Ophel Garden

The term, "Ophel Garden" refers to a large area just next to the southern wall of the temple compound. There have been so many exciting finds in this area during recent years, that I am excited to visit it! During my first visit in April of 1977, I don't even think I was made aware of the area. Some work was done in the area during the 1800's, but until 1968, most of what we can see there today was covered by soil.

During the time that our family lived in Jerusalem in 1994-5, I often walked by this area, but it was fenced off. You could look down into it on the way out to the Dung Gate, but I think I only went in one time when the BYU group was taken in for a tour.

Now, I understand that the Ophel Archaelogical Garden is open to tourists, and even has a visitor's center but is not a particularly busy place. A statement from the center reads, "This complex of archaeological excavations features the administrative complex erected on the Ophel Hill in the First Temple period, structures dating back to the days of King Solomon, Jewish ritual baths and sections of “Robinson’s Arch” from the Second Temple period."

A recent visitor gave the site a five star review: "Great introductory film on Herod's masterpiece of building and what the Second Temple was and how it was used. See the artifacts. Go outside and walk around the garden and see the massive stones, the remains of the impressive Robinson's Arch, and imagine yourself living 2000 years ago."

What would be most sacred to us would be the steps, the actual stone steps leading to the temple that Jesus would have walked on. To actually touch stone that was there at the time of the Savior is a really special feeling that you just cannot explain.

My next few posts will highlight some of the other highlights we will want to see in this area.