In Jerusalem’s Old City, a new and particularly challenging phase of the accessibility improvement project began this week. As the Israeli Ministry for Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition announced, the focus is on a historic section of Christians’ Street, one of the most important streets in the Christian Quarter. There, an almost 2,000-year-old street pavement from the Roman-Byzantine period is now to be carefully restored and made accessible to people with limited mobility.
The historic paving stones, over which residents, pilgrims and tourists have walked for centuries, will be carefully removed, documented and then relaid as part of the work. The eastern part of the street will continue to be paved with the original ancient stones. On the western side, however, a level, accessible pathway will be created that can also be used without difficulty by wheelchair users and people with prams.
The historic street pavement dates in part from around 135 AD, when Jerusalem bore the name Aelia Capitolina under Roman rule. Further sections are attributed to the early Byzantine period. Strict heritage protection regulations apply to the work in order to protect these valuable witnesses to the past. Each individual stone is numbered, measured and documented before its removal. After an assessment of its condition, a decision is made as to how it can be reintegrated on the eastern side of the street.
However, the work is not limited to the historic pavement. Underground water, drainage and electrical lines are being renewed at the same time. The facades of the adjacent buildings and the roofing along the street are also set to be upgraded.
Six kilometres of Old City lanes already made accessible
The restoration is part of an extensive project that has been driven forward by the Israeli Ministry for Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition since 2009 and is being implemented by the Company for the Development of East Jerusalem (PAMI). The aim is to make the historic lanes and attractions of the Old City accessible to as many people as possible without compromising their unique character.
Around 80 million shekels have been invested in the project to date. Approximately six kilometres of the narrow Old City lanes have already been made accessible. These include important thoroughfares such as the Chain Street, David Street and the Via Dolorosa, which is of particular significance to Christian pilgrims.
The work presents those responsible with particular challenges. Jerusalem’s Old City is characterised by narrow lanes, considerable differences in elevation and archaeological remains from various periods. Modern pathways and infrastructure must therefore be designed in such a way that the historic structures are preserved as much as possible.
Shimon Elbaum, Director General of the Ministry for Jerusalem and Jewish Tradition, described the project as an important part of efforts to make Jerusalem one of the most accessible cities in the world.
“This unique project, which combines modern accessibility with millennia-old street pavement, is part of our vision to make Jerusalem, our capital, the most accessible city in the world,” said Elbaum.
He thanked the staff of the Company for the Development of East Jerusalem and the numerous project partners involved in the implementation despite the extraordinary challenges.
“The places where the Jewish people came into being, and the lanes through which our ancestors walked, are now open for the first time to people with disabilities from all over the world,” Elbaum emphasised.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry also presented the work on its official X channel, highlighting that Jerusalem’s historic sites should be accessible to all people.
1,900 years of history, now becoming accessible to everyone!♿🇮🇱
In Jerusalem’s Old City, ancient Roman-era pavement along Christians’ Street, the main street of the Christian Quarter, is being carefully restored and adapted to make it accessible to wheelchairs and strollers.
One side will preserve the original stones, while the other will provide an accessible pathway.
Because everyone deserves to experience this historical sight🙏
📸: PAMI / Israel Antiquities Authority
#jerusalem #ancienthistory #accessibility #historicalpreservation #holylan
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) November 11, 2026
With the restoration of Christians’ Street, another section of the Old City is being redesigned in a way that combines heritage conservation with accessibility. Visitors will in future continue to be able to look down at the ancient paving stones while also using a level pathway to explore this historically significant part of Jerusalem.
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