In historic first, Old City of Jerusalem’s Roman-era street to be made wheelchair accessible

In a groundbreaking achievement, the Roman-era Christian Quarter Road in Jerusalem's Old City has been declared the first historic street in the city to become wheelchair accessible. This historic moment marks a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to make Jerusalem's ancient city more inclusive for people with disabilities.

The project, which began planning in 2009 and was formally launched a decade later, aims to preserve the original stonework of the 1,900-year-old street while making it accessible to wheelchairs and strollers. Spearheaded by the Jerusalem Affairs Ministry, the Jerusalem Municipality's Accessibility Department, the Israel Antiquities Authority, and East Jerusalem Development Ltd., the work is being carried out by a team of experts and accessibility consultants.

The Roman-era street, known as the Christian Quarter Road and dating back to 135 CE when Jerusalem was Aelia Capitolina under Roman rule, has been transformed through various phases of work. Archaeologists uncovered a Byzantine-era road beneath the current surface, revealing parts of the medieval Patriarch's Street. These stones were raised to the modern street level and integrated into the existing structure, allowing pedestrians to walk on the very stones that ancient residents traversed.

The ancient pavement, which is now being restored, will be re-laid along the eastern side of the street, while the western side will be covered with level paving designed for wheelchair accessibility. During the process, underground infrastructure such as water and electricity lines will be replaced, and building facades, awnings, and connections to neighboring streets will be updated.