Jerusalem is
a particularly fascinating city of three great religions. The Old city
is lively, exciting, and multi-cultural; you can wander along the narrow
streets and admire the convergence of different civilizations in one
place. The city is the beginning of many biblical events. Within the
city walls you can follow the path where Jesus walked, starting from the
Via Dolorosa all the way to the site of Golgotha where he was believed
to be crucified. Outside the Temple Mount and the Holy Sepulcher Church
you can find the Western Wall. The wall of the holy temple was first
used during the early times. Today, many Jews go on a pilgrimage to pray
and leave little notes in the cracks of the walls. Behind the wall is
the Dome of the Rock, a sacred place for Muslims.
When To Go:
The ideal months to visit the city of Jerusalem are April through May and October up to November, when the climate is mellow and the multitudes of tourist arrivals are slim. On the other hand, make a point to crosscheck your travel dates if it coincides with official Jewish festivals, for example, the High Holy Days, Sukkot, and Passover. A heavy influx of tourists and special religious events drives lodging and air fare costs to go up throughout these occasions.
Summer is Jerusalem's peak tourism season, regardless of the sweltering daytime temperatures; travelers roam and wander around the top attractions armed with drinking water and cold towels. Winters push great arrangements on inns, however the climate stays erratic, one day might be sunny and decently warm, while the following days could be lightly overcast with a bit of a downpour and cold weather.
Here are the things to do and attractions to see when in the city of Jerusalem.
Old City of Jerusalem
The journey through the Old City of Jerusalem begins at the Jaffa Gate. It is advisable to hire a tour guide or join the package tours to have a better understanding of each biblical corner in this ancient city. They will provide a detailed map of the city with a variety of routes. You can tour the designated certain attractions or places and follow through the important points of the place. Turn on the audio guide and listen well, it is very convenient and informative. Start the tour as early as 7 am to avoid the long lines in the sacred sites. Most of the shrines are well detailed and understandable. The entire tour of the old city takes about a full five hours.
The main attraction of Jerusalem, Old City is divided into four quarters; Orthodox, Armenian, Arabic and Hebrew. The Arab quarter is quite chaotic and very noisy, because of the series of bazaars. The most quiet and peaceful part is the Jewish Quarter, where you can walk through the narrow cobbled streets and enjoy the beauty of the ancient city. You get the feeling of being in a unique and historic place. The tour to the Via Dolorosa, Garden of Gethsemane, and the way to the passion of Christ gives a strange calm despite the fact that there are many tourists going along with the path taking pictures, stopping to pray and contemplate the solemnity of the place and reverence to the faith is very much observed. The end point of the route is the place of the Holy Sepulcher. Take your time as you walk and look around; better make a thorough research of the attractions online to have a better appreciation of the most famous site in Israel.
Western (Wailing) Wall
The Western (Wailing) Wall is an amalgamation of cultures and religions all gathered round the old square and the location of former King Solomon’s Temple. This is one of the special and religious places in Jerusalem that you must not fail to visit, even if you are not Jewish or religious. The best time to visit is every Friday and hour before sunset. The entire place gets lively with locals dancing in circles, singing, and welcoming the Sabbath day with a small and crowd drawing celebration.
After going through the turnstile that divides men and women, you must go straight in front of this sacred wall where the devotion of the people is the most unique in the world.
Beyond faith or culture to which everyone adheres, standing before the wall is a very nice moment. The tunnels are strongly recommended, but you must book early to gain entry, because only a limited number of people are allowed to enter. Ladies must wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. Taking pictures is not allowed when inside the premises. The Wailing Wall is a good place to reflect about life, love, and faith. There are no differences, nor religions, everything is beautiful there.
Western Wall Tunnels
The trip to the Western Wall Tunnels is a very informative tour, not only for lovers of theology, but also for the simple townsfolk. The guide tells the story of the formation of the city, construction, and history of the people. Generally, it is very interesting to see the city from the other side of the underground. You immediately feel a certain air of mysticism. Be sure to visit tour-walk of the tunnels under the Wailing Wall, you will learn a lot. The guided tour is done in English and conducted in a fast paced manner.
