Sultan’s Pool

One of the most breathtaking sites in Israel and the world, located at the foot of the Old City and the Tower of David. The pool was built in the 16th century by Suleiman the First (Suleiman the Magnificent), the Ottoman Sultan, as one of the city’s water reservoirs. In 1978, it was restored by the Jerusalem Foundation. Today, the pool serves as an open-air cultural venue with a capacity of up to 6,500 seats, hosting dozens of performances every year, including international shows.

Smoking is strictly prohibited on the premises!

General Information

Year of Construction

16th century

The pool was built in the 16th century by the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the First (Suleiman the Magnificent) as one of the city’s water reservoirs.

In 1978, it was restored by the Jerusalem Foundation. The transformation of Sultan’s Pool into a cultural venue in the 1970s was initiated by then–Mayor Teddy Kollek, with the aim of creating an amphitheater for international performances in Jerusalem.

In its early years, the venue hosted concerts by some of the world’s greatest conductors.

At the time, there were no seats and the stage was made of stone. The audience would bring pillows and blankets from home to watch the performances. Nice, right?

Management and Maintenance

Since 2008

The Ariel Municipal Company has been responsible for managing and maintaining the venue since 2008.

Maximum Capacity

6,500

Operating Season

April–October

The venue operates seasonally from April to September. Every year, Sultan’s Pool hosts dozens of major events, including:

Jerusalem Arts & Crafts Fair (Hutzot Hayotzer) – 11 consecutive days of art and music featuring leading artists.

Stage performances by top Israeli artists such as Shlomo Artzi, Hanan Ben Ari, Rami & Rita, and many more.

Jerusalem Film Festival screenings.

Institutional events by organizations such as the Jewish Agency, Shilach, and others.

The Jerusalem International Arts and Crafts Fair

Music Festival

The Jerusalem International Arts and Crafts Fair, the largest festival of its kind in Israel, takes place every year in the historic area of Sultan’s Pool, at the foot of the Old City. The festival features dozens of booths showcasing art from Israel and around the world, a variety of stage and circus performances, art installations, art workshops, a special children’s area, and a wide culinary section with unique food stalls and fun street food. The highlight: a rich lineup of musical performances by Israel’s top artists.

Today, the festival is the flagship summer event in Jerusalem and one of Israel’s most sought-after tourist attractions. Each year it draws over 100,000 visitors to nearly two weeks of a vibrant, sensory celebration that fills the entire city with joy, energy, and rhythm.

Click here to visit the festival website

Accessibility

Accessibility arrangements at the site include:

Accessible entrance from Gate 1 (Eliel Dror Street) — note: this entrance has steep slopes.
Accessible entrance from Gate 3 — Cinematheque address, lower parking lot.
Hearing assistance system (induction loop) available at the ticket booth at Gate 1.
Two unisex accessible restrooms located in a permanent building near Gate 1.
Accessible restroom with a central toilet located near Gate 5.
Hearing assistance systems available at the ticket booth at Gate 1.
Special seating areas on viewing platforms with access ramps, located in Sections 1, 3, and 5.

For further inquiries: 02-6320034

hanit@ariel.org.il