Jerusalem is probably the most important city in Western Civilization. It is considered sacred by Judaism, Christianity and Islam. The control over Jerusalem is still a subject of disputes yet it is safe to visit and thousands of tourists visit it annually. For easier orientation Jerusalem is divided into three parts: West Jerusalem East Jerusalem and the Old City. The Old City contain the historic quarters and are divided even further into Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Armenian quarters. Bringing a map along is a really good idea because you can easily get lost in narrow and disorganized streets of the Old City. Maps don't have to be very detailed. It would be even better if it will show only locations of major sites, what they are and where can you find them in relation to your location.
Temple Mount or Haram esh- Sharif ("Noble Sanctuary"
The Cardo
Dating back to Byzantine times, Cardo of Jerusalem was busy trading street running in North- South orientation. It divided the city in its full length and judging by many mosaic depictions from the time period was a prominent feature of the city at the time. It was constructed in the 2nd century AD by the Roman during their massive reconstruction after fall of Jerusalem. Byzantines increased its width to 12.5 meters (41 feet). Today only few remaining sections are visible in the Jewish Quarter of the Jerusalem. It still gives an impression of size and scale. Artist depiction of the reconstructed time period can be found here.
Hurva Synagogue
Hurva Synagogue takes its name from a word Hurva which means "ruins". It might seem an odd choice to name your house of prayer by this non- original name unless you know the history of this building. Original structure was burned down in the 18th century by arsons. It was restored in 1864, by less than a century later it was virtually destroyed during war between newly found Israel state and Arabs in 1948. For a long time ruins were a popular destination for tourists. If you look at the pictures from a time period you will see nothing but few boulders and an arch. However in 2006 a construction of a new synagogue began that finished with re- dedication on March 15, 2010.
The Sephardic Synagogues
Location: Ha- Tupim Street, Jerusalem
Tel. (02) 628 0592
Open: 9:30am- 4pm Sun- Thu, 9:30am- 12:30 Fri
The Sephardic Synagogues of Jerusalem is a group of four synagogues that date to the 17th century. It was formed by Sephardim, descendants of Jews who were expelled from Spain in 1492 and Portugal 1497. Refugees moved to lands under control of the Ottoman Empire. Eventually many moved to Palestine and Jerusalem. Ottoman Turkish law prohibited other religions to construct their temples above the height of mosques, so Jews constructed their synagogues below the level of the street to reach required height. The Ben Zakkal Synagogue was constructed in 1610. The Prophet Elijah Synagogue was a former study hall constructed in 1625, but it was transformed into a separate temple in 1702 due to growing number of local population. Central Synagogue was later added in 1830's and Istambull Synagogue was built in 1857.
Wohl Archeological Museum is devoted to archaeological finds from the time of Jesus Christ and king Herod the Great. Since the city was burned in 70 AD during Jewish revolt against the Roman authority, its everyday artefacts and buildings were covered by newer structures. It offers an unique view of everyday life. Fees for the entrance also cover The Burnt House found adjacent to the museum. Be aware that photography is not allowed in the museum.
The Broad Wall
Isaiah (22:10) And ye have numbered the houses of Jerusalem, and the houses have ye broken down to fortify the wall.
Plugat ha- Kotel Street
The Broad Wall is a section of the wall that remains from the ancient fortifications built by King Hezekiah in the 8th century BC. It was constructed by the Israelites to defend increasing numbers of refugees from around the city following the Assyrian invasion in 722 BC. You can clearly see that many older residence were torn down to make way for the new wall that cut through them. It was discovered in 1967 during modern reconstruction projects. Due to its importance it was left as it was found without new construction covering it. It is well hidden and you might stumble on it accidentally as you explore confusing maize of city streets. The easiest way to find it is simply ask for directions.
Western (Wailing) Wall
Location: Western Wall Plaza, Jerusalem
Bus: 1, 2, 38
Western Wall Tunnel
Tel. (1-599) 515 888
Open: 8am- evening Sun- Thu
8am- 12:30 pm Fri
Closed: Jewish holidays
Chain of the Generations Centre
Tel. (1-599) 515 888
Open: 8am- 8pm Sun- Thu
8am- 12pm Fri
Closed: Jewish holidays
Western or Wailing Wall of Jerusalem is known as Ha-Kotel Ha-Ma'aravi (הכותל המערבי) in Hebrew. This is largest preserved part of the Second Temple. However you can see distinct stones on Southern and Eastern sides of the former complex of the Temple. It is open 24 hours 365 days a year.
