Jerusalem is a place where they integrate tradition with development, and holiness with secularism in an extraordinary way. Its a place where just by crossing the street you can keep from the modern life of the 21st century to a place lost in time. The hometown of prophets and kings, and holy to three monotheistic religions whose believers make up half of the world’s population. Walking around Jerusalem is like stepping into a time machine, here you can spend the morning following in the footsteps of the Bible and spend your evening dining or enjoying a live contemporary music or dance show. The Capital of Israel, Jerusalem is also its largest city and home to some of the best museums, cultural institutions and restaurants in the country.
The Old City
Aside from being one of the holiest places in the world, Jerusalem’s old city is saturated with historical significance and panoramic views. Its awe-inspiring diversity should not be missed.
The Main Gates:
The current walls of the Old City were built in 1538 under the Muslim Ottoman Empire and the Turkish sultan Suleman. The walls are approximately 4.5 km (2.8 miles), and a height between 5 and 15 metres, with a thickness of three metres. When you visit Jerusalem, you will be entering through one of its seven gates known as Damascus gate, Lion’s gate, Zion’s gate, Jaffa gate, Dung gate and the Mercy Gate, which is sealed off, awaiting the arrival of the Messiah.
Jewish Quarter:
During king Herod’s time, the quarter was an elegant residential neighborhood populated principally by Jewish priests and noble families. The quarter contains many sites including the Western wall, the Temple Mount tunnels, City of David, the Cardo,the Burnt House and synagogues of which the best known is Hurva.
Tower of David:
The Tower of David is located to the entrance to the Old City near Jaffa Gate, is the name given to the citadel that protected Jerusalem for thousand of years. Located at the Old City’s highest point, the citadel was a strategic asset in the defense of Jerusalem from the West.
The Western Wall:
The Western Wall is the western supporting wall of the Temple Mount Plaza, has survived since the days of King Herod and has been the holiest place for Judaism for two millennia. It attracts millions of tourists each year and thousands of worshipers each day, arriving around the clock. Visitors often place small slips of paper with various prayer requests written on them between the stones of the wall.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre:
This is the Christianity’s most important church, located at the centre of the Old City’s Christian Quarter. According to tradition, it is the place that Jesus was crucified by Roman soldiers on the eve of Passover, after an early-morning trial by Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor of Judea, Jesus was buried and then resurrected two days later. Lit from above facing the entrance inside the church is the Stone of Anointment. On the left is a structure, the tomb of Jesus, where the ‘holy fire’ comes down from the skies every year to the patriarch’s torch. The original cross, carried by Jesus is also there.
Eastern Jerusalem
Garden Tomb:
The Garden Tomb is believed by many to be the garden and sepulcher of Joseph of Arimathea, and therefore a possible site for the resurrection of Jesus. it is a quite, charming place, preserved for worship and reflection.
Bible Lands Museum:
Containing one of the most important collections of antiquities, this museum gives biblical stories an entirely new dimension. Exhibits are arranged chronologically, granting the visitor a clear understanding of how various cultures evolved and interacted with one another. The collection features many beautiful works from ancient Egypt, Syria, Anatolia, Mesopotamia and Persia. The wide variety of objects includes ancient inscriptions, jewelry, mosaics, seals, ivory carvings and scarabs.
Yad Vashem:
Situated on Jerusalem’s mount of Remembrance, Yad vashem comprises of indoor museums,and outdoor monuments, exhibitions, memorial sites, gardens, and world class research and education centres. All to explore the history of the Shoah, and commemorate its victims. You are invited to experience the Holocaust History Museum, discover the Museum of the Holocaust Art, visit the Children,s memorial and walk through the Avenue of the Righteous among the Nations.
Garden of Gethsemane:
A peaceful garden among a grove of ancient olive trees, the garden is the best known as the place where Jesus prayed his last prayer. Located at the foot of Mt of Olives, within the walled grounds of the Church of All Nations, the Garden of Gethsemane still contains dozens of ancient olive trees that date approximately 2000 years ago