Zedekiah’s Cave, located beneath Jerusalem’s Old City, has reopened after extensive renovations that lasted three years. The work was carried out by the East Jerusalem Development Company, which improved the cave’s infrastructure and increased knowledge of the unique site. The cave is considered one of the more mysterious caves in Jerusalem, and it is believed that the stones for the construction of the Second Temple were quarried here.

Zedekiah’s Cave, which dates back to at least the 6th century BC, was originally a small natural cave and is a remnant of the largest quarry in Jerusalem, which once extended from the Grotto of Jeremiah and Garden Tomb, a traditional Protestant site for Jesus’ burial, to the walls of the Old City. Its use as a quarry probably began following the return from the Babylonian exile and lasted up until the 16th century AD. The stone quarried in Zedekiah’s Cave was a special type of limestone called Meleke, which could be easily cut into large blocks and was considered a high quality building material in Jerusalem.

Zedekiah’s Cave, also known as Solomon’s Quarry, covers an area of 5 hectares (a little over 12 acres). Extensive modernization work has been carried out in the cave, including the installation of modern lighting equipment to highlight the cave’s natural structures.

“In recent years, Zedekiah’s Cave has undergone a major refurbishment, which includes a new audiovisual show,” said Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Leon.

This production aims to give visitors a full understanding of the history and importance of the cave. This is part of the municipality’s efforts to preserve and enhance the city’s historical and cultural sites.