Ancient Pilgrims’ Road in Jerusalem Opens to Public After 2,000 Years
JERUSALEM, Israel — For the first time in two millennia, tourists and pilgrims alike can tread a path steeped in history, walking the ancient Pilgrims’ Road that once bustled with worshippers during the Second Temple period. Archaeologists have unveiled this remarkably well-preserved stepped street, which stretches nearly half a mile through East Jerusalem, connecting the Pool of Siloam to the Temple Mount. Known as the stepped street, this thoroughfare was a central artery in the city during the first century A.D., the era of Jesus and his contemporaries.
The City of David archaeological site, which manages the area, announced the opening of the Pilgrims’ Road on February 10, 2026, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in a tangible piece of biblical history. This path, measuring approximately 1,970 feet, had been buried and inaccessible since the Great Revolt against Roman rule in 70 A.D., when much of Jerusalem was destroyed.
Experts from the National Park Service’s archaeology division have long recognized the significance of the route, which pilgrims would have ascended to reach the Temple Mount, the spiritual heart of ancient Jerusalem. The road’s preservation offers an unprecedented window into the urban landscape of the Second Temple period, shedding light on the daily lives and religious practices of first-century Jews.
Visitors walking the Pilgrims’ Road today can envision the throngs of worshippers who once made their way to the Temple for festivals and sacrifices, retracing footsteps that may have been shared by Jesus himself. The road’s discovery and restoration have been hailed as a “deeply significant” archaeological achievement by scholars and religious communities alike.
The opening of this historic route has been coordinated with the National Park Service and local heritage authorities, emphasizing both preservation and accessibility. The City of David’s efforts align with broader initiatives to protect and present Jerusalem’s rich archaeological heritage, which includes sites from multiple eras and cultures.
For those interested in exploring the ancient city, the Pilgrims’ Road offers a direct connection to Jerusalem’s storied past. The site is expected to become a major draw for tourists, scholars, and believers worldwide, eager to experience a path that has lain hidden for two thousand years. More information on visiting and the archaeological findings can be found through the Archaeological Institute of America and the City of David’s official channels.
As the Pilgrims’ Road opens, it not only enriches our understanding of Jerusalem’s historical fabric but also invites reflection on the enduring legacy of the city’s spiritual and cultural crossroads. This remarkable discovery underscores the importance of archaeological stewardship in preserving humanity’s shared heritage for future generations.
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