Hezekiah's Tunnel (Siloam Tunnel)

Overview

Hezekiah's Tunnel, also known as Siloam Tunnel, is an ancient water tunnel that dates back to the 8th century BCE. It was carved through solid rock to provide Jerusalem with a reliable water source during times of siege.

This tunnel is a remarkable feat of ancient engineering and is mentioned in the Bible as part of King Hezekiah's preparations for the Assyrian siege of Jerusalem.

Archaeological Site Underground Attraction

Location

Address

East Jerusalem, Jerusalem

Neighborhood: Silwan

Coordinates

31.778200, 35.235400

Visiting Information

Opening Hours

monday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

tuesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

wednesday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

thursday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

friday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

saturday Closed

sunday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Admission

Adults

65 NIS

Children

35 NIS (ages 5-17)

Best Time to Visit

Overall Best Period

March-May, October-November

Best Time of Day

Early morning

Fewer crowds and cooler temperatures

Duration Recommendations

Minimum

1 hour

Recommended

2-3 hours

Full Experience

Half day

Seasonal Highlights

spring

Mild to warm

• Blooming flora
• Pleasant walking conditions

summer

Hot and dry

• Extended opening hours
• Night tours

autumn

Mild to cool

• Cooling temperatures
• Fall colors

winter

Cool and rainy

• Fewer tourists
• Holiday decorations

Know Before You Go

Essential Information

Book tickets in advance
Bring a flashlight
Wear comfortable shoes

What to Bring

essential

Flashlight Water Tickets

seasonal

Rain jacket Sunscreen

not allowed

Large backpacks Drones

Health & Safety

Physical Requirements: Moderate

• Uneven and slippery surfaces
• Narrow and dark spaces

Medical facilities: First aid available on-site

Payment Information

Accepted

Cash, Credit cards

Currency

New Israeli Shekel (NIS)

Typical Costs

entry 65 NIS

parking 20 NIS

food 50-100 NIS

souvenirs 30-150 NIS

Dress Code

Casual, Comfortable and modest clothing, comfortable shoes, Walking shoes or sneakers, High heels, Inappropriate or revealing clothing

Booking Tips

• At least 1 week
• Official website or authorized ticket vendors
• 48 hours in advance for a full refund
• Available for online bookings

Amenities

Restrooms

Gift shop

Atm

Wifi

Lockers

Wheelchair rental

Stroller rental

On site restaurant

Cafe

Picnic areas

Outside food allowed

Digital Services

Mobile App

City of David App

Size: 45 MB

Features: Interactive map, Audio guide, Ticket booking, Event calendar

Platforms: iOS, Android

WiFi Zones: Visitor center, Near the Pool of Siloam, Cafes and restaurants

Charging Stations: Visitor center, Near the Pool of Siloam

How to Reach

From Airport

Nearest: Ben Gurion Airport (TLV)

Distance: 45 km

Travel Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

Taxi

200-250 NIS 45 minutes

Public transport

16 NIS 1 hour to 1 hour 15 minutes

From City Center

Distance: 2 km

Bus

6.9 NIS 15-20 minutes

Taxi

30-40 NIS 10 minutes

Walking

25-30 minutes

Local Insights

Cultural Context

Why Locals Love It: Hezekiah's Tunnel is a symbol of Jerusalem's rich history and resilience, and it offers a unique opportunity to connect with the past.

Historical Significance: The tunnel is mentioned in the Bible (2 Kings 20:20, 2 Chronicles 32:30) and is a testament to the advanced engineering skills of the ancient Israelites.

Insider Tips

Visit the tunnel early in the morning to avoid crowds and experience the site in a more peaceful atmosphere
Combine your visit with a tour of the City of David for a comprehensive understanding of Jerusalem's history
Look for the ancient inscriptions inside the tunnel, which provide valuable insights into its construction

Local Recommendations

• Try local street food near the entrance
• Visit the nearby City of David for a comprehensive historical experience
• Ask your guide for personal stories and anecdotes about the tunnel

Language Help

Useful Phrases

hello Shalom

thank_you Toda

where_is Eifo

how_much Mah kavod

beautiful Yafeh

ticket Karta

Guide Languages: Hebrew, English, Spanish, French

Photography Guide

Best Photo Spots

Pool of Siloam

Best Time: Golden hour

Tips: Wide-angle shots to capture the entire pool and surrounding architecture

Result: Breathtaking photos with warm, golden light

#Jerusalem #HezekiahsTunnel #AncientHistory #TravelIsrael

Inside the tunnel

Best Time: During a guided tour with proper lighting

Tips: Use a flashlight or the light provided by the guide to create dramatic shadows

Result: Unique and atmospheric photos of the ancient tunnel

#UndergroundAdventure #AncientEngineering #HiddenGems

Photography Rules

allowed areas Outdoor areas, Pool of Siloam

prohibited areas Inside the tunnel during private tours, Restricted archaeological sites

flash photography Allowed in outdoor areas, not recommended inside the tunnel

commercial photography Permit required for commercial use

drone policy Prohibited without special permission

tripod policy Allowed in outdoor areas, not recommended inside the tunnel

selfie sticks Allowed but should be used cautiously, especially inside the tunnel

Nearby Attractions

City of David

Distance: 200m

Walking: 3 min

Type: Archaeological Site

Temple Mount

Distance: 1km

Walking: 15 min

Type: Religious Site

Western Wall

Distance: 800m

Walking: 10 min