The Meeting Point of Religions
One of the world’s oldest cities, Jerusalem is revered in Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Its focal point is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old City where 4 diverse quarters sit side by side, surrounded by 16th-century walls.
The most prominent Muslim Quarter landmark is the Dome of the Rock, a 7th-century shrine on Temple Mount whose gold dome is visible for miles. Nearby is Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam’s 3rd holiest site.
In the Jewish Quarter is the Western Wall (or Wailing Wail), remains of ramparts surrounding the ancient Second Jewish Temple, where Jews offer prayers. By the walls in the Armenian Quarter is the Tower of David, a 2nd-century BC citadel overlooking some Jerusalem hotels near Jaffa Gate, one of 8 city gates.
The Christian Quarter houses the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, reportedly on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, while the Mount of Olives – another Christian site and home to some Jerusalem hotels near the old city – is just east of the walls.
Other must-see Jerusalem sights include Israel Museum with the Dead Sea Scrolls, and Yad Vashem, a memorial to Holocaust victims. The Rockefeller Museum was the 1st Middle Eastern archaeology museum, and Jerusalem Biblical Zoo houses wildlife from the Hebrew Bible.
The closest airport to Jerusalem is Ben Gurion Airport, on the Tel Aviv road.
