Jerusalem

Jerusalem, one of the most fascinating and beautiful cities in the world and the holiest city for all three religions of the Holy Book – Islam, Christianity and Judaism.

There are three districts of Jerusalem: the Old City, East Jerusalem and the New City.

The Old City: The major tourist attraction in Jerusalem, both for religious and historical reasons. Dating back 3,000 years, the City is surrounded by fortified walls that house some of the holiest site in West Bank. On the Noble Sanctuary is the al-Aqsa Mosque and the golden-topped Dome of the Rock, It also has significance in Islam as the place where Prophet Mohammed’s (Puh) horse rose to heaven where Muslims Quarter and then the Christian Quarter, is the route Jesus took as he carried his cross to Via Dolorosa to Calvary. Other places to visit are the Church of the holy Sepulchre also called the Church of the Resurrection by Eastern Christians, that is the holiest Christian site in the world. It stands on a site that is believed to encompass both Golgotha, or Calvary, where Jesus was crucified, and the tomb (sepulchre) where he was buried. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been an important pilgrimage destination since the 4th century. The Pool of Bethesda, a spring-fed pool supposed to possess healing qualities (John 5:2-4). Here Jesus healed a man who had been lame for 38 years (John 5:5-9). The Church of Flagellation is the site where Jesus was flogged.

Walking the streets of the Old City is a memorable experience in itself, with narrow cobbled streets and alleys with market traders on either side. The loud calls of the traders fight for your attention as you meander through the maze of Arab markets losing any sense direction. The smells and sights of herbs and spices, traditional and modern clothes, street food – falafel and shwarma, fresh fruit and vegetables – and the essential gifts of Jerusalem memorabilia add to the ambience. People are friendly and seem to speak the language of every tourist passing, attending to your every need in return for a purchase.

East Jerusalem is home of the Garden Tomb – considered to be a possible site of the crucifixion, burial and resurrection. It is also the site of the Tourjeman Post Museum.

East Jerusalem is a Palestinian district, with small shops, businesses and cheap accommodation, considered an alternative to residing in the Old City.

The New City that surrounds the old one is modern and vibrant, offering shops, restaurants and cafes.

Jerusalem, city of majestic qualities and hospitality.