Upon destruction Romans kept the retaining walls of the Temple to demonstrate their incredible tenacity to capture such a citadel. It gets its name from the sorrow all Jews feel upon seeing the destruction that befell their most important shrine. Please, respect traditions and dress accordingly if you choose to come to a wall. Covering arms and legs is preferable. The left side of the wall is for men who get plastic kippah if they don’t have one. The right side is reserved for women.
The whole temple complex looked like a large box put on the mountain peak. Retaining walls are visible, but inner passages are assessable by a Western Wall Tunnel. It leads inside subterranean passage way of the religious complex. However there is limited number of people that can fit inside temple's foundation. Make sure you can book the visit in advance.
Ophel Archeological Museum
Location: Batei Makhase Street, Jerusalem
Tel. (02) 627 7550
Open: 8am- 7pm Sun- Thu
8am- 2pm Fri
Ophel Archeological Museum is situated just south of the Western Wall. The museum is one of the most interesting sites in Jerusalem even if you are not a big fan of archaeology and certainly largest in the city. It covers ruins from the David's time to the Ottoman period. Audio guide is available for another 6 shekels.
Ramban Synagogue
Location: Hurva Square, Jerusalem
Jewish community that constructed Ramban Synagogue was the first settlement since Jewish Exile by the Romans in 135AD. First diaspora was organized by Spanish Rabbi Moses Ben Nahman (Nahmanides) in 1267. First temple was constructed near the tomb of King David. Current site was settled in the 15th century, however in 1523 it had to be rebuilt after a collapse. Ramban Synagogue was the closed by the Muslim authorities in 1599. The building was transformed into a workshop. Only after 1967 war Israel captured the whole city of Jerusalem and reinstated the Synagogue to its former use.
Ariel Centre for Jerusalem in the First Temple Period
Location: Bonei Hanomah Street, Jerusalem
Tel. (02) 628 6288
Open: Sept- June 9am- 4pm Sun- Thu
July- Aug 9am- 6pm Sun- Thu
9am- 1pm Fri
Ariel Centre for Jerusalem in the First Temple Period is museum is devoted to the history of the ancient Jerusalem as it existed in the 7th and 6th century BC. This includes a large model of the whole city with a reconstructed First Temple erected by a legendary Israeli king Solomon.
Old Yishuv Court Museum
Open: 10am–3pm Sun–Thu, 10am–1pm Fri
Old Yishuv Court Museum is a former private residence constructed in the 15th century. Today it houses a museum devoted to the life of a Jewish community from the 19th century to 1917 when Ottoman Empire lost control over Holy Land. The top floor of the building holds 18th century Ashkenazi synagogue. It was closed briefly between 1948 when Israel was formed to 1967 when Israeli forces captured this part of the city.
Israelite Tower
Location: Shonei Halakhot Street and Plugat ha Kotel Street, Jerusalem
Open: 9am- 5pm Sun- Thu, 9am- 1pm Fri
"Then all the officials of the king of Babylon came and took seats in the Middle Gate: Nergal-Sharezer of Samgar, Nebo-Sarsekim a chief officer, Nergal-Sharezer a high official and all the other officials of the king of Babylon.
Israelite Tower are remains of the defensive fortifications that date back to the 7th century. Most of the tower was destroyed. Today it reaches a height of 26 feet (8 meters) with a thickness of 13 feet (4 meters). Part of the ancient wall is currently covered by a modern apartment building so archaeologists were unable to uncover the section in full. However it was theorized to guard the defences of one of the gates of the ancient Jerusalem from the time of the First Temple. Further digs uncovered arrow heads of Israelite and Babylonian production further supporting a theory that it was a key stronghold in the defence of the city in 586 BC when it was finally captured by the invading Babylonians.
Saint Mary of the Germans
Location: Misgav la- Dakh Street
Saint Mary of the Germans is a medieval Christian church that dates back to the 12th century. It was part of the large complex that were run by the Knights Hospitallers. It included a church, hospital for sick pilgrims and a hospice. Most of workers here were pilgrims from Germany, which is responsible for the name of the church. Most of the medieval walls are destroyed, but a section of the temple is still visible today.
