The Citadel (Tower of David), Jerusalem

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The Tower of David museum depicts more than 3000 years of history of Jerusalem, using advanced museum technology and displays that relate the history in a chronological manner. The museum allows the visitor to revisit Jerusalem’s history, to relive it, and to leave the Citadel with a clear overview of the city past. The breathtaking views on Jerusalem old and new, the archeological gardens, and the special atmosphere of the place all add up to an unforgettable experience.

Opening hours
sun 10:00-16:00
mon 10:00-16:00
tue 10:00-16:00
wed 10:00-16:00
thu 10:00-16:00
fri closed
sat 10:00-14:00
holidays 10:00-14:00
Admission
Adult: 30 NIS. Child: 15NIS. Student: 20 NIS

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The Tower of David is an ancient citadel located near the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City. Built to strengthen a strategically weak point in the Old City's defenses, the citadel was constructed during the second century BCE and subsequently destroyed and rebuilt by, in succession, the Christian, Muslim, Mamluk, and Ottoman conquerors of Jerusalem.

The current tower was built during the reign of the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. It is called the Tower of David because the foundations of the tower go back to King David's times with the building of the first tower on the site, as described in the Bible.

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The Tower of David is a wonderful place to visit, not only for its panoramic views of the Old City but also for its very detailed museum that goes into great detail about the history of Jerusalem. There is an admittance fee (about $6 US) and there is also a light and sound show at night (check with them for day and times) From the top of the tower you can just about all of the Old City...from left to right you can take in the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Temple Mount, Mount of Olives, just to name a view. It is worth the admission fee just for the view and the photo opportunities that come with it. The Tower of David is located right inside the Jaffa Gate.

The Tower of David is an ancient citadel located near the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. It was built to strengthen a strategically weak point in the Old City's defenses.

Also enlightening is a climb to the towers and ramps in order to look down at the archaeological garden. Turning one's gaze outside results in a magnificent view of the old city. At night this is very impressive: Jerusalem's monuments, including the Citadel itself, are placed in floodlights.

I took the picture many years ago. I am sure there must be changes in and around the citadel. I have yet to add more tips when that happens.

The citadel is a series of fortifications that protected the old city from the second century BC.

Inside, the Tower of David is one of the most beautiful and original locations for a museum anywhere in the world.

It has a great collection of items and artifacts covering a 4,000 year history of Jerusalem.

You must visit this place. When I visited, I was asked if I could check my "gun" in. A bit of a surprise for a lad from New Zealand, but many did, ah yes, Jerusalem!

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The Tower of David has its own sound, blended from its stones, its beauty, its past. It is a sound that shifts with time and season and changes of light, offering a fresh encounter with ancient citadel.

"Soundscapes" was a musical installation that brought together - for the first time anywhere - an archeological site with music, design and technology. Computer controlled mechanical arms played dozens of musical instruments, created especially for the citadel, each offering its own unique sound.

The music was inspired by the site and composed especially for it. The composer's score combined with the the choices of a computer working within predetermined parameters. The result was a work that mixes the acoustic sounds of instruments with simultaneous computerized rearrangements of these sound.

When visiting Jerusalem - check this site. Most of the year you'll find some special show there.

The Tower of David (Hebrew,Migdal David) is an ancient citadel located near the Jaffa Gate entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. Built to strengthen a strategically weak point in the Old City's defenses, the citadel was constructed during the second century BC and subsequently destroyed and rebuilt by, in succession, the Christian, Muslim, Mamluk, and Ottoman conquerors of Jerusalem. It contains important archeological finds dating back 2,700 years.
In 1187, Sultan Salahaddin captured the city and the site. The Mamluks destroyed it in 1260 and later rebuilt it. The citadel was rebuilt yet again between 1537-1541 by the Ottomans, who designed an impressive entrance, behind which stood a cannon emplacement. For 400 years, the citadel served as a garrison for Turkish troops. The Ottomons also installed a mosque at the site and added the minaret, which still stands today. It was during this time that the complex began to be called the "Tower of David," after the founder-king of Jerusalem.
After the defeat of the Prussians and their Ottoman allies in World War I General Allenby declared the British capture of Jerusalem on the platform outside the entrance to the Tower of David

From scpinmd's page:

"The Citadel is one of Jerusalem's most famous sites. It used to be Herod's palace back in the 1st century.

... We went in and were surprised to find out a light and music show was about to happen. Well, we had no clue what to expect and I am not one fond of mixing modern and historic, but this worked. It was the coolest thing I had seen in a long time! There were drums and huge guitars playing with subdued lighting that moved in time to the music. Trust me, it was not cheesy at all."