"Hezekiah Tunnels, Israel"

At the bottom of Kidron Valley in Israel, you will discover something extraordinary – Hezekiah’s tunnels. First built in 696 BC, Hezekiah’s workers made these tunnels to help cut off the water flow into the city of Jerusalem, as well as leading a revolt against the ruling Assyrians.

Today, visitors can explore these water-filled tunnels for just $1.50 US. As you make your way through the water, you will find various chisel marks on the walls that were made by the workers who constructed the tunnel. When you go, make sure you take strong candles or flashlights to see and because the water depths can reach up to four feet deep and the ceiling is lower than five foot tall in some locations, be wise about who experiences this.

Hezekiah’s tunnels were first discovered during the 19th century by archaeologists. Measuring a distance of one-third of a mile, the majority of the tunnels is three feet wide but remember you will experience changes, meaning the tunnel measurements change. These tunnels wind underneath the City of David from the Gihon Spring. With strong flashlights, you can wade through chest-high water, offering you a memory of a lifetime. Hezekiah’s men again chiseled their own account of the work on the rock wall located near the tunnel outlet into the Pool of Siloam.

For example, you will see the Siloam Inscription, as it is called, which was found in 1880 that reads, "The tunneling through and this is the account of the tunneling through. While (the workmen raised) the pick each toward his fellow and while there (remained) to be tunneled (through, there was heard), the voice of a man calling to his fellow, for there was a split in the rock on the right hand and on (the left hand). And on the day of the tunneling through the workmen stuck, each in the direction of his fellow, pick against pick. And the water started flowing from the source to the pool, twelve hundred cubits. And the height of the rock above the head of the workmen was a hundred cubits."

You will notice as you walk through the tunnels that the water rises and lowers, which is due to the siphon effect. At the entrance of the tunnel, medieval steps that lead down to the water were constructed, being built because the ground level had begun to rise over the years. When first entering the tunnel, it will take a sharp turn to the left to what is called Warren’s Shaft. Then as you reach the end of the tunnel, the roof will begin to rise because the workers from the other end misjudged the other team’s level. Therefore, the floor had to be lowered, allowing the water to flow. At the very end, you find yourself in the Pool of Siloam.

When visiting Hezekiah’s tunnels, you can get there at the Gihon Spring on Shiloh Way, which is again, in the Kidron Valley. Plan about 30 minutes to make your way through the tunnels and be sure to wear shorts and shoes for good footing. Within the tunnels, you will also find a number of false tunnels. This experience is something wonderful. Keep in mind that if you are claustrophobic, perhaps this would not be the right adventure but if not, you will be amazed.


Last Updated: 10/19/2006 3:14:00 PM

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