Dung Gate Jerusalem
The Dung Gate, a historic Jerusalem Old City entrance, provides direct access to the revered Western Wall, blending ancient function with modern pilgr...
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Dung Gate Jerusalem
Best Time
Fewer crowds, calmer atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
The Dung Gate, a historic Jerusalem Old City entrance, provides direct access to the revered Western Wall, blending ancient function with modern pilgrimage.
"The Dung Gate is your vital link to the Western Wall, a passage steeped in history and spiritual significance."
Security Checks Ahead
Expect thorough security checks before entering the Dung Gate. Patience is key! :shield:
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting the Western Wall area via the Dung Gate. Cover shoulders and knees. :pray:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dung Gate Entrance
Old City of Jerusalem
The main gateway to the Western Wall, bustling with pilgrims and visitors. A vital historical passage.
Golden Gate (Gate of Mercy)
Eastern Wall of the Old City
A sealed ancient gate with profound religious prophecies. A silent witness to centuries of history.
Planning Your Visit
Accessing the Western Wall
Understanding the Gate's Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Security Checks Ahead
Expect thorough security checks before entering the Dung Gate. Patience is key! :shield:
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting the Western Wall area via the Dung Gate. Cover shoulders and knees. :pray:
Historical Context
Learn about the Dung Gate's name origin (trash disposal) and the Golden Gate's prophecies. :scroll:
Photography Etiquette
Be mindful of others when taking photos, especially near the Western Wall. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Security Checks Ahead
Expect thorough security checks before entering the Dung Gate. Patience is key! :shield:
Respectful Attire
Dress modestly when visiting the Western Wall area via the Dung Gate. Cover shoulders and knees. :pray:
Historical Context
Learn about the Dung Gate's name origin (trash disposal) and the Golden Gate's prophecies. :scroll:
Photography Etiquette
Be mindful of others when taking photos, especially near the Western Wall. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Dung Gate essential for accessing the Western Wall, appreciating its historical significance. However, the name can be off-putting, and security checks can be lengthy. The nearby Golden Gate is noted for its profound religious symbolism and sealed status.
"Jerusalem Dung Gate
Dung Gate, located at the southern end of the Old City near the Western Wall, is one of Jerusalem’s smaller and more functional gates, yet it plays a critical role in the daily rhythms of the city. The name may sound unglamorous, originating from its ancient use as an exit for refuse in biblical times, but today it serves as the primary access point for millions of worshippers and visitors to Judaism’s holiest site. Modernized in the 20th century to allow for vehicular traffic, the gate’s modest exterior contrasts with the powerful spiritual experiences found just beyond it. Adjacent to the gate lies the Western Wall Plaza, where people gather in prayer, celebration, and reflection throughout the year. The Dung Gate also provides access to the archaeological wonders of the City of David and the southern excavations, where history is literally unearthed with every dig. Its proximity to both religious and historical sites makes it a vital entry for scholars, pilgrims, and tourists alike. Though it may lack grandeur, the Dung Gate’s value lies in its quiet service—connecting the physical city with the sacred, and the everyday with the eternal."
Stav Konchtyk
"Cool place to explore some really old ruins from the crusades. Definitely not a place to visit after dark. Lots of ways to twist an ankle or fall down a pit, or old cave."
gabe urbanowicz
"CALLED the dung gate for a reason you can figure it out out side of the gate is the city of David just down the hill going inside you are going into the Jewish Quarter and the western wall"
Glenn Dickler
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Dung Gate (Sha'ar Ha'ashpot) is the most accessible gate for reaching the Western Wall. You can walk to it from many parts of the Old City or take a taxi to the entrance. Public buses also stop near the Old City walls, requiring a short walk. 
Parking directly at the Dung Gate is extremely limited. It's best to use public transportation or park in designated lots outside the Old City and walk in.
While the gate has been widened for vehicular traffic in the past, pedestrian access is the primary use today. It's not typically a route for private vehicles entering the Old City.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no ticket required to enter through the Dung Gate itself. However, access to the Western Wall plaza may have specific protocols and security checks.
The Dung Gate is generally accessible throughout the day and into the evening, aligning with the Old City's access. Specific hours for the Western Wall plaza may vary.
Yes, expect thorough security screening before you can pass through the Dung Gate and enter the Old City, especially if heading to the Western Wall.
The Dung Gate is generally accessible, and efforts have been made to improve accessibility to the Western Wall plaza. However, the Old City's terrain can be uneven.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Dung Gate, also known as Mughrabi Gate, is a primary entrance to the Old City and leads directly to the Western Wall. Its name historically relates to waste disposal.
The Golden Gate, or Gate of Mercy, is an ancient sealed gate on the Eastern Wall. It holds deep religious significance for Christians and Jews, with prophecies about its opening upon the Messiah's return. +1
The Golden Gate is sealed and cannot be entered. However, you can view it from the outside and learn about its historical and religious importance.
Modest attire is essential. This means covering your shoulders and knees. Scarves are often available for those needing to cover up.
The Dung Gate can get very crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons and religious holidays. Visiting early in the morning can help avoid the largest crowds.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more engaging experience, talk about the history of the gates and the significance of the Western Wall in simple terms. The Golden Gate's story of being sealed until a special return can capture a child's imagination. Remember to bring water and snacks, as the area can get warm, and keep an eye on little ones in crowded areas.
🙏 Religious Pilgrims
Consider the timing of your visit. Friday afternoons offer a unique opportunity to witness the preparations for Shabbat. The Golden Gate, though sealed, is a significant site for Christian and Jewish prophecy, and understanding its context can deepen your spiritual journey.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dung Gate: More Than Just an Entrance
+1When approaching the Dung Gate, be prepared for security checks. These are standard for entry into the Old City and are in place to ensure the safety of all visitors. The area around the gate is often bustling, reflecting its importance as a primary access point. Understanding its historical context, from its utilitarian origins to its current role, adds depth to the experience of passing through this ancient portal.
While the Dung Gate is the practical gateway, it's worth noting its proximity to other significant historical and religious sites. The Golden Gate (Gate of Mercy) is visible from the Eastern Wall and holds immense spiritual weight for multiple faiths, adding another layer of historical and religious significance to this part of Jerusalem.
The Mystique of the Golden Gate
This ancient gate has been a silent witness to millennia of history and holds profound significance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. Its sealed state has fueled centuries of theological discussion and anticipation. While you cannot pass through it, its imposing presence and the weight of its prophecies make it a compelling sight for visitors.
TikTok videos often highlight the Golden Gate's sealed nature and the prophecies associated with it, emphasizing its role as a symbol of divine promise and future redemption. The contrast between the active, accessible Dung Gate and the sealed, prophetic Golden Gate offers a unique perspective on the layers of history and faith present in Jerusalem.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit