Kishle Ottoman Police Building Jerusalem
Explore the Kishle, Jerusalem's historic Ottoman police station and a site with potential links to Herod's palace.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Kishle Ottoman Police Building Jerusalem
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the Kishle, Jerusalem's historic Ottoman police station and a site with potential links to Herod's palace.
"A fascinating glimpse into Jerusalem's Ottoman and Mandate policing history, often included with Tower of David entry."
🎟️ Book Tower of David Ticket
Access to the Kishle is typically included with your Tower of David Museum ticket. Book in advance!
🚶♀️ Guided Tour Essential
The Kishle is best explored with a guided tour from the Tower of David for historical context.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Ottoman Police Station
Tower of David Museum Compound
Explore the restored former police station, offering a glimpse into Ottoman-era law enforcement in Jerusalem.
Mandate Detention Center
Tower of David Museum Compound
Discover the history of this section, which served as a detention center during the British Mandate period.
Archaeological Discoveries
Tower of David Museum Compound
See remnants from various periods, including potential foundations from Herod's palace, unearthed during excavations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Access & Timing
Historical Significance
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Tower of David Ticket
Access to the Kishle is typically included with your Tower of David Museum ticket. Book in advance!
🚶♀️ Guided Tour Essential
The Kishle is best explored with a guided tour from the Tower of David for historical context.
🐴 See the Police Horses
Sometimes horses are kept at the police station part of the Kishle. A unique sight!
🧐 Interest in Policing?
If you have a keen interest in policing history, this site offers unique insights.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Tower of David Ticket
Access to the Kishle is typically included with your Tower of David Museum ticket. Book in advance!
🚶♀️ Guided Tour Essential
The Kishle is best explored with a guided tour from the Tower of David for historical context.
🐴 See the Police Horses
Sometimes horses are kept at the police station part of the Kishle. A unique sight!
🧐 Interest in Policing?
If you have a keen interest in policing history, this site offers unique insights.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the Kishle to be a historically significant site, particularly its restored Ottoman-era police station and its inclusion within the Tower of David ticket. While some note it's not an extensive attraction on its own, its archaeological potential and role in Jerusalem's governance are appreciated by those with specific interests. Access can sometimes be complicated by restoration work.
"Police Station during the Ottoman and Mandatory times. Not much to see, but is included as part of Tower of David ticket."
Bryce Hwang
"There are two parts of the kishle. One part is within the Tower of David compound. Was a Mandate detention center. Nicely restored. Would give it 5 stars. Access limited hours complicated by restoration work in the ToD. Second part is a police station. Often horses are kept here. Other than the horses little to see unless you have a strong interest in policing."
Jay Levinson
"The Kishle is the local name given to the police station of Jeruslaem in Ottoman times. Recent excavations uncovered remains from various periods, including foundations of Herod's palace. The site can only be accessed in a guided tour operated by the "Tower of David" musuem."
Danny the Digger , Private Tours in Israel
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kishle is located within the Tower of David Museum complex in the Old City of Jerusalem. You can reach the Tower of David by walking through the Jaffa Gate. Public transport options include buses that stop near the Jaffa Gate.
Accessibility can be challenging due to the historic nature of the site and ongoing restoration work. It's best to check with the Tower of David Museum directly regarding current accessibility for the Kishle section.
The Old City can be a maze. Using a map app on your phone or following signs for the Tower of David Museum from Jaffa Gate is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, access to the Kishle is typically included with your admission ticket to the Tower of David Museum.
The Kishle's access is tied to the Tower of David Museum's operating hours and guided tour schedules. It's advisable to check the official Tower of David website for the most up-to-date information, as hours can vary due to restoration.
Generally, the Kishle is best experienced with a guided tour operated by the Tower of David Museum to understand its historical significance and archaeological findings.
The cost is covered by your Tower of David Museum ticket. Ticket prices can be found on their official website.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You'll see the restored building that served as a police station during Ottoman and Mandatory times. Excavations have also revealed older historical layers, including potential foundations of Herod's palace.
The Kishle is a part of the larger Tower of David complex. While significant historically, it's not an expansive site on its own but offers a focused historical perspective.
The Kishle's primary draw is its historical and archaeological significance. Special events are usually hosted by the Tower of David Museum and may sometimes incorporate the Kishle.
It was a key administrative and law enforcement center during crucial periods of Jerusalem's history, offering insights into Ottoman and British Mandate rule.
Photography policies can vary. It's best to check with the Tower of David Museum staff upon arrival.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, the Tower of David Museum has a cafe, and there are numerous food options within the Old City and near Jaffa Gate, ranging from local falafel to more formal restaurants.
No, eating is generally not permitted inside historical or archaeological sites like the Kishle. There are designated areas within the Tower of David complex or nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the architectural details of the restored building and any visible archaeological remnants. The context within the Tower of David complex also offers great shots.
Drone usage is strictly prohibited in most historical sites in Jerusalem, including the Old City, for security and preservation reasons.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🏛️ History Buffs & Archaeologists
🚶♂️ Day-Trippers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Layered History: From Herod to the Mandate
Recent excavations at the site have unearthed even older layers of history, revealing foundations that some archaeologists believe could be part of Herod the Great's palace. This adds an incredible depth to the Kishle, connecting its more recent past to the ancient grandeur of Jerusalem. Exploring the Kishle offers a tangible link to the city's continuous evolution over millennia.
Access to the Kishle is typically managed through guided tours offered by the Tower of David Museum. These tours are invaluable for piecing together the site's complex narrative, from its ancient origins to its role in 20th-century governance. The experience is enhanced by the guides who bring the history to life, explaining the significance of the structures and the archaeological finds.
Navigating the Kishle: Practicalities and Insights
While the site offers a unique historical perspective, some reviews suggest that beyond the restored police station and the archaeological finds, there might not be extensive exhibits. It's particularly appealing to those with a strong interest in policing history or the archaeology of Jerusalem.
For those interested in the broader context of Jerusalem, the Kishle is conveniently located near other significant sites like the 'Last Supper' Room and the King David Tower, making it easy to incorporate into a day of exploration in the Old City.
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