About the Tour Emek Shave's archaeological tour offers a unique experience of the “City of David” archaeological site located in the Palestinian village of Silwan in East Jerusalem. This is an unusual tour because along with an introduction to the archaeological splendor of the site, it also introduces the visitor to the role of archaeology in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and its impact on the residents living near the site.

The tour is led by archaeologists and local residents. It combines a visit to the archaeological site called “The City of David” and an easy walk in the streets of Silwan. To cover our expenses we recommend a donation of 20 NIS (5 USD / 4 EUR).

The tour lasts about 3 hours and is suitable for ages 14 and up. Please bring a hat, water and walking shoes.

Assembly point: Givati parking lot, in front of The City of David National Park (Click here for directions).

Registration

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Old City and the Historical Basin Tours:

Emek Shaveh also offers tours of the Old City and its environs, focusing on the connection between antiquities,  archaeological research, and the political conflict taking place in Jerusalem.  The tours demonstrate how the history and archaeology of ancient Jerusalem figure in today's conflict, often well outside the public eye. As such, the tours do not include major touristic destinations.  Tours must be reserved in advance,  by emailing to tours@alt-arch.org

(print version)

How to get there? By car

Inside Jerusalem - From Hebron Road
On Hebron Road (“Dereh Hebron”) drive northwards to the Jerusalem Cinemateque. Continue past the cinemateque (on your right) to the next stoplight, where a sign directs you to “The City of David”. Turn right, and immediately right again. Drive down the steep road to the valley until you reach a T-junction where a sign directs you to “The City of David”. Turn left and after about 100 meters, turn left and follow “Ma’alot Ha’ir David” street until you see the Givati parking lot on your left, and the City of David National Park on your right.

Inside Jerusalem - From Bar-Lev Road
Drive on Bar-Lev Road (“Derech Bar-Lev”, Road no 1) south towards the old city. Turn left to Sultan Suleman Street, in front of the old city walls. Drive along the city walls and turn right when they end, towards Jericho Road (“Derech Yericho”). Turn right on the first traffic light to Ha’ofel Road (“Derech Ha’ofel”) and follow the bending road until you can turn left to Ma’a lot Ha’ir David Street. The Givati parking lot is on your right.

From Outside Jerusalem
In the city entrance (Road 1) continue straight to Shazar Boulevard (“Shderot Shazar”). Stick to the right and follow Ben-Zvi Boulevard (“Shderot Ben-Zvi”). Drive downwards along the park until its end (Rahel Yanai Ben-Zvi Square), and turn left at the junction to Ramban Street. Continue uphill and turn right when you reach a no entrance sign. Turn left before the traffic lights to Ben-Maymon Street and continue straight until Paris Square (“Kikar Pariz”). Turn right in the large junction to Keren Hayesod Street. When you see a gas station on your right, turn left and immediately right again to David Remez Street. Follow the bending road and in the junction turn left to Hebron Road (“Derech Hebron”). Continue past the cinemateque (on your right) to the next stoplight, where a sign directs you to “The City of David”. Turn right, and immediately right again. Drive down the steep road to the valley until you reach a T-junction where a sign directs you to “The City of David”. Turn left and after about 100 meters, turn left and follow “Ma’alot Ha’ir David” street until you see the Givati parking lot on your left, and the City of David National Park on your right.

By public transport

Take any bus that reaches the Dung Gate (The Wailing Wall): 1,2,3 or 38.
From Jerusalem Central Station take lines 1 or 3.
From Har Nof take line 2.
Get off at the Dung Gate, walk back down the road and turn right to the national park "City of David", Silwan Village and the Givati Parking Lot.

This project has been co-funded by the Anna Lindh Foundation. The opinions expressed in the tours are the sole responsibility of Emek Shaveh and can under no circumstances be regarded as reflecting the position of the Anna Lindh Foundation.
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