Israel, February 17, 2026 – A new highlight for travelers to Israel: The Pilgrimage Road in Jerusalem, located in the City of David, is once again accessible along its entire length for the first time in approximately 2,000 years. This stone-paved main thoroughfare from the Second Temple period once led from the Pool of Siloam up to the Temple Mount, allowing millions of pilgrims to traverse the original main street on their way to Jerusalem's great festivals. The full opening of the road is considered one of the most remarkable archaeological events in the Holy Land.

Excavations along the route paint a vivid picture of ancient daily life. Discovered coins, merchant weights, and a stone measuring table provide evidence of intensive commercial use. It appears the road was a bustling market street with shops and stalls on both sides, where merchants accompanied the streams of pilgrims heading towards the Temple Mount.

Directly beneath the pavement, a second historical layer was revealed: researchers discovered an extensive water channel that became a hiding place during the Great Revolt. Impressive artifacts came to light in this underground passage, including kitchen utensils, clay oil lamps, hundreds of ancient coins, and even a Roman soldier's sword, all tangible testimonies to Jerusalem's dramatic final phase before its destruction by the Romans.

The research perspective has also shifted. Contrary to earlier assumptions that the district was home to working-class families, new evidence suggests that Jerusalem's wealthy elite lived here. Even more surprising, current studies indicate that Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, rather than King Herod as long suspected, may have been the initiator of the construction project.

_________

About the Israel Government Tourist Office in Germany:

Whether it's round trips, city breaks, bathing, wellness, active and cultural trips, rental car tours, or family holidays: The Israel Government Tourist Office provides information about the various regions, cities, and sights in the Holy Land. Israel is located in the Eastern Mediterranean and is no more than a four-hour flight from most parts of Europe. The country offers a sunny climate, a wide variety of historical, archaeological, and religious sites, and a captivating contrast between ancient and modern. In Israel, visitors are welcomed with traditional hospitality that dates back to biblical times. goisrael.com

Further Press Information

Suitable image material for this press release can be downloaded here: OneDrive. Please note the copyright in the file name.

General image material for Israel is available at www.flickr.com/photos/israelphotogallery/albums/ (please always state the copyright as indicated on the website for each image). 

Press Office:
BZ.COMM GmbH
Hanauer Landstr. 136 | 60314 Frankfurt am Main
Phone: 069/2562888-0
Mail: israel@bz-comm.de   | Web: www.bz-comm.de  
All current press releases are also available at www.bz-comm.de/de/kunden/israel/