Herodian Quarter

The Herodian Quarter – Wohl Archaeological Museum is an underground archaeological site and museum situated in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. It exhibits lavish residencies that reflect the high standard of living among the affluent inhabitants of Jerusalem's Upper City during the late Second Temple Period and up until the city's destruction in 70 CE. Among the exhibits are five residential buildings dating back to the Herodian period, believed to have been inhabited by priestly families, complete with ritual baths, bathhouses, and household items. The wall paintings and architectural elements are designed according to Hellenistic and Roman styles. The "Palatial Mansion" stands out with its multi-level layout surrounding a central courtyard. This grand residence includes an ornate reception area decorated in a style found in Pompeii, also featuring remnants of collapsed wooden beams, evidence of the city's destruction. Numerous smaller discoveries were unearthed, with stone vessels standing out due to their immunity to ritual impurity under Jewish law. Luxurious imported items like terra sigillata ware and Phoenician goods, such as cosmetics and perfumes, were also uncovered. In instances where significant artifacts, like the menorah graffiti and a unique glass vessel by the Sidonian artist Aniyon, were relocated to the Israel Museum, replicas and photographs are showcased. Discovered during the post-Six-Day War reconstruction of the Jewish Quarter, these ancient mansions were excavated by an archaeological team led by Nahman Avigad between 1969 and 1983. The museum, located beneath the Yeshivat HaKotel, was opened to visitors in 1988 after extensive restoration work. In 2024, the museum was reopened after two years of renovation works.