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The remains of the Roman Gate dating back to the period of Aelia Capitolina and the plaza which leads to it are located under the present Damascus Gate.The gate was built during the reign of the Caesar Adreanus (133 CE) and was made up of three entrances, of which the easternmost one remains almost completely in its entirety. Visitors can walk through the gate to the adjacent plaza which is made up of the original stones. Today the plaza serves as a museum which shows the history of the Damascus Gate throughout the ages, including maps, etchings and photographs.There are two enormous guard towers by the gate made of stones which were reused from previous buildings from the Second Temple period. You can even climb up one of them using the original staircase and connect with the Ramparts Walk.The museum is open daily, excluding Fridays from 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. (5:00 p.m. in the summer). Tickets for Sabbath (Saturday) visits must be purchased ahead of time at the ticket booth or online at www.pami.co.il .
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