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
Location: Muristan Rd., Jerusalem
Open: 9am–1pm & 1:30pm–5pm Mon–Sat
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer was constructed on the orders of a German Emperor Wilhelm II in 1898. You will recognize by a distinct bell tower and if you chose to sleep in the proximity of the Church you will certainly hear its bells. If you manage to climb all 177 stairs of the bell tower you will get the best panorama view of the Old City and its surroundings.
Church of Saint John the Baptist
Christian Quarter Road, Jerusalem
Constructed in the 5th century AD it is one of the oldest churches in the city. It was later reconstructed in the 11th century as part of the hospice complex intended to help pilgrims who came to pray to Jerusalem. After Crusaders took the city after a violent siege many knights were wounded in the battle. They were brought here with a hope of recovery. Needless to say the level of medicine at the time was really low and survival was nothing short of a miracle. Those lucky ones that survived battle wounds and medical treatment. dedicated themselves to helping other people. They found an monastic order of knights that became known as the Knights of the Hospital of Saint John also known as Hospitallers. This eventually became one of the largest orders in the medieval Europe. Unfortunately the interior is closed to the public.
Museum of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
Greek Orthodox Patriarchate Road
Tel. (02) 628 2048
Open: 8am- 3pm Mon- Sat
Greek Catholic Patriarchate
Tel. (02) 627 1968
Open: 8am- 12pm Mon- Sat
The Citadel
Near Jaffa
Gate,
Jerusalem
Tel. (02) 626 5333
Open: 10am- 4pm Sun, Thu & Sat
10am- 2pm Fri
The Citadel of Jerusalem was constructed in the 2nd century BC for protection of the city from enemy attacks. Herod the Great further increased the defences of the fortress. He also added a massive tower that became known as a Phasael's Tower after king's brother Phasael. It was largely destroyed by Roman emperor Hadrian and reconstructed during medieval times. The Citadel is occasionally referred to as a Tower of David, although it was constructed much later after the death of a legendary king. Although much of the structure that is visible today date back to the 14th century with further improvements made in 1532 by Suleyman the Magnificent. Today it houses the Tower David Museum of the History of Jerusalem.
Saint Mark's Church
Location: 5 Ararat Street, Jerusalem
Tel. (02) 628 3304
Open: 8am- 5pm
winter 8am- 4pm
This small and seemingly modest church has a long and interesting history. It is said to be constructed on a site of the house of Mary, mother of John Mark. In the Acts 12:12 this housed is mentioned as a sanctuary where apostle Peters flees after being liberated from prison by an angel. Syrian Orthodox Church also have an oral tradition that states Mary, mother of Jesus was baptized here. Furthermore it served as a gathering place of Pentecost.
A Walk on the Roofs
A Walk on the Roofs of Jerusalem begins at the corner of Khabad Street and Saint Mark's Road. An iron staircase leads to the roofs of Jerusalem houses. If you feel lost you can locals for directions.
Mardigian Museum
Armenian Patriarchate Road
Tel. (02) 628 2331
Open: 10am- 4:30pm Mon- Sat
Saint James' Cathedral
Armenian Patriarchate Rd.
Tel. (02) 628 2331
Open: 6:30–7:30am and 3–3:40pm Sun–Fri
6:30–9:30am Sat
Saint Anne's Church
2 Shaar ha- Arayot Street, Jerusalem
Tel. (02) 628 3285
Open: 8am- 12pm & 2- 6pm daily (2- 5pm)
Saint Anne's Church is a medieval church constructed between 1131 and 1138 replacing an older Byzantine church. A Christian tradition considers this to be the site where Saint Anne and Joachim, parents of Virgin Mary, used to live. The underground remains of their house are situated in the crypt of the church. Arabic inscription at the entrance states that great Arab leader Saladin turns the building into a theological school after he conquered the city from the Crusaders. Eventually it was abandoned and fell in disrepair. The Ottomans turned possession of the medieval structure to the France in 1856 that subsequently reconstructed it.
Part of the Roman temple are found just outside of the walls of the church. Additionally two cisterns from 8th and 3rd century BC are situated here. In the ancient times they were used to collect water for the residents of the city and its surroundings. These were turned into curative baths in the 1st century BC by Herod the Great.
Virgin Mary Birth Place
Virgin Mary Birth Place is located inside city walls near Lion's Gate. It was a former residence and birth place of Mary, future mother of Jesus Christ. The levels of the house above ground were destroyed during suppression of the Jewish revolt by the Roman army, but its underground levels have been preserved in its pristine original form. Watch your head as you descend below ground. People were very short at the time and their houses definitely reflect that.
