Tomb of King David (Traditional)

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 traditional site located on the lower floor of the Upper Room at Mount Zion.

The tomb is located in a room that is traditionally believed to have been David’s palace, and is accessed by a set of stairs. The tomb itself is covered in a velvet cloth and is surrounded by a metal fence. The room is also used for prayer and study by Orthodox Jewish men.

While the authenticity of the tomb is a matter of debate among scholars, the site has been an important pilgrimage site for Jews for centuries. It has also been the site of numerous conflicts between Jewish and Muslim communities in Jerusalem.

On the ground level are several Jewish synagogues, and the site is one of the most Holiest Jewish places. The second level is a holy place for Christians – the location of the “Last Supper.“ The third level has a Muslim muezzin tower.