Model of Jerusalem in 2nd Temple Period

Description

I’ve always been fascinated by how ancient cities looked in their prime, and let me tell you – the Model of Jerusalem from the Second Temple Period is absolutely mind-blowing! This meticulously crafted 1:50 scale model spans a whopping 21,500 square feet, making it one of the most impressive historical reconstructions I’ve ever encountered. What really gets me excited is how it transports you back to 66 CE, right before the Great Revolt against the Romans. You’ll see exactly how Jerusalem appeared during Jesus’s time, complete with the magnificent Second Temple that once dominated the city’s skyline.

Key Features

• The centerpiece Second Temple complex, featuring intricate details of Herod’s Temple and the surrounding courtyards
• Detailed miniature houses, showing the residential quarters of both wealthy and common citizens
• Accurately recreated ancient city walls and gates
• The Upper City, where Jerusalem’s elite lived in luxurious mansions
• The bustling markets and streets of the Lower City
• The impressive Antonia Fortress, where Roman troops were stationed
• Pool of Siloam and other important water systems
• Authentic architectural elements based on archaeological findings
• Educational plaques in multiple languages explaining key locations
• Strategic viewing points that allow visitors to observe the model from different angles

Best Time to Visit

From my experience, early mornings are absolutely perfect for visiting this remarkable model. The lighting is just right for photography, and you’ll beat most of the tour groups that typically arrive mid-morning. I’d suggest planning your visit between 9-11 AM on weekdays. If you’re visiting during summer months (June-August), the morning hours are also way more comfortable since the model is partially outdoors. And hey, winter visitors – don’t worry! The model area is partially covered, so you can still enjoy it even during Jerusalem’s occasional rainy days.

How to Get There

Getting to the model, which is housed within the Israel Museum complex, is pretty straightforward. The most convenient way is by taking bus lines 16, 17, or 99 from central Jerusalem. If you’re like me and prefer ride-sharing, both Gett and regular taxis are readily available. For those driving, there’s a spacious parking lot right at the museum – just follow the signs to the Israel Museum, and you’ll find it. The model is located in the museum’s outdoor section, and you really can’t miss it – it’s huge!

Tips for Visiting

Look, I learned these things the hard way, so let me save you some trouble! First off, grab one of those free audio guides at the entrance – trust me, they’re worth their weight in gold. They’ll help you understand what you’re looking at and tell fascinating stories about different parts of the model.

Wear comfortable shoes cause you’ll want to walk around the entire perimeter at least twice. I usually spend about 1-2 hours here, taking in all the details. Bring a hat and sunscreen since parts of the viewing area are exposed to the sun. Oh, and don’t forget your camera – the model looks incredible from different angles, especially during golden hour!

Pro tip: join one of the guided tours if you can. The guides share some pretty incredible historical details that aren’t mentioned in the regular signage. And here’s something most people don’t know – the best photos are actually from the far corner near the Pool of Siloam section, where you can capture the entire Temple Mount in one shot.

If you’re visiting with kids, grab one of the special activity sheets from the information desk. They turn the visit into a fun treasure hunt, looking for specific buildings and features in the model. And y’know what? Even us adults enjoy these sometimes!

You might wanna plan at least half a day here since the model is part of the larger Israel Museum complex. The museum’s cafe serves decent food, but I usually pack some snacks and water – it can get pretty warm out there.

One last thing – some of the signs are a bit worn out and hard to read, so downloading the museum’s app beforehand can be super helpful. It’s got all the info you need right at your fingertips.

Location

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