Interestingly, wandering through the underground maze will lead at the end of the tour right in the heart of Jerusalem city. A special physical preparation is required, because in some places the passages are either too narrow or low, and people with claustrophobia may find it uncomfortable.
The tunnels are impressive not only because it was made nearly 2,000 years ago, but because it took a big effort of bringing them into a watchable form and attraction. Here, you can see; the huge underground galleries and halls, water storage pools, and viaduct. After all, most of these tunnels were constructed centuries ago, but then gradually built up and were bombarded. It is amusing to see a huge block of stone from which the Western Wall was built (length - 13, 6 m, height 3.3 m, width 4.5 m, weight 550 tons). In one of the underground rooms the staff shows a film about how the stone was mined and installed. Very interesting!
Mount of Olives
The Mount of Olives is located in the eastern part of Jerusalem's Old City. From the old town it only disconnects mountain Ophel and the Kidron Valley. You can find here the places where most of the events in the gospel occurred like; the Church of the Ascension, Gethsemane Grotto, Our Father's Church, St. Mary Magdalene Church and a few others. On the Mount of Olives there is a beautiful viewpoint (parking is free) where you can admire the magnificent panorama of the Old City of Jerusalem.
In the foreground you can see the golden Dome of the Rock. The path to the viewpoint area can be easily reached by bus No. 75 (bus stop next to Damascus gate). A small chapel stands on the exact spot where Jesus Christ ascended into heaven. Be sure to visit and see the abundance of olive trees, which are more than 2,000 years old. You can go to the Monastery of Mary Magdalene. This is a Russian Orthodox monastery (church with golden domes can be seen from afar).
Garden of Gethsemane
It is located between the Old City and the Mount of Olives. In the Garden of Gethsemane stands the Church of All Nations or the Basilica of the Agony built since the 1920’s. On the premises of the church is where you can find a stone on which Christ prayed before getting arrested by the servants and henchmen of the Sanhedrin.
The garden has survived only a part of the garden during the biblical times, but still it grows the eight olive trees planted back in I century BC., these olive trees have seen Jesus with his disciples. Christ and the apostles came here after the Last Supper. This place is so serene that you will immediately feel a sense of peace and a quiet place for reflection. Seeing the millennium old olive trees is like a shock to the heart because you can feel the connection with the world and their involvement in the story of Jesus.
Via Dolorosa Tour (Way of the Cross)
This tour is a way of the cross of Jesus Christ. The Via Dolorosa tour begins almost immediately upon entering the Christian quarter of the old city of Jerusalem. The Way of the Cross consists of 14 stops. It starts from the Tower of Antonia, then through the Chapel of the Flagellation and the Condemnation It extends to the site where Jesus was condemned. In the bas relief called Tadeusz Zelinsky, is where for the 1st time Jesus falls under the cross.
At the 4th stop, he meets his mother. On the 5th stop begins the ascent to Calvary, at the 7th stop Jesus falls the 2nd time. On the 11th stop is where they have him nailed to the cross, on the 14th stop of Jesus was where he was laid in a coffin. Stroll a little further and you will see the Basilica of the Resurrection, near the Holy Sepulcher. This way you have to experience for yourself to feel the depth of the pain and suffering that befell the Son of God.
Christ’s Tomb/ The Church of the Holy Sepulcher
You must arm yourself with patience to be able to see the Christ’s Tomb or The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, because the flow of the people is enormous, but you will be in awe at the overwhelming show of devotion and you will understand that it is all worth the effort. Inside the Basilica, you can see the “Chapel of the Angel, "where in the center, above a column there is a guarded original piece of round stone that was used to close the door of the Holy Sepulcher.
A small door leads to the Holy Sepulcher itself, through the marble slab where you can see the white bed of rock where Jesus' body was laid. To touch these relics and see this holy place is a must for every Christian. Reaching this sacred place is a humbling experience.
