The official opening and ribbon-cutting of the New Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City, March 5, 2019. Photo: Alon Boskila.

JNS.org – The New Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City has reopened to the public after more than $3 million was invested in renovating it, announced the Jerusalem municipality on Tuesday.

The New Gate and the adjacent street are a major tourist attraction in the Old City.

First opened in 1889, the New Gate is located near the northwestern corner of the city and leads into the Christian Quarter, which includes the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and other well-visited historical sites.

The New Gate project is part of a multi-year strategy to improve the Old City, such as developing infrastructure, easing congestion and improving accessibility.

“The New Gate pedestrian mall is a project with important touristic significance, which will dramatically improve the movement of tourists in the area and provide them with a wonderful cultural experience,” said Tourism Minister Yariv Levin.

“Tourism to Israel in general and to Jerusalem in particular is at an all-time high, and we continue to improve the tourist experience and the many possibilities he has to enjoy all that Israel has to offer. I am convinced that the new project will be a magnet for many tourists and visitors and I welcome all those involved,” he added.

“This is another section of the Old City that was developed and re-imagined for the benefit of visitors and residents of the area,” said Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion. “The Jerusalem Municipality has put accessibility in the Old City at the top of its priorities, and we will continue to make many more sites in the capital accessible to achieve this goal. The refurbished New Gate area will quickly become a vibrant, attractive, draw for tourists.”