Historic Pilgrimage Road in Jerusalem Inaugurated by Netanyahu, Rubio, and Huckabee

After years of excavation, Israel has officially unveiled the fully exposed Pilgrimage Road in the City of David, a first-century route that once carried Jewish pilgrims from the Pool of Siloam to the foot of the Temple Mount.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended the evening ceremony on Monday together with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee, marking the road’s historic opening from end to end.

Measuring about 600 meters long and eight meters wide, the stepped street served as the main artery for pilgrims during the Second Temple period. Archaeologists believe it was walked by countless Jews traveling to Jerusalem for festivals and sacrifices, making it one of the most important finds in Jewish history. The excavation has been led by the Israel Antiquities Authority in cooperation with the City of David Foundation, which operates the site.

Calling the road “an extraordinary archaeological site,” Rubio framed his visit as a celebration of shared Judeo-Christian heritage. Netanyahu emphasized that the unveiling reflects the unbroken bond of the Jewish people to Jerusalem and pledged that the city “will remain united.” Huckabee praised the moment as one that “lets the stones speak,” underscoring the continuity of Jewish presence in the city for thousands of years.

The site has gained increasing international recognition in recent years. In January 2021, the US Embassy in Jerusalem, together with the US Commission for the Preservation of America’s Heritage Abroad, formally recognized the City of David as a testament to America’s Judeo-Christian values and founding principles. In June 2025, Argentine President Javier Milei presented a commemorative plaque at the City of David, affirming its significance as part of world heritage.

While critics, including Palestinians and certain international bodies, have objected to the site’s location in east Jerusalem’s Silwan neighborhood, supporters stress that the excavation is a groundbreaking archaeological project shedding light on ancient Jerusalem. For Israel, it stands as undeniable evidence of the Jewish people’s deep roots in their eternal capital.

The inauguration of the Pilgrimage Road not only brings history to life but also strengthens Israel’s global cultural and spiritual ties. Visitors can now walk the same path their ancestors once took, connecting modern Jerusalem with the faith and devotion of generations past. Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter for more stories celebrating Israel’s history and heritage.