Hezekiah's Tunnel (Siloam Tunnel)

The Basics

Hezekiah's Tunnel is a highlight on many religious and historic tours of Jerusalem, as it combines the city’s rich history with a unique adventure. Guided walking tours lead you through the narrow 1,750-foot-long (533-meter-long) tunnel from Gihon Springs to the Pool of Siloam, while telling the story of the tunnel’s creation and the role it played in the city’s tumultuous past.

Things to Know Before You Go

• Lovers of adventure and history won't want to miss a walk through the dark, water-filled channel.

• There's an alternate dry, lit route through the tunnel, but as it's narrow with low ceilings, it's not advised for those with claustrophobia.

• For the wet route, bring water shoes and a flashlight, and be prepared to walk through water that may rise above the knees.

How to Get There

The entrance to the tunnel is within the City of David, which is bordered by the Old City of Jerusalem, Temple Mount, and Kidron Valley. You can reach the tunnel on foot from the Old City’s Dung Gate entrance, or join a walking tour that travels through Hezekiah's Tunnel alongside other historic sites in the City of David.

When to Get There

The chilly water temperature in the tunnel provides a refreshing reprieve from the city’s heat in warm months and leads many to opt for the dry route in winter. In summer, the City of David is open from early morning through evening Sunday–Thursday, and it closes midafternoon on Fridays. It closes several hours earlier in the winter. Day of tickets to enter the tunnel can be purchased up until two hours before close.

The Story of Hezekiah's Tunnel

Biblical stories say Hezekiah's Tunnel was built in 701 BC to protect Jerusalem’s water source from an impending invasion. The hand-carved tunnel was dug by two teams who started on either end but maintained a natural gradient through the bedrock and met in the middle. The tunnel then channeled water from Gihon Springs, located in the Kidron Valley, to the protected Pool of Siloam within the City of David.

What is Hezekiah’s Tunnel known for?

Hezekiah’s Tunnel (also known as Siloam Tunnel) is an ancient underground aqueduct running beneath Jerusalem’s historic center. It was created in 701 BC to protect the Kingdom of Judah’s water supplies from Assyrian sieges. Today, it’s a popular tourist attraction with an unusual twist: visitors can walk the length of it.

How long does it take to walk Hezekiah’s Tunnel?

It takes around 20 minutes to walk the tunnel, which connects the Gihon Spring on the eastern side of the City of David archaeological park to the Pool of Siloam, located at the southern tip. In peak season, slow-moving crowds might mean crossing the tunnel takes twice as long.

If I suffer from claustrophobia, should I avoid Hezekiah’s Tunnel?

Probably, but that depends on you and your limits. Anyone sensitive to confined spaces should steer clear of the tunnel. The dark space is extremely low and narrow in parts and feels more cramped alongside other tourists. Aim to visit in the quieter morning hours if you intend to walk.

Will I get wet walking through Hezekiah’s Tunnel?

Yes, wading through water is involved. Bring a bag containing water shoes, a change of clothing (not always necessary in summer, when you’ll dry off quickly), and a waterproof flashlight. The narrower, slightly shorter, and higher ceilinged Canaanite Tunnel is a good option if you prefer not to get soaked.

Can I visit Hezekiah’s Tunnel independently?

Yes, you can walk the tunnel on your own. However, you risk missing out on a lot of history. Without a guide explaining the site's significance, it’s hard to decipher some of the stone ruins. Hezekiah’s Tunnel is a popular stop on many history-focused Jerusalem itineraries.

Is Hezekiah’s Tunnel a good option for kids?

Generally, yes, although not for smaller children who tire of walking more easily. The water-filled tunnel is fun for kids to splash through and a great way to cool off during the summer heat (the most popular season for trips to Jerusalem).