Also known as "Citadel of King David", this fortress is one of the most visited landmarks of Jerusalem. The prime attractions include: a museum representing Jerusalem's significance and history through permanent and temporary exhibitions and animated movies; fascinating archaeological sites; spectacular 360 degree views of Jerusalem; and a unique sound and light show "The Night Spectacular" the only one of its kind in the world. It is also a popular venue for benefit events, craft shows, concerts etc.
The first century (AD) Jewish historian, Josephus first called the fortress the "Citadel of King David". Ironically, King David never set foot in the Citadel and the only sign of David you will find here is a bronze statue of him. The so-called "Tower of David" is actually built by King Herod, almost 1000 years after King David. The Byzantines (5th Cent AD) mistook the area for Mount Zion and named the tower as "Tower of David". To make things more confusing, today the name "Tower of David" generally refers to the 17th century built minaret of a mosque on the southern side of the Citadel. In short, the title "Tower of David" refers to either the whole Citadel or the minaret alone.
The strategic position of the Citadel was known from ancient times. The Citadel was located at one of the highest point of Jerusalem, higher than any other point in the city, including the Temple Mount. The archaeological garden in the citadel is rich with remains from 8th Cent BC to 12th Cent AD-mainly from Crusader and later Muslim periods. They include the 7m thick walls built by King Hezekiah in 8th Cent BC (2 Chronicles 32:5), walls (4m thick) of the Hasmoneans (2nd Cent BC) and the three imposing towers of King Herod's Palace (1st Cent BC), out of which only one-the Phasael Tower remains.
The Herod's Palace was later used by Roman's at the time of Christ (1st Cent AD) followed by Byzantines (4-6th Cent), Arab's (7-8th Cent) and Crusaders (12th Cent). After Crusaders, the Citadel was destroyed and rebuilt several times by Arabs mainly Mameluks (13-15th Cent) and the Turks (16-17th Cent).
The first century (AD) Jewish historian, Josephus first called the fortress the "Citadel of King David". Ironically, King David never set foot in the Citadel and the only sign of David you will find here is a bronze statue of him. The so-called "Tower of David" is actually built by King Herod, almost 1000 years after King David. The Byzantines (5th Cent AD) mistook the area for Mount Zion and named the tower as "Tower of David". To make things more confusing, today the name "Tower of David" generally refers to the 17th century built minaret of a mosque on the southern side of the Citadel. In short, the title "Tower of David" refers to either the whole Citadel or the minaret alone.
The strategic position of the Citadel was known from ancient times. The Citadel was located at one of the highest point of Jerusalem, higher than any other point in the city, including the Temple Mount. The archaeological garden in the citadel is rich with remains from 8th Cent BC to 12th Cent AD-mainly from Crusader and later Muslim periods. They include the 7m thick walls built by King Hezekiah in 8th Cent BC (2 Chronicles 32:5), walls (4m thick) of the Hasmoneans (2nd Cent BC) and the three imposing towers of King Herod's Palace (1st Cent BC), out of which only one-the Phasael Tower remains.
The Herod's Palace was later used by Roman's at the time of Christ (1st Cent AD) followed by Byzantines (4-6th Cent), Arab's (7-8th Cent) and Crusaders (12th Cent). After Crusaders, the Citadel was destroyed and rebuilt several times by Arabs mainly Mameluks (13-15th Cent) and the Turks (16-17th Cent).
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