Jerusalem Sightseeing and Attractions

Enjoy a memorable experience in one of the most historically significant cities of the world.  Jerusalem is known for archaeological, historical and religious treasures.  These treasures can be seen through attractions all over this great city that tourists swarm to.  A few top recommended attractions that are must sees before you depart Jerusalem include the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, City of David Archaeological Garden, Dome of the Rock, Old City, Tower of David, Western Wall (Wailing Wall) and Yad Vashem.  These attractions can be further described in detail below.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre

Also called the Church of the Resurrection to Eastern Christians is located within Old City of Jerusalem.  This site is respected by most Christians as Golgotha, where the New Testament says that Jesus was crucified.  It is also said to contain the place where Jesus was buried, the sepulchre.  This important destination has been in existence since at least the 4^th century.  Today this holy place serves the Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem headquarters and is shared between several other Christian churches.

City of David Archaeological Garden

The City of David is believed to be where King David founded the city of Jerusalem around 1000 BCE.  This site is a main archaeological excavation site.  The excavation area is open to visitors of Jerusalem to explore the foundations of a terraced stone building from the 11^th to 12^th centuries BCE.  It also displays the remains of the city wall, the city tower and residential quarters that were destroyed during the destruction of the First Temple.

Dome of the Rock

This Islamic shrine that houses the Foundation Stone is considered the holiest spot in Judaism.  This major landmark is located on the Temple Mount in the city of Jerusalem.  Its significance stems from the religious beliefs regarding the rock at its heart.  Islamic tradition believes the rock is the spot from where Muhammad rose to heaven accompanied by the angel Gabriel.  The ancient Holy of Holies, the Foundation Stone is a sacred spot in which much Jewish prayer takes place.  The architecture of this building has inspired other buildings around the world including the church of St. Giacomo in Italy and The Rumbach Synagogue in Budapest.  This building was completed in 691 which mark’s it as the oldest existing Islamic building in the world today.

Old City

Within modern city Jerusalem today lies 0.35 square miles of a walled area called Old City.  Old City is home to several sites of religious importance including the Temple Mount, The Western Wall for Jews, the Dome of Rock, al-Aqsa Mosque for Muslims, and The Church of the Holy Sepulchre for Christians.  This city has always been divided into four quarters.  These quarters include the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Jewish Quarter and the Armenian Quarter.  These quarters break down the history that’s within each and the culture you will find here.

Tower of David

Inside Jerusalem’s Old City walls are ancient relics, archaeological parks and sites.  One of the most famous sites located within these strong walls is the ancient citadel “The Tower of David.”  This ancient site is a popular source for hosting benefit events, craft shows, concerts and much more.  Within the Tower of David you can catch the popular night shows that tell the story of Jerusalem.  This includes a detailed history throughout the generations of this historic city.  For historical lovers this is definitely a show you won’t want to miss.

Western Wall

The Western Wall also known at the “Wailing Wall,” the “Kotel,” or “al-Buraaq Wall” by Muslims is an significant Jewish religious site located within the Old City of Jerusalem.  Over half of the wall dates back to the end of the Second Temple period.  This places construction around 19 BCE by Herod the Great.  Remaining layers of the wall have been added from the 7^th century and onward.  In Judaism, the Western Wall acts as the sole remains of the Holy Temple.  It is the closest permitted and accessible site for Jews to the holiest spot in Judaism, the Foundation Stone

Yad Vashem

Israel’s official memorial to the Jewish victims of the Holocaust was established in 1953 through the Yad Vashem Law passed by the Knesset (Israel’s parliament).  The origin of its name is from this Biblical verse: “And to them will I give in my house and within my walls a memorial and a name (Yad Vashem) that shall not be cut off.”  Yad Vashem is located at the foot of Mount Herzl on the Mount of Remembrance in Jerusalem.  This 45-acre complex contains the Holocaust History Museum, The Museum of Holocaust Art, The Children’s Memorial, sculptures, a research institute, library, publishing house and The International School for Holocaust Studies.  A tribute to non-Jews who saved Jews during the Holocaust are also apart of the memorial at Yad Vashem.