Dome of the Rock (al-Haram al-Sharif)
The Dome of the Rock is one of the most beautiful architectural treasures in the world and one of the three most important places of Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The structure has been preserved in its essence for more than thirteen centuries. The point of greatest interest is undoubtedly the "Noble Rock" located under the high dome of gold, surrounded by arches arranged in a circle on an octagonal base. The mosques are not open and only a small area of open space is usable by non-Muslims, however, a cordon of soldiers will tell you which direction to follow (basically you enter the door of the Maghreb to get out the door on the chain).
The brief glimpses that you will be able to get to the Dome of the Rock (the third place of worship for Muslims, so called because this Rock is where Mohammed flew on his night journey) and the El-Aqsa Mosque is worth the wait, tradition says that this is the place from which God drew the clay to shape the man, and where once stood the Temple that is sacred to the Jews. The dome with its gold leaf and finely decorated pottery is a unique masterpiece, something transcendental, a true patrimony of humanity.
Jewish Quarter
Within the district of the Jewish Quarter is where you can find the Western Wall, better known as the Wailing Wall, "and other important archaeological sites such as the" House burned "(which is the remains of a house of the period of the destruction of Jerusalem took place more than two thousand years ago.) The "Thistle" is the typical Roman street built in the sixth century and consists of two rows of old columns. Remains of columns, arches and foundation stones can be seen within the neighborhood (Cardo Maximus). It sets apart from the chaotic center of the old city where they mix the sounds, smells, and noises of different cultures.
There are white buildings, clean streets, and shops that are far from the typical souks which are located a few meters away. The silence and tranquility make it a pleasant place. It is imperative to stop and see the historic synagogue in Hurva Square. In the evening it is pleasant to walk through the streets and alleys, with the city lights that enhance every detail. Do not forget to stop at one of the many cafes / bakeries to drink tea and eat some kosher candy or have a falafel Shawarma.
Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial
The Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial is a place steeped in sadness and palpable sense of oppression. The story of the holocaust can be viewed in this extensive museum that is made almost entirely inside a hill, in memory of the people who perished during the terrible holocaust. In any case, it is a stunning place to visit with respect and motivation.
Worthy of note is the path between the road and lush hills above. There is a very poignant space dedicated to the children killed. The entire memorial tells the story of every victim, martyrs and heroes of the 1953 holocaust and serves as a living testament that this horrible tragedy must not happen ever again not only in Jerusalem but anywhere else around the world.
When To Go:
The ideal months to visit the city of Jerusalem are April through May and October up to November, when the climate is mellow and the multitudes of tourist arrivals are slim. On the other hand, make a point to crosscheck your travel dates if it coincides with official Jewish festivals, for example, the High Holy Days, Sukkot, and Passover. A heavy influx of tourists and special religious events drives lodging and air fare costs to go up throughout these occasions.
Summer is Jerusalem's peak tourism season, regardless of the sweltering daytime temperatures; travelers roam and wander around the top attractions armed with drinking water and cold towels. Winters push great arrangements on inns, however the climate stays erratic, one day might be sunny and decently warm, while the following days could be lightly overcast with a bit of a downpour and cold weather.
Here are the things to do and attractions to see when in the city of Jerusalem.
Old City of Jerusalem
The journey through the Old City of Jerusalem begins at the Jaffa Gate. It is advisable to hire a tour guide or join the package tours to have a better understanding of each biblical corner in this ancient city. They will provide a detailed map of the city with a variety of routes. You can tour the designated certain attractions or places and follow through the important points of the place. Turn on the audio guide and listen well, it is very convenient and informative. Start the tour as early as 7 am to avoid the long lines in the sacred sites. Most of the shrines are well detailed and understandable. The entire tour of the old city takes about a full five hours.
The main attraction of Jerusalem, Old City is divided into four quarters; Orthodox, Armenian, Arabic and Hebrew. The Arab quarter is quite chaotic and very noisy, because of the series of bazaars. The most quiet and peaceful part is the Jewish Quarter, where you can walk through the narrow cobbled streets and enjoy the beauty of the ancient city. You get the feeling of being in a unique and historic place. The tour to the Via Dolorosa, Garden of Gethsemane, and the way to the passion of Christ gives a strange calm despite the fact that there are many tourists going along with the path taking pictures, stopping to pray and contemplate the solemnity of the place and reverence to the faith is very much observed. The end point of the route is the place of the Holy Sepulcher. Take your time as you walk and look around; better make a thorough research of the attractions online to have a better appreciation of the most famous site in Israel.
