Time Off The east is centred on the Old City; the west is richer, newer, and very different in both look and feel. However, despite the city's past and present turmoil, as a visitor, you will find only kind, welcoming people and an intensely fascinating place in which to explore. Jerusalem Attractions The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Christian Quarter, Jerusalem This is the most sacred of Christian churches, built on the site where it is believed Jesus was crucified, buried and rose again. Originally built by the Byzantines, it was extensively rebuilt by the Crusaders, and has continued to be added to and altered. The not unpleasent result of this is that the current structure appears to be a hotchpotch of different architectural styles, with the inside of the Church divided into six sections, Roman Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Greek Orthodox, Egyptian Coptic, Syrian and Ethiopian Orthodox.
Western Wall (Wailing Wall)
Jewish Quarter, Jerusalem
The Western Wall is the most sacred site of the Jewish religion and the last remaining part of the old Herodian wall. This once enclosed the original Jewish temple on Temple Mount which was destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. Open to visitors 24 hours a day, people are asked to dress respectfully as the site is classed as a synagogue.
Temple Mount (Haram Es Sharif) – Dome of the Rock
Jerusalem
This compound is, according to Muslim beliefs, the site where the profit Mohammed ascended to heaven to view paradise. This same spot - the dome of the rock- is believed by the Jews to be where Abraham committed the supreme act of faith on God's instructions by sacrificing Isaac, his son.
Mount Zion
Jerusalem
This important site is clearly visible as you enter the city from either the west or the south. According to tradition this is the last resting place of King David. Another very significant spot, well worth a visit and close to King David's tomb, is the Coenaculum (or upper room) where Jesus and his disciples attended the Last Supper.
Mount of Olives
Jerusalem
There are a scattering of churches and mosques here, all with important religious significance, including the tombs of Haggai, Malachi and Zechariah who were Islamic prophets. Amongst the churches and mosques, you will find the Mosque of the Ascension, marking the spot where Jesus is believed to have ascended to heaven. Also the Church of the Pater Noster, built on the spot where Jesus is thought to have instructed his disciples on the Lords Payer. Another important spot in this district is the Tomb of the Virgin, a chamber deep underground that contains the tombs of both Mary and Joseph. Also worth a visit is the Jewish cemetery, believed to be the world's oldest cemetery, still in use.
The Muslim Quarter
Jerusalem
This is probably the busiest, most boisterous and densely populated part of the old city. It is situated mainly around the northern end of the Haram Es Sharif and the area is criss-crossed with narrow medieval alleyways, containing some fine examples of Mamluk Architecture. The main thoroughfare of the Muslim Quarter leading from St Stephen's Gate to the heart of the old town, is the Via Dolorosa, the route widely believed to have been the one Jesus took on the way to his crucifixion.
The Jewish Quarter
Jerusalem
Although the Jewish quarter was extensively damaged during the 1948 war, it has been largely rebuilt, and the Israelis have made a great effort to blend the architecture with that of its surroundings. During the rebuilding, several important sites of archaeological interest were unearthed. Probably the most significant was the Cardo, the main north to south street of Roman/Byzantine Jerusalem. Also in this district are a number of fascinating museums, two of the most popular being the Old Yishuv Court and the Wohl Archaeological Museum.
The Christian Quarter
Jerusalem
The Christian Quarter is mainly dominated by the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, but there are other fascinating sites such as the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer which has superb views of the holy city from its tower. |