Bethesda
Monastery of Flagellation
Via Dolorosa, Jerusalem
Tel. (02) 627 0444
Open: 8am- 6pm (8am- 5pm in winter)
Studium Museum: Open: 9- 11:30am Mon- Sat
Monastery of the Flagellation is a Roman Catholic Franciscan monastery on a site traditionally believed to be the site of flagellation of Jesus Christ by the Roman soldiers on a last day of his physical life just before Crucifixion. A Chapel of Flagellation was constructed in 1920's and designed by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi who also designed Dominus Flevit Chapel on the Mount of Olives. The monastery also contains ruins of the older medieval chapel that once stood here. Remains from the Byzantine and Crusades times were collected in the Studium Museum of this religious complex. Additionally it houses Studium Biblicum Franciscanum, an institute of Biblical studies.
Ecce Homo Arch
John (19:5)Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!
Via Dolorosa
Convent of the Sisters of Zion
Tel. (02) 643 0887
Open: 9am- 12pm & 2- 6pm Mon- Thu (2- 5pm winter)
Ecce Homo Arch clearly stands on the road of Via Dolorosa. Tradition states that this is the site where Pontius Pilate presented beaten Jesus Christ to the crowd with words "Ecce Homo" or "Behold this Man" in Latin. The arch itself dates back to 70 AD when it was used as part of a huge siege ramp for the Roman Army that tried to take Anthonia Fortress. After reconstruction of the city this arch became part of the Triumph arch constructed in 135 AD to commemorate the victory of Rome over Jewish rebels. Additionally two smaller arches were added. One of these arches were incorporated as a main entrance in a church of Convent of the Sisters of Zion. The central arch spans Via Dolorosa.
Lady Tunshuq's Palac\
El- Takiya Str, Jerusalem
Lady Tunshuq's Palace is a small private residence that belonged, as the name suggested, to Lady Tunshuq who was of Turkish or Mongolian origin. She was wife or mistress of a Kurdish nobleman in the 14th century. She lived here in a relative quiet from the busy streets of Jerusalem. After she died, she was buried across the street.
Central Souk
Chain Street and David Street, Jerusalem
Open: 8am- 7pm Sat- Thu
The Central Souk is a central market situated between Chain Street and David Street. In the Ancient times it formed part of the Roman Cardo, central market road of the Roman Jerusalem. Today it is still of the busiest markets in the city. It sells species, butcher meat and many presents and souvenirs.
Zedekiah's Cave
The entrance to the cave is situated underneath a city wall between Herod's gate and Damascus gate. It was used in the ancient times to quarry stone for various construction sites around ancient Jerusalem.
The Old City is surrounded by impressive walls that stretch for 4 km (2.5 mi) and reach at places height of 20 meters. They were constructed in 1536- 39 by Suleiman the Magnificent. His workers did not bother too much with the material and often used stones from earlier structures that were destroyed previously. The gates of the city include that of Damascus, New, Jaffa, Zion, Dung, Lion Gate or Gate of Saint Stefan and Herod's Gate. The eight gate is a Golden Gate that is situated in the Eastern Wall of the city in direction of the Hebron Valley.
Map of Jerusalem Gates and City Walls
Damascus Gate
Bus: 1, 2, 23
Roman Square Excavations
9am- 5pm Sat- Thu
9am- 3pm Fri
Damascus Gate was constructed by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1537-
42 during his huge fortification project of the city. The Arabs call
this gate Bab el- Amud or Gate of the Column as a reference to a
column that once stood here. The statue of Emperor Hadrian once
stood on top of the column, but it was torn down long time ago. Jews
called it Shaar Shkhem or Gate of Shechem after a city Shechem,
known also as a Nablus in Arabic. It stood at the beginning of a
road that led to Nablus.
Many tourists pass these beautiful gates without noticing a small
entrance just below today's street surface. This arch is a smaller
of the three Roman arches that once stood here. Constructed in the
2nd century AD by emperor Hadrian these remnants of the ancient
Roman Jerusalem were uncovered only in the twentieth century by the
archaeologists. It is worth a visit. Cool and somewhat gloomy
remains are very well preserved having being buried by centuries of
debris. And interesting and somewhat disturbing feature of the
mortar that was used to connect the stones is presence of bones and
other junk that was mixed.
