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Jerusalem

 

Jerusalem, resting in the Judean Hills, provides the tourist with both a breathtaking and spiritual experience never to be forgotten. Steeped in history for the world's three main religions, visitors to Jerusalem attest to its uniqueness, and an ambience that sets it aside from every other city on earth.

The walls of the old city glow with 2500 years of history, for Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike. In the alleys of The Old City, you will feel as if you have gone back to an ancient time. Yet not five minutes away, you will enjoy an enchanting neighborhood built in the late 19th century - Yemin Moshe - a picturesque neighborhood of homes, artists' studios and art galleries. Named after Sir Moses Montefiore, it was built as the first neighborhood outside the walls of Jerusalem's Old City.

The Western Wall, is the last remaining wall from the Second Temple destroyed in 70CE by the Romans. Many leave in a personal note in the wall with a wish for the future.

The Haas Promenade ( in Talpiot ) has the most magnificent view of the Old City ( and a cute restaurant in the middle of the promenade open on Fridays and Saturdays only with one of the best views in the world!) This unique promenade features paths of Jerusalem stone, wooden pergolas, and terraces landscaped with 600 olive trees.

Nahalat Shiva is a pedestrian shopping area in West Jerusalem, featuring a wide variety of restaurants and quaint shops. The entire street is renovated from early 1900's buildings. and is a perfect place to have breakfast at one of the many outdoor cafes.

Don't forget to visit the "SHUK" on Jaffa Street - an amazing daily produce market, where both the quality and price cannot be matched throughout Jerusalem. Ein Kerem is a picturesque neighborhood on the outskirts of Jerusalem (take the no.17 bus) not to missed.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is built over the site where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. Most people arrive here after walking down the Via Dolorosa, the route Jesus followed as he carried his cross. The church, built at the beginning of the Byzantine era, is a focal point for Christian pilgrimage.

The Dome of the Rock is one of Jerusalem's most famous symbols. A golden dome whose majestic proportions can be viewed from several vantage points around the city. The Mosque was built in the 7th century by the Umayyad Khalif Abed el-Malik, on the site of the destroyed Jewish Temple. It is one of the oldest and most beautiful examples of Muslim architecture.

The Biblical Zoo - One of the most pleasant surprises in Jerusalem is its wonderful zoo. The zoo is set in a remarkable landscape, and offers a wonderful day out for both adults and children alike.

Mea Shearim is an ultra orthodox Jewish neighborhood where time has stood still. The inhabitants have not changed their dress or way of life since the foundation of the neighborhood in 1875.
You may like to pay a visit to Israel's parliament - The Knesset. The building, completed in 1966, was designed by Yosef Klarvin and funded by Baron James de Rothchild, and has 120 members.
The Hadassah hospital houses the world renowned Chagall Windows.

Jerusalem Parks - There are some beautiful parks in Jerusalem. Independence Park in the Center of Town has recently been landscaped, and now has running streams. The Botanical Gardens on The Givat Ram University campus has plant species from all over the world and makes for an extremely pleasant afternoon's stroll. Liberty Bell Gardens offers recreational facilities such as roller skating and basketball, as well as a puppet theatre in a train. Gilo Park has an extensive adventure playground for children. Entrance is free.