JOPPA GATE

Now to talk about the gates. We entered the Old City through this gate, two in one. The large one,

which are the gray panels on either side, 

and the small, man sized, one set into it.

From the entryway we wound through the streets to find the Via Dolorosa, well known as the street where Jesus carried the cross.   

There is much to learn about this city. The picture on the right is of the pavement. These are the original stones at the street level of Jesus' day. In other sections many layers have been built up and stories are told of people who started to repair a section of their house and only to open up larger holes which led to structures underneath.

We rushed through the streets to arrive at the Garden of Gethsemane. The word means olive press. So it's no surprise that the most amazing olive trees grow there. It is where Jesus prayed before He gave His life on the cross.

Quite likely, Jesus prayed at this very spot, although there is another possibility that we didn't go see.

The ancient tree, probably over 2,000 years old, was almost impossible to kill. 

After walking around the fenced up garden, we returned the way we came, just staying ahead of a larger tour group. We had exited and re-entered through the Lion's Gate, also in the eastern wall. Beside the arch is the carving of a lion (not visible in this picture from a site called Picture a Day.)

Upon our return onto the Via Dolorosa we began to explore more historical places.