The Jerusalem Archaeological Park and Davidson Center are located in the Jewish Quarter in the Old City.
The park contains artifacts from different periods: the First and Second Temple periods, the Byzantine period, Muslim period, the ancient Crusades period, as well as others.
The most exciting findings are: the walls of the city from the First Temple period, the steps leading up to the Temple, the original street from the time of the Second Temple period, shops, ritual baths, and more.
Adjacent to the Western Wall was a large and impressive street from the Second Temple period, which was actually the main street of Jerusalem at the time.
Excavations conducted after the unification of Jerusalem adjacent to the Western Wall and the southern wall yielded amazing and exciting findings.
Everyone walked this road before ascending Temple Mount, including pilgrims, tourists, and the greatest Jews of the time – Rabban Yohanan ben Zakkai and even Rabbi Akiva.
In 70 CE when the Romans destroyed Jerusalem, giant stones that fell from the walls of the Temple Mount landed on the street.
An enormous arch that was spread across the street and led to the southern part of the Temple Mount – with its remains visible on the Western Wall – also fell on the street and caused a huge hole.
An impressive drainage channel was discovered beneath the street and is where the fighters fled, hoping to escape the Romans.
Next to the southern wall, climb a Second Temple period staircase carved into the bedrock of Mount Moriah that led to the Temple Mount.
Many of the structures that are seen in the area date back to the Byzantine period, when there was a large construction boom in the area.
Among the ruins of one of the shops is a large gold medallion bearing the image of a menorah and other Jewish symbols.
This is especially interesting because during the Byzantine period, Jews were not allowed to enter Jerusalem.
The Davidson Center
The Davidson Center is a museum within the archaeological park, with presentations and exhibitions related to findings from the site.
There, you can also watch a video about the pilgrims that will bring you back in time.
In addition, a virtual model with local guidance will take you back in time to the days of the Second Temple.
With it, you can and walk with pilgrims on the street, buy a sacrifice, immerse yourself in the mikveh, and ascend to Temple Mount.
Checkout the Jerusalem Archaeological Park and Davidson Center webpage for information on times and ticket costs.