Town FortificationJerusalem (ירושלים)

Jaffa Gate (שער יפו, sha'ar jafo)

Jaffa Gate (שער יפו, sha'ar jafo)

The Jaffa Gate can be visited

The Jaffa Gate is one of the eight gates providing access to Jerusalem's Old City. It is located on the western side of the city walls, connecting the New City with the Christian and Armenian Quarters. Its 90-degree curve construction once served to protect against enemy attacks.

History+

During the Crusader era, the structure was known as the “David's Gate.” The Jaffa Gate owes its current name to the road that connected Jerusalem with the city of Jaffa and exits the Old City here. A frequently told story claims that a breach was made in the wall for Emperor Wilhelm II's visit to the Ottoman Empire. In reality, in 1898, only the moat between the gate and the citadel was filled in to allow the emperor easier access. Wilhelm II rode through this newly created opening on October 29, 1898, which remains an access route to this day. In contrast, British General Allenby entered the city on foot in 1917 as a sign of respect for the holy site, similar to pilgrims.

Location+

The Jaffa Gate is located in Jerusalem, Israel, at an elevation of approx. 776 m above sea level.

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Source: Wikipedia · Licence: CC BY-SA 4.0 · Image: http://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Datei:Jerusalem_Jaffa_Gate_BW_1.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: 31.7766, 35.2275