The Golden Gate can be visited
Town FortificationJerusalem (ירושלים)
Golden Gate (שער הרחמים, Scha'ar haRachamim)
The Golden Gate, also known as Sha'ar haRachamim, is a significant element of Jerusalem's city fortifications. It is one of the eight gates to the Old City and is distinguished by its direct connection to the Temple Mount, making it a unique historical structure.
History+
The origins of the Golden Gate date back a long time. It is believed that a Herodian gate already existed at this location. In 630 AD, the double portal was designed as a triumphal arch under the East Roman Emperor Heraclius to celebrate the return of the Holy Cross to Jerusalem. After the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD, the gate was opened only twice a year for processions during the Crusader period. Between 1537 and 1541, the Ottoman ruler Suleiman the Magnificent had the city wall and thus also the Golden Gate rebuilt. Shortly after its completion, the gate was walled up and sealed on Suleiman's order. This sealing is often associated with the intention of preventing the arrival of the Jewish Messiah, who, according to Jewish belief, is supposed to enter the city through this gate. Another theory suggests that the Ottomans closed it to deny non-Muslims access to the Temple Mount.
Location+
The Golden Gate is located in Jerusalem, in the Jerusalem district, Israel. It stands at an elevation of approximately 730 m above sea level in the eastern part of the city wall.
On site+
The Golden Gate can be visited today.
Nearby+
- Temple Mount (Ancient Buildings), approx. 0.2 km away
- Lion's Gate (City Fortification), approx. 0.2 km away
- Dung Gate (City Fortification), approx. 0.5 km away
- Herod's Gate (City Fortification), approx. 0.5 km away
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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Golden_Gate_Jerusalem_2009.JPG
This description draws on the facts documented in the linked Wikipedia article; Wikipedia content is licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0. Wording and editing: Mobile History.
Location: 31.7789, 35.2368