Whether you are a tourist, local, or even a resident, the sheep gate in Jerusalem is a very special place. It is known for being a site of worship, and is one of the most beautiful landmarks in the city. You will also find the gate to be a very popular place for picnics and other celebrations. It also happens to be one of the oldest landmarks in the city, and has been a tourist attraction since ancient times.

Location

Historically, the location of the Sheep Gate in Jerusalem is hard to determine. It may be near the Temple Mount or near the sheep market. The area surrounding the Temple Mount has changed dramatically over the centuries. Despite the name, the location of the Sheep Gate is actually the northern tip of the Old City Wall.

The Sheep Gate was the entrance to the temple compound, which led to the brazen altar. It was also the place where sheep were brought in for sacrifices. It was the only gate that was consecrated. In addition, the Sheep Gate was used for victimisation.

During the time of Jesus, the wall around the city of Jerusalem was the largest. It encompassed the temple and the Pool of Siloam to the south. The wall also encompassed the Corner Gate, which was destroyed by King Jehoash of Israel.

Lions' Gate

Located near the Mount of Olives, the Lions' Gate is the eastern entrance into the Old City. It was constructed by the Ottomans in 1538-39. It is one of the seven gates in the Old City's walls. The facade of the gate is studded with stone carvings and is topped with battlements.

The gate's name is from the frieze, which consists of four lions. These are flanked by carved lions and leopards. The gate's logo features four lions as well. The lions were carved by Suleiman the Magnificent in honor of the defeat of Mamluks in 1517.

The name of the gate may also be attributed to a mystical vision in which two lions were devouring Suleiman. The lion is an ancient symbol of Jerusalem, and it became the official heraldic symbol of the city.

Damascus Gate

Located in the center of the north wall of the Old City, Damascus Gate is one of the primary gates into the Old City. It's one of the busiest gates in Jerusalem, and it's also a cultural and political landmark.

The gate has a unique history. It has been built in multiple phases. For instance, the first Ottomans built a L-shaped structure, later altered to allow for vehicle access. In the late nineteenth century, Jewish families moved into the area near the gate. It has also been a hotbed of conflict between Jordanians and Israelis. In the 1948 War of Independence, Arab forces smashed through the gate. In the 1967 War, Israel militarily occupied the area.

Damascus Gate has also undergone a number of reconstructions. For instance, in the late sixteenth century, Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent completed the structure. He would later fortify it.

St. Stephen's Gate

Located at the eastern end of the Old City of Jerusalem, St. Stephen's Gate is known by several different names. It was originally called Bab al Ghor, but changed its name in 1538/9.

The gate was built in 1538/9 by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, who reigned 1520-1566. He believed that dreams of fearsome beasts were warnings for Jerusalem to be fortified. The pair of lions that are carved in stone on the gate's exterior were based on the dream. The inscription on the southern wall credits Suleiman with the building of the gate.

During the Middle Ages, the depictions of the gate became more elaborate. It was believed that the two-story building on the north side of the gate represented the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the octagonal structure behind the building was believed to represent the Dome of the Rock.

Zion Gate

Visiting the Zion Gate in Jerusalem gives you a glimpse into the history of the City of God and mankind. In the past, Jerusalem has been occupied by several different countries. The city has been through many wars, and the landscape has changed a great deal.

The Zion Gate is located on Mount Zion. It is a gate that leads into the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. It was once called the Sheep Gate.

The structure that makes up the gate dates from the Herodian period. The gateroom contains six domes supported by massive marble pillars. These domes have elaborate carvings, which appear to be moving.

The road leading to the gate runs between two hills, Mount Zion and Acra. It is one of the oldest structures in the Old City of Jerusalem. It also offers easy access to the ramparts.