Zion Gate
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The Zion Gate (Hebrew: שער ציון, Shaar Zion) is one of eight gates built into the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem. It was built for Suleiman the Magnificent in 1540.
Located in the south of the Old City, facing Mount Zion and Hebron, the Zion Gate leads into the Armenian and Jewish Quarters. Zion Gate is also known as David's Gate (Arabic: Bab el-Daoud; Hebrew: Shaar David), because the tomb of King David is believed to be on Mt. Zion.
In 1948, during the Israeli War of Independence, the Palmach unsuccessfully battled for control of the Jewish Quarter at the entrance of the Zion gate. This left the stones surrounding the gate pockmarked by weapons fire and bullet holes which are still visible today.
The Star of David on the pavement below the gate was designed by architect Shlomo Aronson.
Both pedestrians and vehicles use the gate, although maneuvering is difficult due to the L-shaped passageway.
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