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.


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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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
Tomb of Lazarus
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.
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.