Lion's Gate
Lion's Gate or Saint Stephen's Gate were constructed by Suleuman the Magnificent in 1538. Arabs call it Gate of the Virgin Mary or Bab Sitti Maryam as a reference to a tomb of Virgin Mary situated outside of the city. The name of Lion's Gate or Shaar ha- Arayot is a reference of a relief of lions that are situated just outside of the entrance to the Old City. During Medieval times the gate was renamed to Saint Stephen Gate after a first Christian martyr who was stoned here. However other sources claim that he was actually killed outside of Damascus Gate not far from here. Whatever might be the case it was here that Arab Legion entered the city in 1948 during Independence War and the same place where Israeli paratroopers entered in 1967 war. It is a nice starting point for Via Dolorosa since it was here where Jesus Christ started his path to Golgotha.
Jaffa Gate
Zion Gate
The damage around Zion Gate is not weathering. These are bullet holes.
Golden Gate
Golden Gate is currently is non- functional since it was closed by bricks during Turkish rule. Officially it was done for military purposes, but most likely it had religious purpose. In New Testament this gate was passed by Jesus Christ and his followers on a Palm Sunday. For Jews it is a an entrance that will be used by their Messiah who is yet to come.
Herod’s Gate also is known by the Arabic Bab as- Zahra (Flower gate) and Hebrew Sha’ar HaParahim. Herod's Gate got its name from mistaken identity of the ruins nearby for the palace of Herod the Great. During fall of Jerusalem to the Christian army of the First Crusade on 15th July, 1099 breach in the wall was occurred just 100 meters east of the gate.
Dung Gate
Dung Gate is the smallest entrance to the Old City of Jerusalem. Original ancient gate Shaar ha- Ashpot was intended to take out ash from the religious rituals in the Temple. Arabs who conquered the city renamed it to Bab Salwan since a road from Dung Gate led to the village of Salwan. In 1948 Jordanian enlarged the entrance to allow vehicles to pass inside the city. It is still remains the smallest gate in the historic walls.
New Gate
The observation deck on the Mount of Olives offers the best view of the Whole Jerusalem. Mount of Olives itself stands at a height of 793 meters and it is the highest mountain surrounding Jerusalem. The name of this prominent geologic feature is given due to a fact that olives were cultivated here for at least 30 centuries. Directly in front of a lookout you can see a huge Jewish cemetery. First tombs here appeared as early as a period of the First Temple. Later generations added and expanded the burial site. According to a religious beliefs when the Messiah ascend the Mount of Olives He will begin resurrection of the dead from the dead who are buried here. The most prominent feature on the Mount of Olives is the Orthodox Church of the Ascension. Its 60 meter high white bell tower known locally as a Russian Candle stands on the highest point of the mountain. Nearby chapel of Ascension was constructed on a spot where according to tradition Jesus Christ ascended to heaven forty days after his crucifixion.
Tomb of Mary or Tomb of the Virgin also known as Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (Jerusalem)
Jericho Road, Outside of Lion's Gate, Jerusalem
Tel. (02) 628 4054
Bus: 99
Open: 8am- 12pm and 2:30- 5pm daily
Cave of Gethsemane
Open: 8:30am- 12pm and 2:30- 5pm
winter 8:30am- 12pm and 2:30- 3:30pm
Tomb of Mary or Tomb of the Virgin is a small church just outside of
the Lion's Gate. It is believed that Mary, mother of Jesus Christ
was buried here. First church was erected here in 326 by the orders
of Empress Helena, mother of Emperor Constantine. She came to the
Holy Land and Jerusalem on a first official archaeological
expedition to search for artefacts tied to the New Testament. You
will reach a basement of the church of the Assumption of the Blessed
Virgin Mary by descending by following a staircase down. The main
room contains a tomb where the apostles had laid the body of the
Virgin Mary after her death. The tomb was opened by the decision of
the Sixth Ecumenical Council. Nothing was found except a woman's
belt and a burial shroud that allegedly belonged to mother of Jesus
Christ. Additionally Church of the Assumption contains burial tombs
of Mary's parents Joachim and Anna who were laid to rest on the
right side of the altar. Joseph the Betrothed who married Mary is
buried on the left side of the altar.
