Jerusalem’s Old City is surrounded by tall stone walls. Eight gates provide a way for people to enter or leave the city today. The most impressive of these gates is the Damascus Gate. On the northern side of the city, the gate leads to roads that could take people to Damascus, some 170 miles (274 km) to the north. Obviously, few travelers made such a long journey, though Paul did in his pursuit of Christians living in Damascus. The gate we see today is not very old, by Jerusalem standards. Built by the Ottomans in 1537 AD, it continues to be modified in modern times. An older, Roman-era gate has been excavated below the gate we see today. It is below the guard railing in front of the left tower in this video.