3-021-665 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

The Royal Caverns at Jerusalem, 1869. Caves '...at the head of the Valley of Jehoshaphat, or Kedron Valley. It is not many years since these caverns were explored...On visiting these caverns, the guide declares that they branch out in every direction further than one likes to venture. Lieutenant Warren is not so imaginative in his conception. He thinks that there is little else to discover so far as their extent is concerned; but he is anxious to have them fully explored, and they are, undoubtedly, worthy of this attention. The entrance is close to the Damascus Gate...the cavern...has the appearance of having been natural, and not quarried; but soon the character of the place changes as we proceed; and perpendicular walls and scooped-out fissures for detaching blocks of stone tell the process which has at least extended this subterranean series of caverns. Being untouched by the influences of the weather, the marks of the workmen's tools are as perfect as if they had just stopped work...Large blocks have been left as pillars to support the roof while the quarrying work went on. They produce the effect of a hall, with chambers on all sides, leading into other halls...It is dangerous to enter these caverns without a guide'. From "Illustrated London News", 1869.