Garden of Gethsemane
Garden of Gethsemane is located on the Western slope of the Mount of Olives overlooking valley across Jerusalem. Only part of the original Gethsemane garden survived to our days, but you still can see eight blooming olive trees that were planted here in the 1st century BC so they were around when Jesus Christ walked these lands with his disciples. Garden of Gethsemane is famous among Christians as a place where Jesus Christ prayed a night he was betrayed by apostle Judas and where he was arrested. Gospel say that Judas handed over his teacher, led warriors to him in the garden and identified him by kissing him on a cheek. In the garden of Gethsemane you can still see a grotto where according to the New Testament he prayed. Local legends also claim that a drop of sweat and blood fell on the ground and melted the stone. In the 5th century a Christian Byzantine basilica was erected on the alleged site where it happened. Since 1681 the Garden of Gethsemane is under the control of Roman Catholic order of Franciscans.
Russian Church of the Ascension
Ruba el- Adawiya Street, Mount of Olives, Jerusalem
Tel. (02) 628 4373
Open: 9am- 12pm Tue and Thu
Russian Church of the Ascension is the most prominent site on the
Mount of Olives. Its bell tower that is locally known as a Russian
Candle is the tallest structure on the mountain. Its bell that
weights 8 tons was hauled here from Jaffa by Russian pilgrims. The
church is part of the active Russian Orthodox Convent located here.
It was constructed between 1870 and 1887.
Mosque of the Ascension
Mosque of Ascension is constructed on a site where Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven by Christian tradition. The first Christian church was constructed here in 380 AD with donations granted by a Roman noblewoman Poemenia who was a devout Christian. Later it was replaced by an octagonal church constructed by the Crusaders. remains of the columns are still visible outside of the original mosque. Underground tomb that is located near the site is considered to be the final resting place of prophetess Huldah by the Jews, Saint Pelagia by the Christians and holy woman Rabia el- Adawiya by the Muslims. The last also gives the name of the street where the site is located.
Church of the Pater Noster
Mount of Olives, Jerusalem
Tel. (02) 626 4904
Open: 8:30am- 12pm and 2:30- 4:30pm Mon- Sat
Church of the Pater Noster was constructed on a site where Jesus
Christ taught his apostles and disciples Lord's Prayer or Pater
Noster ("Our Father"). This prayer is written in many languages on
walls around the complex.
Lord's Prayer
Our Father, Who art in heaven,
Hallowed be Thy Name.
Thy Kingdom come.
Thy Will be done, on earth as it is in Heaven. Give us this day our
daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass
against us.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Amen.
Church of All Nations
Church of All Nations was constructed in 1919- 1924. It got its name since it was dedicated to 12 Catholic communities that donated money for its construction. Walls of the church is covered by mosaics of "Prayer of Gethsemane", "Betrayal of the Savior" and "The taking of Christ into custody". On the floor before the central altar the crown of thorns encircles a rock that is said to be the place there Jesus Christ prayed before being arrested. The windows of the Church of All Nations have blue stained windows. It gives an impression of calm night as a representation of the last night that Jesus Christ spend on Earth.
Church of St. Mary Magdalene
Dominus Flevit Chapel
Mount of the Olives
Tel. (02) 626 6450
Bus: 99
Open: 8am- 5pm daily
Tombs of the Prophets
Mount of Olives
Open: 9am- 3:30pm Mon- Fri
Tombs of Zechariah
Valley of Jehoshaphat
Stepped Stone Structure
Stepped Stone Structure is a general name that is given to one of the oldest parts of the city. It was constructed during Iron age around 1100- 900 BC. At some point it served as a defensive wall of Israelite royal palace that was used from the 10th century to 586 BC and was probably destroyed during Babylonian invasion. Several terraces were constructed to support ancient fortifications. Subsequent additions of private residences were constructed on top of pre- existent structures. It was uncovered by R.A.S. Macalister in 1920's, Kathleen Kenyon in the 60's and Yigal Shiloh in the 70s and 80's of the 20th century. Excavation and preservation of the site continues to this day under supervision of Eilat Mazar.
Caiaphas House and Saint Peter in Gallicantu (Jerusalem)
Mlkj Tsedek Rd, Jerusalem
Tel. (02) 673 4812
Bus: 38
Open: 8:30am- 5pm Mon- Sat
Saint Peter in Gallicantu is really well prominent in this part of the Jerusalem. It sits near ruins of the former house of priest Caiaphas or Caiphas. According to New Testament Jesus Christ spent his last night here before crucifixion. It is also the place where Apostle Peter rejected any affiliation with Christ and His movement. Once he did it the third time the roosters cry marked the beginning of the day. Thus prediction of Jesus Christ during Last Supper came true. Underground part of the ancient home did not change since the time Jesus Christ was imprisoned here. The actual place where he was imprisoned is believed to be a large cistern with a single entrance at the top. This was the only way in and out. Stairs that lead from the palace to the Kedron valley below were the one that Jesus Christ walked to a trial of Pontius Pilate.
