Jerusalem’s Tomb Of The Kings Has Opened To The Public After 10 Years

by Sanjana Shenoy
Jerusalem’s Tomb Of The Kings Has Opened To The Public After 10 Years

History is full of mysteries. And as cheesy as this sounds, it’s always a satisfaction for us curious souls to visit places of historic and cultural interest in not only India but the world. But there are times where for certain reasons, historic places of spiritual relevance are closed for the public. And all we have is pictures but not enough contentment. For those of you who have felt this way before, here’s something to celebrate. The Tomb of Kings in Jerusalem has opened to the public for the first time in 10 years. This is a tomb located in eastern Jerusalem and is known to be the burial site of Queen Helena of Adiabene, who was the Mesopotamian monarch who converted into a Jewish in the 1st Century BCE.

Picture Credits: unitedwithisrael.org

What’s In It?

Reports state that visitors can enjoy a tour around the tomb’s beautiful courtyard which dates back to 2000 years. But access to the burial chambers is prohibited like before. Since the late 19th century, France has been maintaining this site and even closed it down in 2009 for the purpose of restoration. And they even tried to open it to the public many times before. But according to reports,  religious Jewish Israelis were protesting outside the tomb’s gate since 2009, demanding that the Jerusalem’s Tomb Of Kings must only be opened for people who wish to pray at the site.

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The entrance to this site has been limited to around 60 people on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and visitors who wish to pray would have to register with their passport or ID card and even pre-purchase their tickets online. These strict rules have been designed to discourage worshipers since many Orthodox Jews avoid using the internet and even object payment of fees at a place of worship.

Picture Credits: dailymail.co.uk

What’s More?

Reports state that Isreal’s Foreign Ministry has supported this move and even touted it to be a product of long and strenuous negotiations with French authorities. And you will be surprised to know that this Tomb of The Kings is one of the most popular tombs in the world. In fact, Greek geographer Pausanias even described this tomb to be the second most beautiful tomb in the world after the tomb of Mausolus, which is a part of the Seven Wonders of the World. So do add this to your bucket list. Check out these 20 Unique Travel Destinations That Indians Just Haven’t Explore Enough

First Published: December 27, 2019 5:24 PM