Tomb of King David (City of David)
City:
Jerusalem
State, Province, Region, or District:
Jerusalem District
Country:
Israel
Overview
The biblical text states that King David was buried in the City of David, though the actual location remains a subject of ongoing discussion between textual accounts, archaeological findings on the eastern ridge, and the traditional site on Mount Zion.
Currently, the Tomb of King David in the City of David receives fewer visitors, as the majority prefer to visit the lower floor of the Upper Room at Mount Zion, where a large casket is revered as King David's Tomb.
Separate pages will be dedicated to each site identified as the Tomb of King David. This page focuses on the site located in the City of David.
Alternate Names
Tomb of King David; The Sepulchres of the Kings
Geography & Location
The Bible provides quite accurate information regarding the location of the Tomb of David: "Then David lay down with his fathers, and he was buried in the city of David." (1 Kings 2:10). This verse makes it clear that the Tomb of David was located inside the City of David.
Biblical, Historical, & Archaeological Background Information
King David's Death and Tomb (c. 970 BC - c. 638 AD)
Architecture
The biblical Tomb of King David is historically noted to be in the City of David, but the actual ancient architectural remains have not been definitively identified by archaeologists. Instead, a popular medieval site on Mount Zion features a Crusader-era structure housing a draped cenotaph.
Biblical & Historical References
1 Kings 2:10 states: "Then David rested with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David.”
Spiritual Lessons and Application
The true burial site of King David is recorded in the Bible as being inside the original City of David, distinct from the traditional tourist site on Mount Zion. Exploring this location offers profound lessons regarding faithfulness to God's word, historical reality, and God's enduring promises.
Etymology
City of David (Ir David): Named after King David captured the Jebusite fortress of Zion (Metzadat Zion) and made it his capital.
Planning a Visit
Disclaimer: The information provided below may not be current. Travel details, entry requirements, and business operations are subject to frequent change due to holidays, seasonal fluctuations, maintenance, staffing levels, weather, and safety considerations. Always double-check with official sources before you go.
Places of Interest
Pool of Siloam
Virtual Visit
“David slept with his ancestors and was buried in the City of David” (1 Kings 2:10). The Hebrew Bible makes it clear that King David and his successors were buried somewhere on the narrow ridge near the Gihon Spring where the earliest city of Jerusalem was located. But where exactly? The leader of an early-20th-century excavation believed he had discovered the royal necropolis of the Davidic kings in the southern part of the City of David, overlooking the Kidron Valley, but many have challenged the identification. Could this have been King David’s burial place?