Just behind the Old City ramparts stands the ancient Citadel.Now, for the first time in thousands of years, it no longer serves a strategic purpose.
Also known as the Tower of David, this fort has been turned into the museum for the history of Jerusalem.
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I went searching for benches in the Citadel courtyard.This one sits inside the remains of a tower, part of the city fortifications from the Second Temple period (1st century of the Common Era).
This tower was built on an even earlier tower.
If you'd like more shade, try sitting under the olive tree.
You could sit for hours, just enjoying the uniqueness of each stone in the wall and in the ground.Nearby, the postern leads to a secret passageway connecting the moat to the interior of the Citadel. 
The herb garden is in memory of Nehama and Menache Mani.
The benches are just beyond that solitary arch.
The herb garden is in memory of Nehama and Menache Mani.
The benches are just beyond that solitary arch..
From the tower, the view of the courtyard and of old and new Jerusalem and beyond is fantastic!
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My friend from Oslo just returned from Israel. He said that in Israel they speak of things from the 600 - 900s. In Europe they speak of things dating from 1400, etc.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed meeting 3 CDP bloggers on my trip; I hope to meet you someday, too!
Now I wonder why you were looking for benches! ;-) Beautiful architecture for the fort, I think it's a place I would love to visit.
ReplyDeleteIt is good to see so many green spaces there. I don't remember that from 15 years ago. I have a tiny little glass vase I bought in the museum gift shop there, and a tiny little book of the psalms in Hebrew and English. I still keep them where I can see them every day. My lunch that day, from the museum cafe, was a wonderfully tasty sandwich, a sesame-sprinkled baguette with fresh goat cheese (labeneh?) and herbs...tangy and good. Good memories, thank you!
ReplyDeleteSuch an ancient place and perfect for a museum.
ReplyDeleteOnce again, a great post. Very interesting.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from Roberto
Great benches.
ReplyDeleteWhat a splendid view from there, Dina, thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that the fort Tower of David has been turned into a museum: in my opinion, this is really a great progress.
You are right, the bench would be a perfect place to sit quietly and meditate or contemplate. Such beautiful images, Dina, thank you.
ReplyDeleteIn this kind of place, benches are not only benches; They are offered places to take time to think and meditate; And how not to have the desire to take time to think among such an important historical place?..
ReplyDeletePS: I discoverd your comment under the August, 15th only today, and left you a comment there; Thank you for linking me!
You found some rare benches around, I remember an equestrian statue in somewhere inside the court...
ReplyDeleteWonderful images.
ReplyDeleteAh, the bench crowd is here... I wouldn't sat no to resting on any of those. Sitting in antiquity, how awesome (in the true meaning of the word). Wonderful captures, Dina.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fantastic monument, Dina! If only those wall could talk...
ReplyDeleteSpectacular view!
ReplyDeleteWow! That view is really stunning. I agree with other bloggers than it's rather mind boggling to think of how old everything is.
ReplyDeleteAbout time they did it.
ReplyDeleteI love the varied textures, and the contrasts of shadows and light in these beauties.
ReplyDeleteThis is a magnificent place. I like the high angle view. Breathtaking!
ReplyDeleteRuins and remnants of ancient buildings are far more interesting than a perfect one.The benches are very beautiful.
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