Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and perhaps, the holiest city in the world. The mix of religious, cultural, traditional, and modern sentimentalities has lent a special atmosphere to this city; these qualities can’t really be captured in words. To experience this, you will have to walk the streets of the Old and New City and experience the various feelings that surface up! Following are the major attractions in Jerusalem:

 

(The Western Wall)

 

Temple Mount (Har Habayit in Hebrew, Al Haram ash-Sharif in Arabic), also known as “Mount Moriah”, is sacred to both the Moslems and Judaists. A natural hill that was built by man to provide support to the huge Jewish Temple that was present here during Biblical times, the Temple Mount has become the main stay of Jewish religion ever since. Interestingly, when praying, Jews, all over the world, still face Temple Mount.

The huge gold dome over the black rock, which is holy to the Moslems, is also the place where Mohammad made his ascension to heaven. The blue-tiled Dome of Rock was built in the 7th century and is one of the most beautiful and famous landmarks of Israel in the world.

Temple Mount, Old City Opening hours: Closed during all prayer times (variable); open from Sun-Thurs 0730-1030 and 1230-1330; Sun-Thurs 0730-1030 (during Ramadan); closed to non-Muslims Fri and Muslim holidays. Free admission for Temple Mount; charge for Dome of the Rock.

 

 

 Located along one side of the huge plaza at the foot of the Temple Mount, is the Western Wall. It is also known as the “Wailing Wall” due to the Jews chanting lamentations on the annual fast – Tisha b’Av – in remembrance and pain of the destruction of the Temple. The Wall is constructed of colossal rough blocks of yellow stone.

Temple Mount, Old City Opening hours: Daily 24 hours. Admission free.

 

 

This tall and sleek stone tower aims high as if touching the sky. It is one of the most familiar images of Jerusalem. Constructed as the fortress for Herod the Great, the Tower of David is not related to King David at all! Today the Citadel houses the fantastic and rich Museum of History of Jerusalem.

Armenian Patriarchate Road, Old City Opening hours: Sat-Thurs 0900-1700, Fri 0900-1400 (Apr-Oct); Sat-Thurs 1000-1600, Fri 1000-1400 (Nov-Mar). Admission charge.

 

 

The Via Dolorosa or the 'Road of Sorrow' is believed to be the route walked by Jesus Christ as he carried the Cross to the site of his crucifixion at Calvary or Golgotha. You can trace the route as it beings at the Lion's Gate, passes through the Muslim Quarter and heads for the Calvary in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. Via Dolorosa, Old City Opening hours: Daily 24 hours. Admission free.