King David's Tomb
Mount Zion, Jerusalem
Tel. (02) 671 9767
Bus: 1, 2
Open: 8am- 8pm Sat- Thu, 8am- 2pm Fri
winter: 8am- sunset Sat- Thu, 8am- 1pm Fri
King David was said to be buried in Jerusalem. He is recognized
as a prophet and a holy man in Christianity, Judaism and Islam.
In the 4th century AD Christians constructed a small church over
an alleged last resting place of the great Israeli king. However
it was demolished by invading Persians. Muslims who took control
of the city from the Crusaders constructed a mosque here that
they named El Daoud. Its minaret or a prayer tower is still
visible today. Today Tomb of King David is situated in an active
synagogue. As you enter this small and narrow compound you will
be asked to put on ritualistic Jewish cap. Small burial room is
divided by a wooden fence. Men pray on the right side, while
women pray on the left side. King David is buried in a large
stone sarcophagus that is covered with a veil. Words from the
Book of Kings is embroidered on the veil. Legends claimed that
hidden treasures of the First Temple were buried inside the
sarcophagus, so many conquerors of Jerusalem broke into it every
time they took the city. This included Persians, Crusaders,
Mamelukes and many others. As far as we know no one discovered
any valuables.
The Garden Tomb (aka Gordon's Calvary)
King David Hotel
23 King David Str, Jerusalem
Tel. (02) 620 8888
Bus: 7, 8, 30, 38
King David Hotel was constructed in 1930's. It was designed by
as Swiss architect Emile Vogt for a Jewish- Egyptian Mosseri
Family. It was named after an ancient Israelite king and its
general appearance has architectural elements from ancient
civilizations. King David Hotel became World famous after one of
the bloodiest terrorist acts in the Middle East. In 1946 hotel
was used by many prominent British officials and military, thus
it was chosen by the Zionist paramilitary group Irgun as their
target. Take in consideration that Jewish terrorism, unlike
Muslim terrorism, is not viewed as negatively. In fact, many
Israelis consider them as heroes.
Biblical Zoo
Manahat
Tel. (02) 675 0111
Bus: 26, 33, 99
Open: Sept- May 9am- 5pm
Jun- Aug: 9am-
7pm
Yad Vashem
Mount Herzl
Tel. (02) 644 3400
Bus: 13, 21, 23, 27
Open: 9am- 5pm Sun-
Thu
9am- 2pm Fri
LA Mayer Museum of Islamic Art
2 Ha- Palmakh Street, Talbiya
Tel. (02) 566 1292
Bus:
13, 15
Open: 10am- 3pm Sun, Mon, Wed, Thu
10am- 6pm Tue,
10am- 2pm Fri and Sat
Bible Lands Museum
25 Avraham Granot St, Givat Ram
Tel (02) 561
1066
Bus: 9, 17, 24, 99
Open: 9:30am–5:30pm Sun–Tue and Thu
9:30am–9:30pm Wed, 9:30am–2pm Fri and evenings of Jewish holidays
Closed: Sat and Jewish holidays
Supreme Court
Shaarei Mishpat Street, Givat Ram
Tel. (02)
675 9612
Bus: 9, 24, 99
Open: 8:30am- 2:30pm Sun- Thu
Knesset
Rothschild Street, Givat Ram
Tel. (02) 675
3333
Bus: 9, 24, 99
Open: 8:30am- 2pm Sun and Thu
Mount Herzl and Herzl Museum
Mount Herzl
Tel. (02) 643 3266
Bus: 13, 17, 18, 20, 23
Open: 9am- 3:30pm Sun- Thu
9am- 12:30pm Fri
Israel Museum
Ruppin Road, Givat Ram
Tel. (02) 670 8811
Bus: 9, 17, 24
Open: 10am- 4pm Mon, Wed, Sat and public holidays
4- 9pm Tue, 10am-
9pm Thu, 10am- 2pm Fri
Closed: Sundays, Yom Kippur