The Old City during Ramadan

In the midst of Ramadan, it’s a good time to wander through the Old City and try new routes.  We entered through Herod's Gate, which I probably last accessed more than 35 years ago. The city was fairly crowded today, with a higher than usual number of Muslim worshipers making their way along the narrow alleyways.

The arches of Herod's Gate

I wasn't so much interested in photographing people, but preferred discovering new architectural features that I've never seen before, or else try to re-photograph others, but under different lighting conditions.

The dentilled stonework of this arch in the Muslim Quarter (below) is reminiscent of the fine stonework of the much earlier Shaar Ha Rachamim (Gate of Mercy/Golden Gate), situated along the eastern axis of the Old City walls.

Near one of the main Muslim-only entrances to the Temple Mount, a man slowly makes his way up the stairs, on a warm fast day.

Near the same main Muslim-only entrance to the Temple Mount, a covered street with vaulted ceilings.

The way to Temple Mount…

A mosque with dedicatory plaque, engraved with exquisite Arabic calligraphy.

Another dedicatory inscription, Muslim Quarter.

Plaque detail.