Damascus Gate Jerusalem
Damascus Gate - Jerusalem
Damascus Gate is one of seven gates in a spectacular medieval wall that
encloses 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 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 Arab East Jerusalem (e.g., Internet access was about $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 to the lively market just inside the Damascus Gate (the photo was taken facing Damascus Gate from the outside) 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 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 Arab East Jerusalem (e.g., Internet access was about $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 to the lively market just inside the Damascus Gate (the photo was taken facing Damascus Gate from the outside) on my own, and never had any issues, even late at night.