Jerusalem
Jerusalem is the most populous city and the capital of Israel with population of 865,721(2015). About 1.1 million people live in the Jerusalem Metropolitan Area. It is one of the oldest cities in the world built during the early Canaanite period (approximately 2400 BCE) and it is considered a holy city in the three major Abraham religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The part of Jerusalem called the City of David was settled in the 4th millennium BCE. The city was captured by King David about 1200 BCE where his son King Solomon built the First Jewish Temple around 830 BCE.
All branches of the Israeli government are located in Jerusalem, including the Knesset (Israel's parliament), the residences of the Prime Minister and President, and the Supreme Court.
Jerusalem's religious and cultural landmarks today remain the top draw for foreign visitors, with the majority of tourists visiting The Western Wall and The Old City, a walled area within the modern city of Jerusalem and a home to several sites of key religious importance.
We recommend you stay in the city for at list 3 nights.
Main sights recommended in the Old City are:
- The Tower of David, an ancient citadel located near the Jaffa Gate entrance to western edge of the Old City of Jerusalem.
- Jaffa Gate and Damascus Gate, two of the main entrances to the Old City.
- The Western Wall and Jewish Quarters.
- Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque. The holy place for the three religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam.
- The Armenian Quarter and Christian Quarters. Visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
- Muslim Quarters, the largest and most populous in the Old City. Visit the Via Dolorosa believed to be the path that Jesus walked on the way to his crucifixion.
- Mount Zion. Visit the sites of Dormition Abbey, King David's Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper (Cenacle).
- Mount Scopus, a ridge of mountains east Jerusalem offering the best views of the city.
- Mount of Olives has been used as a Jewish cemetery for over 3,000 years and holds approximately 150,000 graves. It is also described as the place from which Jesus ascended to heaven. Visit some of the landmarks such as Church of Mary Magdalene and the Church of All Nations.
- At the foot of Mount of Olives, visit the Kidron Valley. There, visit the tombs of Virgin Mary, Absalom, Zechariah and Benei Hezir.
Main sights recommended in the New City are:
- Israel Museum, with more than one million visitors a year.
- Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.
- Yemin Moshe and Mishkenot Sha’ananim. The first area of Jewish settlement in Jerusalem outside the Old City walls established by Moshe Montefiore in 1892-1894.
- Mamilla Mall, an upscale shopping street and the only open-air mall in Jerusalem.
- Mahane Yehuda Market, a very popular market with more than 250 vendors, cafes and restaurants. See the Agrippas Street Murals nearby.
- Jerusalem Biblical Zoo, has ranked consistently as Israel's top tourist attraction.
About 100 km south of Jerusalem visit Masada, overlooking the Dead Sea. It is recommended you stay in the area for at list 1 night.
See more tourist information on Jerusalem including sights, hotels, etc.
