.

British archaeologists discovered this underground water system in 1867 during excavations at the City of David. The research revealed how the city accessed water thousands of years ago.

The shaft appears in biblical accounts of David's conquest of Jerusalem, particularly regarding a military entry into the Jebusite city. When walking through the underground passages, visitors can sense the historical weight of these ancient events.

You reach the shaft through the City of David archaeological park, where guides lead tours of the underground water system. Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared for narrow, damp conditions.

Excavations uncovered a fortified passage and spring tower from the Middle Bronze Age, showing how advanced water engineering was at that time. This discovery suggests the city was built with far more sophisticated methods than previously thought.