This unique fountain is located in the middle of Suq Aftimos, the newest Suq in Jerusalem. To arrive at the fountain, continue down Bab al-Silsilah Street to its end then turn right (north) where the three Suqs start (al-Khawajat, al-‘Attarin, and al-Lahhamin). Continue towards Bab al-Khalil, turning right again at the beginning of the Bimaristan Street where the fountain is located, a few meters west of the street.
Founder, Date, and Classical Nature of the Fountain
Suq Aftimos was named after the Greek Archimandrite Aftimos, who built this market at the beginning of the 20th century, in 1902. The Suq lies to the west of the German Savior Church and to the east of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. This Suq is characterized by its western architectural style, with its northern entrance comprising a triumph arch composed of three large arches, built with alternating red and white colors of stone known as ablaq, a clear influence of Jerusalem’s Islamic architecture. A large, beautiful water fountain adorns the middle of the Suq, reminiscent of classical fountains in the presence of human and animal figures ornamenting its water exits. The Suq stores are located alongside and around the fountain.