Western (Wailing) Wall
The Western (Wailing) Wall is an amalgamation of cultures and religions all gathered round the old square and the location of former King Solomon’s Temple. This is one of the special and religious places in Jerusalem that you must not fail to visit, even if you are not Jewish or religious. The best time to visit is every Friday and hour before sunset. The entire place gets lively with locals dancing in circles, singing, and welcoming the Sabbath day with a small and crowd drawing celebration.
After going through the turnstile that divides men and women, you must go straight in front of this sacred wall where the devotion of the people is the most unique in the world.
Beyond faith or culture to which everyone adheres, standing before the wall is a very nice moment. The tunnels are strongly recommended, but you must book early to gain entry, because only a limited number of people are allowed to enter. Ladies must wear clothes that cover their shoulders and knees. Taking pictures is not allowed when inside the premises. The Wailing Wall is a good place to reflect about life, love, and faith. There are no differences, nor religions, everything is beautiful there.
Western Wall Tunnels
The trip to the Western Wall Tunnels is a very informative tour, not only for lovers of theology, but also for the simple townsfolk. The guide tells the story of the formation of the city, construction, and history of the people. Generally, it is very interesting to see the city from the other side of the underground. You immediately feel a certain air of mysticism. Be sure to visit tour-walk of the tunnels under the Wailing Wall, you will learn a lot. The guided tour is done in English and conducted in a fast paced manner.
Interestingly, wandering through the underground maze will lead at the end of the tour right in the heart of Jerusalem city. A special physical preparation is required, because in some places the passages are either too narrow or low, and people with claustrophobia may find it uncomfortable.
The tunnels are impressive not only because it was made nearly 2,000 years ago, but because it took a big effort of bringing them into a watchable form and attraction. Here, you can see; the huge underground galleries and halls, water storage pools, and viaduct. After all, most of these tunnels were constructed centuries ago, but then gradually built up and were bombarded. It is amusing to see a huge block of stone from which the Western Wall was built (length - 13, 6 m, height 3.3 m, width 4.5 m, weight 550 tons). In one of the underground rooms the staff shows a film about how the stone was mined and installed. Very interesting!
Mount of Olives
The Mount of Olives is located in the eastern part of Jerusalem's Old City. From the old town it only disconnects mountain Ophel and the Kidron Valley. You can find here the places where most of the events in the gospel occurred like; the Church of the Ascension, Gethsemane Grotto, Our Father's Church, St. Mary Magdalene Church and a few others. On the Mount of Olives there is a beautiful viewpoint (parking is free) where you can admire the magnificent panorama of the Old City of Jerusalem.
In the foreground you can see the golden Dome of the Rock. The path to the viewpoint area can be easily reached by bus No. 75 (bus stop next to Damascus gate). A small chapel stands on the exact spot where Jesus Christ ascended into heaven. Be sure to visit and see the abundance of olive trees, which are more than 2,000 years old. You can go to the Monastery of Mary Magdalene. This is a Russian Orthodox monastery (church with golden domes can be seen from afar).
Garden of Gethsemane
It is located between the Old City and the Mount of Olives. In the Garden of Gethsemane stands the Church of All Nations or the Basilica of the Agony built since the 1920’s. On the premises of the church is where you can find a stone on which Christ prayed before getting arrested by the servants and henchmen of the Sanhedrin.
The garden has survived only a part of the garden during the biblical times, but still it grows the eight olive trees planted back in I century BC., these olive trees have seen Jesus with his disciples. Christ and the apostles came here after the Last Supper. This place is so serene that you will immediately feel a sense of peace and a quiet place for reflection. Seeing the millennium old olive trees is like a shock to the heart because you can feel the connection with the world and their involvement in the story of Jesus.
