JERUSALEM Part II
Our guide led us through an amazing conjunction of Souks to arrive at his reserved restaurant located in a small alcove that seated no more than 15 people. The owner scooted diners around to get us a table, then led us into the kitchen to choose our meal from the bubbling pots. And it was delicious!
On our way to the 1st century Roman Road , we passed El Takiya Street. Narrow and stepped, it contains some of the city’s best examples of the 14th century Mameluke architecture. Arches, domes and oriels were favored by the Mameluke builders and this picture entices one to walk through the arch and down the steps.
Finally we arrived at the “Card
o”, the 1st century Roman Road that originally ran north/south through the city of Jerusalem.
We stood at the upper (back) side, looking down at the columns and the broad, porticoed pavement with the remaining arched door- ways of the ancient shops—-all about 2 floors below the level of the present city.
On to the Citadel/Tower of David.
This structure is the most recognizable landmark in the Old City . It was the main line of defense and rebuilt by each generation of invaders. And there were many of those!
Like most fortresses of the Middle Ages, the Citadel was capped with a surveillance walk originally built for defense.
Now the touri
sts can walk the whole circuit with wonderful views over the Old City. At one point we had a partial overlook of Herodian Street.
Dating from the time of the Second Temple, it was originally lined with shops. It’s presently being reconstructed but if you look at the lower right corner, there are 4 small doorways that have been completed.
To be continued JERUSALEM part 3 soon…
2Independent-Travelers 
Your commentary makes the pictures ‘come alive.’ I would have missed the 4 small doorways of reconstructed shops. More on the food next time!
Always amuses me how we humans build UP on top of our own rubble. This is certainly on display in the excavations in Jerusalem — century after century piling more stuff on top of old smooshed down stuff. Really nice posting. Felt like I was walking down the streets.