Jerusalem: the Holy City

Night-time over the Old City in Jerusalem

What springs to mind when you hear the word Jerusalem? Is it ancient stone alleyways brimming with Jews and Arabs on their way to prayer? Or perhaps a picture postcard vista of the Western (Wailing) Wall? Or perhaps the hustle and bustle of a Jerusalem market, with market traders howling out their latest prices and bargains in Hebrew and Arabic?

What you feel for Jerusalem will, of course, depend on your faith. And however much you might convince yourself that you’re a non-believer, there’s something raw and empowering about being in the Holy City that it makes you want to start to believe…in whatever.

Jerusalem is a fascinating city; a city where old meets new, holy meets secular, and where nature and beautiful architecture merge into a melting pot of smells, sounds and sights. I will never forget my first visit to Jerusalem and the Old City, many moons ago, it was amazingly inspiring!

Jerusalem is, of course, the meeting point of the three main faiths: for centuries, Jerusalem has played a significant role in Christianity as the place of Christ’s crucifixion, while for Jews Jerusalem is the place of David’s ancient throne, and the indivisible capital of modern Israel. To Moslems the city is a sacred place of worship, centred on the Dome of the Rock.

Located in the Judean Mountains, just north of the Dead Sea, Jerusalem is home to some 747,600 residents over an area of 125 square kilometres (including the disputed East Jerusalem). Out of that 125 km it is, in fact, one square kilometre which holds incredible importance to so many over the world - the area known as the Old City.

The Old City is home to sites of key religious significance, including the Temple Mount, the Western Wall (a remnant of the supporting wall of the Second Temple), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque. The old walled city, has been traditionally divided into four quarters — the Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim Quarters. For 5000 years of Jerusalem and Holy Land history wrapped up in 1000 words, see here. You might also want to check out our guide to the must-see Christian sites in the Holy Land. Otherwise check out wiki’s extensive section on Jerusalem.

So, of course, we highly recommend you check out the Old City. The places listed above should all be visited, though some may be off-limits, depending a little on your faith and the security situation (which very occasionally takes a turn for the worse). Also check out the narrow streets of the Old City, which are lined with shops where merchants sell foodstuffs and traditional handicrafts (TIP: bargain ferociously - what starts at 50 shekels can often be bought for 5 shekels!). For more information on the sites to see in the Old City, see our guide to the Old City.

And yes, although the Old City, Jerusalem makes this Holy City an absolute must see on your trip to Israel, there is more beyond that old walled city…you really should check out the following:

• Yad Vashem: The Holocaust Museum
• The Knesset: The Israeli government buildings
• Israel Museum: The national collection of art
• Ben Yehuda Promenade: A street full of life, shops and tourists
• Machane Yehuda : A slice of Middle Eastern life in one of the best shuks (markets) in Israel.

Some things you can use to see even more of Jerusalem:

• You, your MP3 player, and a printed map (audio guide to Jerusalem)
• A printed guide to Jerusalem (PDF)