Jerusalem, which is regarded as such by not just one but three Abrahamic religions—Judaism, Christianity, and Islam—is located atop a plateau in the Judean Mountains. Jerusalem, one of the oldest towns in the world, is located between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea.
History also develops with time, and this city has many layers that might be revealed. Jerusalem is a magnificent city with many important historical sites. There are several Quarters, each renowned for a different quality, as well as businesses housed in stone structures.
Intrigued? The following is a list of some interesting Jerusalem tourist attractions. Take a peek, then make plans to visit the ancient, historic city soon.
Best Places to Visit in Jerusalem
For individuals who are interested in learning more about culture and history, Jerusalem is a fascinating location. Additionally, it is a paradise for foodies. Continue reading to learn about some of Jerusalem, Israel,’s top tourist destinations.
1. The Temple Mount (Haram Al-Sharif)
In addition to being revered by both Jews and Muslims, this is the location where Solomon built the First Temple for the Ark of the Covenant, where Abraham (the founder of all three monotheistic faiths) is said to have offered his son as a sacrifice to God, and where the Prophet Muhammad is said to have ascended to heaven during his early years of preaching Islam.
For people of faith, Haram Al-Sharif holds great significance (and is the subject of ownership disputes). Jerusalem’s most recognizable monument, the magnificent Dome of the Rock, lies in the heart of the spacious plaza located above the old city.
2. The Jewish Quarter and the Western Wall
It is presently the holiest monument in Judaism and has been a site of pilgrimage for the Jewish people since the Ottoman era. It is sometimes also known as the Wailing Wall due to the people’s lament for the loss of the temple in 70 CE.
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From the Zion Gate in the east to the Western Wall Plaza, the Jewish Quarter of the old city extends roughly. Since 1967, a large portion of the Old City that was destroyed in the 1948 Israeli-Arab war has been rebuilt.
3. The Holy Sepulchre Church
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is considered to have been constructed on the spot where Jesus was crucified, is Jerusalem’s holiest destination for Christian pilgrims.
Saint Helena, the mother of Constantine the Great, chose the location for the cathedral while touring the Holy Land. She was the one to inform the Byzantine world that this location served as the gospels’ Calvary (or Golgotha).
4. Armenian District
Armenian Patriarchate Road, which runs south from the Citadel, is the primary thoroughfare of what is referred to as the Armenian Quarter of the Old City.
The Syriac Orthodox St. Mark’s Chapel and the Armenian Orthodox Cathedral of St. James are located here amid the congested passageways, where they are much less frequented than other parts of the Old City.
Since their initial arrival in Jerusalem in the fifth century, Armenians have been an integral component of the city’s community. Many more came to Turkey during the Ottoman era and following the murders of Armenians there in the early 20th century.
5. Travel down the Via Dolorosa
The Via Dolorosa (Way of Sorrow), for many Christian tourists, is the high point of their trip to Jerusalem. This walk traces the path taken by Jesus Christ as he carries his cross toward Calvary after being condemned.
Although you can easily complete the trek on your own, if you’re in the area on a Friday, you can participate in the procession along this path, which is led by the Italian Franciscan monks.
6. Wander around the Tower of David and the Citadel
The Citadel also referred to as the Tower of David in popular culture, was built by King Herod in about 24 BCE to guard the palace he had just constructed.
Three of the towers in his first fortress had the names of his wife Mariamne, his companion Hippicus, and his brother Phasael.
The Romans established a garrison here after Titus conquered the city in 70 CE, but over time the castle fell into disrepair. During their periods of rule over Jerusalem, the Crusaders, Egypt’s Mamelukes, and the Ottomans all rebuilt it in turn.
7. The Christian Quarter’s churches
While there are churches located throughout Jerusalem’s Old City, the Christian Quarter is the region that extends north of Jaffa Gate and is centered on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Some of the Old City’s busiest tourist souvenir souks and a slew of churches that are well worth investigating can be found within this maze of lanes.
8. Muslim District
The Muslim Quarter is the area with the best souk shopping in the Old City and is the busiest and liveliest area.
This neighborhood generally extends from Damascus Gate into the Old City’s northeastern section.
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The streets here are lined with many beautiful examples of Mamluk architecture that have survived, such as the 14th-century Khan al-Sultan (Bab al-Silsila Street), where you may climb to the roof for fantastic views of the winding alleyways.
9. Mount Olive
Even non-religious visitors to Jerusalem can enjoy the breathtaking views of the Old City from the top of the Mount of Olives, which is crammed with churches and home to the oldest continuously used cemetery in the world.
On the day of judgment, God is said to start raising the dead here on this holy hill. After his crucifixion and subsequent resurrection, Jesus also went to heaven here, according to Christians.
10. Zion’s Mount
Numerous churches as well as Jewish and Muslim shrines may be found on Mount Zion, a tiny hill that is located just south of the Zion Gate in the Old City.
According to various Christian traditions, Mount Zion has been honored since the Byzantine era as the location of Christ’s Last Supper and the Virgin Mary’s final years (although another legend claims she spent her final days in the Turkish city of Ephesus).
Conclusion
Jerusalem has a staggering amount of historical significance, and because it is so important to the practices of the three main monotheistic religions, it has been the subject of ongoing wars for millennia.
This area forms the center of the Holy Land, where the Jews built the First Temple to protect the Ark of the Covenant, where Jesus was crucified and rose from the dead, and where the Prophet Muhammad ascension to heaven to receive revelation from God took place.
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