Damascus Gate Jerusalem
Damascus Gate - Jerusalem
Damascus Gate is one of seven gates that punctuate a spectacular medieval wall
enclosing Old Jerusalem.
Why is a gate in Jerusalem Israel named after Damascus, the capital of Syria? It's because Damascus Gate faces north and the road from Jerusalem to Damascus, some 135 miles to the north, leads away from it.
Damascus Gate also serves as the main gate into Arab East Jerusalem, which is poorer, more densely populated, more lively and much cheaper (see below) than Old Jerusalem's other neighborhoods.
Travel Tip
Everything is cheaper in the Arab East Jerusalem (e.g., Internet access was about US$1/hour, but 3 times higher in the other Old Jerusalem neighborhoods). West Jerusalem merchants warned about the grave dangers of venturing into East Jerusalem for the lower prices, but they're just trying to make you spend money with them. I went into East Jerusalem, including the lively market just inside the Damascus Gate (the photo was taken just outside of it) on my own and never had any issues, even late at night.
Why is a gate in Jerusalem Israel named after Damascus, the capital of Syria? It's because Damascus Gate faces north and the road from Jerusalem to Damascus, some 135 miles to the north, leads away from it.
Damascus Gate also serves as the main gate into Arab East Jerusalem, which is poorer, more densely populated, more lively and much cheaper (see below) than Old Jerusalem's other neighborhoods.
Travel Tip
Everything is cheaper in the Arab East Jerusalem (e.g., Internet access was about US$1/hour, but 3 times higher in the other Old Jerusalem neighborhoods). West Jerusalem merchants warned about the grave dangers of venturing into East Jerusalem for the lower prices, but they're just trying to make you spend money with them. I went into East Jerusalem, including the lively market just inside the Damascus Gate (the photo was taken just outside of it) on my own and never had any issues, even late at night.