Via Dolorosa Tour (Way of the Cross)
This tour is a way of the cross of Jesus Christ. The Via Dolorosa tour begins almost immediately upon entering the Christian quarter of the old city of Jerusalem. The Way of the Cross consists of 14 stops. It starts from the Tower of Antonia, then through the Chapel of the Flagellation and the Condemnation It extends to the site where Jesus was condemned. In the bas relief called Tadeusz Zelinsky, is where for the 1st time Jesus falls under the cross.
At the 4th stop, he meets his mother. On the 5th stop begins the ascent to Calvary, at the 7th stop Jesus falls the 2nd time. On the 11th stop is where they have him nailed to the cross, on the 14th stop of Jesus was where he was laid in a coffin. Stroll a little further and you will see the Basilica of the Resurrection, near the Holy Sepulcher. This way you have to experience for yourself to feel the depth of the pain and suffering that befell the Son of God.
Christ’s Tomb/ The Church of the Holy Sepulcher
You must arm yourself with patience to be able to see the Christ’s Tomb or The Church of the Holy Sepulcher, because the flow of the people is enormous, but you will be in awe at the overwhelming show of devotion and you will understand that it is all worth the effort. Inside the Basilica, you can see the “Chapel of the Angel, "where in the center, above a column there is a guarded original piece of round stone that was used to close the door of the Holy Sepulcher.
A small door leads to the Holy Sepulcher itself, through the marble slab where you can see the white bed of rock where Jesus' body was laid. To touch these relics and see this holy place is a must for every Christian. Reaching this sacred place is a humbling experience.
Dome of the Rock (al-Haram al-Sharif)
The Dome of the Rock is one of the most beautiful architectural treasures in the world and one of the three most important places of Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The structure has been preserved in its essence for more than thirteen centuries. The point of greatest interest is undoubtedly the "Noble Rock" located under the high dome of gold, surrounded by arches arranged in a circle on an octagonal base. The mosques are not open and only a small area of open space is usable by non-Muslims, however, a cordon of soldiers will tell you which direction to follow (basically you enter the door of the Maghreb to get out the door on the chain).
The brief glimpses that you will be able to get to the Dome of the Rock (the third place of worship for Muslims, so called because this Rock is where Mohammed flew on his night journey) and the El-Aqsa Mosque is worth the wait, tradition says that this is the place from which God drew the clay to shape the man, and where once stood the Temple that is sacred to the Jews. The dome with its gold leaf and finely decorated pottery is a unique masterpiece, something transcendental, a true patrimony of humanity.
Jewish Quarter
Within the district of the Jewish Quarter is where you can find the Western Wall, better known as the Wailing Wall, "and other important archaeological sites such as the" House burned "(which is the remains of a house of the period of the destruction of Jerusalem took place more than two thousand years ago.) The "Thistle" is the typical Roman street built in the sixth century and consists of two rows of old columns. Remains of columns, arches and foundation stones can be seen within the neighborhood (Cardo Maximus). It sets apart from the chaotic center of the old city where they mix the sounds, smells, and noises of different cultures.
There are white buildings, clean streets, and shops that are far from the typical souks which are located a few meters away. The silence and tranquility make it a pleasant place. It is imperative to stop and see the historic synagogue in Hurva Square. In the evening it is pleasant to walk through the streets and alleys, with the city lights that enhance every detail. Do not forget to stop at one of the many cafes / bakeries to drink tea and eat some kosher candy or have a falafel Shawarma.
Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial
The Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial is a place steeped in sadness and palpable sense of oppression. The story of the holocaust can be viewed in this extensive museum that is made almost entirely inside a hill, in memory of the people who perished during the terrible holocaust. In any case, it is a stunning place to visit with respect and motivation.
Worthy of note is the path between the road and lush hills above. There is a very poignant space dedicated to the children killed. The entire memorial tells the story of every victim, martyrs and heroes of the 1953 holocaust and serves as a living testament that this horrible tragedy must not happen ever again not only in Jerusalem but anywhere else around the world.
