Jerusalem - Cardo Maximus

To the west of the Ramban and Hurva Synagogues are steps leading down to the Cardo Maximus, one of Jerusalem's two principal streets in Roman and Byzantine times. Excavated between 1976 and 1985 for a length of just under 200m/220yds, it now lies 6m/20ft below the modern ground level and accordingly runs underground for part of its course. As the reproduction of a sixth century mosaic pavement which is displayed here shows, it was a magnificent avenue flanked by columns supporting a roof and lined with shops; and indeed one section of the old cardo is now again a fashionable shopping street.