Old City of Jerusalem
Many unique attractions are located within the city walls. Everywhere you turn you will find magnificent edifices and intriguing archaeological sites. Take in the Western Wall, the last remaining wall of Solomon’s Temple which was razed in 587 BC by the Babylonians. Enjoy seeing the daily prayer ceremonies and on Mondays and Thursday many Bar Mitzvah celebrations are held there. See thousands of heartfelt requests written on small pieces of paper and concealed within the cracks of the imposing Wall. Leave your own message there too.
In the midst of the Old City of Jerusalem you will find the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Christ’s crucifixion, burial and resurrection. Within the confines of the Church are also the Chapel of Golgotha and three of the fourteen Stations of the Cross which commemorate the location of his entombment and subsequent resurrection.
Wander along the Via Dolorosa, the Way of the Cross, Jesus’ route through these alleyways while bearing the cross before the crucifixion. Each of the 14 Stations marks the various events of that day. Through the bustling Old City market you will hear the Muezzin calling the faithful of Islam to prayer together with the songs of praise heard from the various churches and the exuberant merchants asking you to buy their wares.
The Dome of the Rock located on the Temple Mount is a tour de force of Islamic design and is visible from almost every vista of Jerusalem. All three of the monotheistic religions believe that this is the spot where Abraham made ready to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. The Muslims also believe that Mohammed soared to Heaven from this place in a dream.
David’s Citadel also known as the Tower of David was built as a stronghold for King Herod in the 1st century BC. Climb to the top of the highest tower and you will be able to enjoy a wonderful panorama of the Old City. Within the Citadel itself take time out to visit the Museum of the History of Jerusalem with its diverse exhibits of Jerusalem’s colorful history with its stories of the nations who have vanquished and controlled Jerusalem throughout its existence.