The only gate to provide access to the Old City of Jerusalem from the west. The story tour-guides like to tell is that this was where the first Christian martyr Stephen was stoned to death. There is no evidential basis for the story. The name "St. Stephen" was transferred from a church that originally stood on the northern side of the City.
The alternative name, Lion's Gate, derives from the heraldic emblems set on either side of the gate. One legend claims that they represent the lions that were prepared to eat the first Ottoman sultan, Selim I (1512-20), if he carried through his plan to level Jerusalem. Another says that they represent the lions Suleiman saw in his dreams that would devour him if he did not build the walls and gates of the City.
This gate serves as the entry point of the traditional Via Dolorosa or 'the way of the cross.' The site immediately inside the gate was, in the time of Jesus, occupied by a pool, Pool of Israel and, though a gate may have existed here (it is uncertain), it is highly doubtful that Jesus was taken to the High Priest for questioning along this route.
The heraldic emblems.
©ALBERITH
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