Jerusalem is the most beautiful city in the world with a staggering history and a vital place in the traditions of all three monotheistic faiths. A repository of sacred buildings and relics - here you can walk in the footsteps of prophets and pray in buildings constructed by order of caliphs and kings. For believers, a visit to Jerusalem is a pilgrimage to one of the most sacred sites in the world. It is a sensory and spiritual experience unlike any others.
TOP 8 PLACES TO VISIT
1.TEMPLE MOUNT AND THE DOME OF ROCK
The temple is one of the holiest sites in Jerusalem for both Jews and Muslims. Even if you are not a believer it is worth visiting for its resounding historical significance of thousands of years converge in one place. The temples most notable feature is distinctly Muslim - the Dome of the Rock where Muhammad prayed with Gabriel.
2.CHURCH OF THE HOLY SEPULCHRE
The church is the most important Christendom’s church in Jerusalem. Christian pilgrims have arrived here for the past 16 centuries, the tears, laments and prayers of the pilgrims have done much to sanctify it. It is home to relics, many of which have been coveted by pilgrims and the cross discovered by Helena (it was removed due to many pilgrims took a bite out of the wood for mementos) and the Stone of Unction.
3.YAD VASHEM MEMORIAL
This memorial name was taken from Isaiah 56:5 and means ‘A Memorial and a Name’ and is dedicated to the six million Jews who died at the hands of the Nazis is sobering. Galleries in the memorial trace the story chronologically and thematically, and use artefacts, films, personal testimonies on video, photographs and art installations.
4.TOWER OF DAVID MUSEUM
The tower’s original purpose was to defend Jerusalem, but today contains an extremely comprehensive museum detailing Jerusalem's history. Walking through the citadel, you'll find informative panels and miniature models depicting Jerusalem at different points of its existence. Don’t miss the lightshow greatly depending on the day and the season.
5.MOUNT ZION
The hill is home to Jewish and Muslim shrines as well as a number of churches. It has been revered as the place where Christ celebrated the Last Supper and where the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life since the Byzantine Age. For Jews, its importance stems from this being the place of King David's Tomb. Mount Zion has served as both church and mosque throughout its long history.
6.ROCKEFELLER ARCHAEOLOGICAL MUSEUM
Exhibits from the Stone Age until the 18th century are housed inside the museum. Highlights of the museum are the skeleton unearthed on Mount Carmel known as the Carmel Man in the South Gallery, the 6th century BC Lachish letters in the North Gallery, and the ornately carved beams from the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the South Room.
7.ISRAEL MUSEUM
The museum opened in 1965 and is the only place in the country that collects and displays both archaeological finds and art.
- THE RED SHRINE OF THE BOOK BUILDING - Israel’s portion of the Dead Sea Scrolls which were unearthed in the Dead Sea area during the
- JUDAICA WING - In this wing an impressive exhibit of sacred Jewish art and ethnographic are on display from Jewish life in various countries.
- C.ARCHAEOLOGICAL WING - The wing contains fascinating exhibits from the early days of settlement here through to the Romans.
- D.THE ART WING - A good collection of works by Israeli painters as well as pieces by Gauguin, Renoir, and Van Gogh are on exhibit.
8.MUSEUM ON THE SEAM
The building originally served as a prison from 1948 until 1967 and still bears the scars of war. Contemporary-art exhibitions that are challenging, controversial and satisfying in equal measure and exhibitions changing every six months is housed in the museum. On display is work work from regional artists and focus on issues of global conflict, prejudice, racism and human rights.
OTHER PLACES TO SEE
- Mount of Olives
- City of David
- Israel Museum
- Mahane Yehuda
- Garden Tomb
- Wailing Walls
- Jewish Quarter
- Armenian Quarter
- Via Dolorosa
- Christian Quarter
- Muslim Quarter
- Old City Walls
- Dominican Monastery of St. Stephen
- Solomon’s Quarries
- Mandelbaum Gate
- Russian Orthodox Cathedral
- Mea Shearim District
- Museum of Italian Jewish Art & Synagogue
- Kidron Valley
- Hezekiah’s Tunnel
The best way to get around Jerusalem are on foot or by taxi. Other transport available are bus, light rail or car rental.
The best times to visit Jerusalem are April through May and October through November, when the weather is mild and the crowds are thin.
