1. Sacred Destinations
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  3. Jerusalem

Jerusalem

Panoramic view of the walled city of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives. Photo Creative Commons License Bienchido.

A mountainous walled city with a 5,000-year history, Jerusalem is sacred to the three great monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam - which means it is sacred to more than a third of the world's population. For Jews, Jerusalem is the site of the Temple, now in ruins except for the Western Wall; for Christians, it is the site of Christ's death and resurrection; for Muslims, it is the site of the Prophet's night journey to heaven. Jerusalem is therefore a major site of pilgrimage for all three religions as well as, unfortunately, a place of religio-political tension over this important piece of land. The city is also popular destination for non-religious travelers, thanks to its unmatched historical and spiritual importance, its network of museums and concerts, and the archeological treasures that are continually discovered here. Follow a link below to learn more about the holy city of Jerusalem.


  • Jerusalem Map Our detailed, interactive city map of Jerusalem, showing the location of sacred sites and religious attractions.
  • Jerusalem Photos Our galleries of hand-selected photos of religious sites in Jerusalem.
  • Jerusalem Books Selected travel guides and other books on Jerusalem.
  • Jerusalem Sightseeing Tours Save money and time by booking sightseeing tours and excursions in Jerusalem before you leave home.
  • Jerusalem Hotels Search availability, read reviews, browse photos, view a map and book a room in Jerusalem at the guaranteed lowest price.

Sacred Sites and Religious Attractions in Jerusalem

  • Al Aqsa Mosque
    This large mosque on the Temple Mount was originally built in 710 AD. It includes 11th-century mosaics, a 12th-century mihrab, and Crusader arches.
  • Armenian Mosaic
    This beautiful mosaic with an Armenian inscription dates from the 6th century and was part of a mortuary chapel. The birds symbolize the souls of believers.
  • Tomb of Lazarus, Bethany
    A village on the east slope of the Mount of Olives, Bethany was the home of Lazarus, Mary and Martha and was frequented by Jesus during his ministry. The Tomb of Lazarus is the main attraction.
  • Chapel of the Ascension
    Both a Christian and Muslim holy site, this Crusader-era chapel marks the spot where Jesus ascended into heaven after his resurrection. His footprint is imprinted in the floor.
  • Church of All Nations
    Built in 1924 and funded by several nations, this church stands over the traditional site where Jesus prayed on the night of his betrayal.
  • Church of the Holy Sepulchre
    This historic church shelters the holiest site in all Christendom: the tomb where Christ was buried and rose from the dead. It is shared by several denominations.
  • Church of Mary Magdalene
    Known for its golden onion domes that can be seen from afar, this Russian Orthodox Church was built in 1888 by Tzar Alexander III.
  • Church of the Pater Noster
    Built on the traditional place where Jesus instructed his disciples in prayer, the walls of this convent church are inscribed with the Lord's Prayer in 44 languages.
  • Church of the Redeemer
    Built by Kaiser Wilhelm in 1898, this Romanesque-style Lutheran church on the Muristan has a tall tower with excellent views.
  • Church of John the Baptist
    This is one of the oldest churches in Jerusalem as well as the site of the founding of the Knights of the Hospital of St. John, a.k.a. the Hospitallers.
  • Church of the Visitation
    Built over the traditional home of John the Baptist's parents, this Franciscan church commemorates the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth when they were both pregnant.
  • Dome of the Rock
    Built in the 7th century, this beautiful blue-and-gold shrine houses the rock from which the Prophet took his Night Journey into heaven. The rock is also associated with Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac.
  • Church of Dominus Flevit
    This Franciscan church marks the spot where Jesus wept over the future destruction of Jerusalem. There is a beautiful view of Temple Mount from here.
  • Dormition Abbey
    This Catholic church on Mount Zion with a unique tower commemorates the death of the Virgin Mary. It was dedicated by German Benedictines in 1910.
  • Garden Tomb
    Discovered in 1867, this ancient tomb in a peaceful garden is honored by many Protestants as the site of Jesus' burial instead of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Old City.
  • Hurva Synagogue
    This ruined Ashkenazi synagogue was one of the largest buildings in the city until it was destroyed in the war of 1948. It finally reopened in March 2010.
  • Last Supper Room
    This vaulted room built by Crusaders in the 12th century commemorates the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples in an "upper room."
  • Monastery of the Cross
    This 11th century Orthodox monastery is believed to mark the place where the tree grew that provided the wood for Christ's cross.
  • Pool of Siloam
    Excavations in 2004-05 have revealed what is believed to be the actual Pool of Siloam in which the blind man healed by Jesus washed the mud from his eyes.
  • Church of St. Anne
    This Crusader church honors the birthplace of Anne, mother of the Virgin Mary. It stands next to the Bethesda Pool, where Jesus healed a paralytic.
  • Temple Mount
    A holy site to Jews, Muslims, and Christians, the Temple Mount is the historic site of the Jewish Temple and the current site of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.
  • Tomb of the Virgin
    A Crusader church and atmospheric Byzantine crypt shelters this ancient tomb said to be that of the Virgin Mary.
  • Tombs of the Prophets
    Medieval Jewish tradition identified these burial chambers as the tombs of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, but they actually date from the 1st century BC.
  • Mosque of Omar
    This 12th-century mosque was built by Saladin's son in honor of Caliph Omar, who prayed on the steps of the nearby Church of the Holy Sepulchre instead of inside.
  • Via Dolorosa
    This route through the Old City is revered by Christian pilgrims as the route taken by Jesus as he was led to his crucifixion. It is the setting of regular processions.
  • Western Wall
    This is all that remains of the Temple that was once the center of Jewish worship. The Western Wall Plaza is a vast, open-air synagogue that is the preferred place to pray for Jews worldwide.