Heritage & monuments
Hezekiah's Tunnel
Overview
Hezekiah's Tunnel is an ancient subterranean water channel carved beneath the City of David. Built to protect the water supply during the reign of King Hezekiah, it directs water underground through solid rock. Visitors navigate a narrow, dark passage while wading through knee-deep water.
Getting There
The site is located in the City of David complex, just outside the Old City walls near Dung Gate. From central Jerusalem, reaching the entrance takes roughly 15 to 20 minutes on foot downhill, or about 10 minutes by bus or taxi.
Time to Allow
Walking through the channel takes roughly 40 minutes. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for the entire visit to prepare, change shoes, walk the tunnel, and return via the surface path.
When to Visit
Go early in the day to avoid heavy foot traffic. The passage is narrow and single-file, so it gets crowded quickly when tour groups enter. The underground water provides a cool environment during summer, though the tight quarters can feel confined.
Nearby Attractions
Combine this site with other nearby landmarks:
- Acra (0km)
- Al-Aqsa Mosque (0.4km)
- The Temple Institute (0.4km)
- Western Wall Plaza (0.5km)
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors