Excavation at the "New Gate" of Jerusalem.
Jerusalem: the area of Porta Nuova (New Gate) as it is today, with its new streets. And the new square at the cross-section with Jaffa Road, and as it was yesterday....
Recently, after the construction of the new tramway in Jerusalem, the remains of a monastery destroyed during the war of 1948 were discovered. It belonged to the Sisters of Reparation, a contemplative order dedicated to charitable works.
Gerald Finkelstein, the Israel Antiquities Authority archaeologist, led the excavations and tells the little known story of this part of the town, which in the late 1800's became known as the "French Quarter" of Jerusalem.
"We found buildings that were on either side of the Gate, and where we are now was the convent of the Sisters of Mary of Reparation. Behind me are buildings with houses and shops for pilgrims, while further towards the Damascus Gate, the Franciscan school for boys."
Finkelstein found that near the monastery there were plenty …More