The New Gate in Jerusalem's Old City has reopened to the public after more than $3 million was invested in renovating it, the Jerusalem municipality announced, 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 multiyear strategy to improve the Old City by 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 tourists' experience and the many possibilities they have 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 congratulate all those involved," he added.
"This is another section of the Old City that was developed and reimagined 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."
