The Lions’ Gate, also known as St Stephen’s Gate, is one of the seven open Gates of the Old City of Jerusalem. It leads into the Muslim Quarter of the Old City. The Lions’ Gate is an integral part of the city’s ancient walls, extending for approximately 4.5 kilometers (2.8 mi), reaching heights between 5 and 15 meters (16–49 ft), and boasting a thickness of 3 meters (9.8 feet). Within these walls, 43 surveillance towers and 11 gates stand as silent sentinels, seven of which remain open to this day.
Built in 1538 by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the Lions’ Gate showcases distinct Ottoman architecture. Four ornate lion figures, two on each side, flank the entrance, giving the gate its name. These symbolic lions, however, are not the original sculptures; they were added during Sultan Abdul Hamid II’s restoration in the late 19th century. Above this historical gateway, four lions, two on each side, are intricately carved into the stone, a tribute to the Ottoman triumph over the Mamluks in 1517, commissioned by Suleiman the Magnificent.
Legend intertwines with history as tales recall Suleiman’s predecessor, Selim I, who dreamt of lions threatening to devour him due to his plans to raze the city. His promise to safeguard Jerusalem by constructing a protective wall led to the lion becoming the enduring heraldic symbol of the city.
Historian Moshe Sharon draws attention to the similarity of the sculpted lions at the Lions’ Gate to those found at Jisr Jindas and Qasr al-Basha in Gaza, all representing the Mamluk sultan Baibars (Which we remember from the stories of Nimrod Fortress and The Monfort). Sharon estimates their creation around 1273 C.E., connecting the Lions’ Gate to a broader historical context.
Biblical Significance:
Beyond its architectural splendor, the Lions’ Gate holds profound biblical significance. Located on the eastern side of the Old City, it faces the Mount of Olives and the Kidron Valley. According to tradition, this gate is associated with the entry of Jesus during his Palm Sunday procession, riding a donkey into Jerusalem. The gate’s proximity to the Garden of Gethsemane further deepens its connection to key events in Christian tradition.
Historical Moments:
The Lions’ Gate has borne witness to numerous historical moments that have shaped the destiny of Jerusalem. During the Six-Day War in 1967, Israeli forces entered the Old City through this very gate, marking a pivotal moment in the city’s history. It was through this very gate that Israeli paratroopers breached the Old City of Jerusalem, reclaiming it from Jordanian occupation along with East Jerusalem and the entire West Bank. Today, the bullet marks on the gate serve as silent witnesses to the intensity of that conflict.
Adjacent to the Lions’ Gate lies the Pool of Bethesda, mentioned in the Gospel of John, adding another layer of historical and biblical resonance to this area. The gate’s strategic location has made it a focal point for both military and spiritual journeys throughout the ages.
Visiting the Lions’ Gate Today:
For modern-day visitors, the Lions’ Gate remains a must-see destination. As you pass through its threshold, you’ll be transported to a world where ancient stones whisper tales of faith, conquest, and resilience. The panoramic views from the gate offer a breathtaking perspective of the Old City, inviting contemplation and reflection.
In the heart of Jerusalem, the Lions’ Gate stands as more than just an architectural marvel; it is a living testament to the city’s vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and spirituality. Whether you are drawn to its biblical significance, historical resonance, or artistic inspiration, the Lions’ Gate invites you to step through its portal and connect with the timeless soul of Jerusalem.