The country of Israel and the currently disputed territory known as the West Bank together make up the much of the "Holy Land," a Middle East region that encompasses an astounding array of biblical sites, sacred sites, and pilgrimage destinations.
With earth that has been walked by Abraham, Moses, David, Solomon, Jesus, the apostles, Baha'i saints, and the Prophet Muhammad (in a miraculous Night Journey), just to name a few, the Holy Land has been a sought-after destination for pilgrims from ancient times until today.
Despite the well-known conflict and tension in this part of the world, the holy and historical sites of Israel and the West Bank continue to attract hoards of pilgrims and interested visitors. It remains a surprisingly safe place to visit and, for many, a very meaningful one. In Jerusalem, Jews still pray at the Western Wall, Christians still visit the place where Jesus' body was laid in the tomb, and Muslims still worship at the ancient Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Whether you're a Jew, Christian, Muslim, Baha'i, or none of the above; an archaeology buff, a historian, a person intrigued by the sacred, or just a traveler (armchair or otherwise) interested in important and fascinating places, the Holy Land is well worth a visit.
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Israel Sacred Sites List Our index of biblical sites, churches, mosques, synagogues, and shrines in Israel and the West Bank. |
Israel Maps Our large collection of the best maps of Israel and the West Bank online and to buy, plus our own interactive satellite map. |
Israel Travel Forums  Ask experienced travelers for travel advice or browse previous discussions in this popular forum. |
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In the Footsteps of Jesus How to walk where Jesus walked in the Holy Land and what you'll see along the way. |
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Jewish Sites in Israel & the West Bank The Western Wall, synagogues, shrines and Jewish museums in Israel. |
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Muslim Sites in Israel & the West Bank The Dome of the Rock, mosques and madrasas. |
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Museums in Israel & the West Bank Israel, and especially Jerusalem, is full of artifacts of great importance to biblical and religious history. |
| Bethlehem The city of Jesus' birth attracts many Christian pilgrims. It is also home to an important Jewish shrine, the Tomb of Rachel. |
Caesarea Ruins of a great Greco-Roman city that hosted King Herod, Eusebius and the Crusaders. |
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Capernaum Jesus stayed in Peter's house in this fishing village, which also has ruins of a fine Byzantine synagogue. |
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Haifa Israel's third largest city is home to the headquarters of the Baha'i Faith, a shrine to Elijah, and several other religious sites. |
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Jerusalem The holiest city in the world for Jews and Christians and third holiest city for Muslims, Jerusalem is a city of unparalleled religious heritage and spirituality. |  |
Nazareth The hometown of Jesus, Nazareth is revered by Christian pilgrims. Today it is a modern Arab city of about 60,000 people. |
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Tabgha Since the 4th century, pilgrims have identified this pleasant lakeside site with the miracle of the loaves and fishes and the Sermon the Mount. |
