Whether you're a traveler or simply interested in the city, there are many reasons why you should consider visiting Jerusalem. This ancient city is situated on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains, between the Mediterranean Sea and the Dead Sea. As one of the oldest cities in the world, it is considered a holy city for many Abrahamic religions.

Old City

Located on the site of the ancient city of Jerusalem, the Old City of Jerusalem has long been the center of religion and culture. Its storied history dates back thousands of years and it is still home to one of Christianity's most sacred sites.

The Old City is divided into four quarters. The largest of the quarters is the Muslim Quarter. The Jewish and Armenian quarters make up the southern portion of the city. The quarters are named according to the ethnic affiliation of the inhabitants.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built in the 4th century and it is one of the holiest places in Christianity. Visitors can also visit the Western Wall, which is one of the oldest sites in the world. The mosques are also important to Muslims.

The most popular entry point to the Old City is the Jaffa Gate. It faces Jaffa Road and is the starting point for many tours. The information office is on the left side of the gate.

The Armenian Quarter is a tiny portion of the city, comprising about one-sixth of the Old City. It is accessible from the Jaffa Gate and can be accessed via David Street. The quarter is also home to the New Temple Institute, which houses the holy vessels that were used in the Holy Temple.

The Armenians were the first people to become Christians in 301 CE. They have been coming to Jerusalem as pilgrims since then. In 2010, the synagogue in the Hurva district was rededicated.

The Tower of David is a 16th century cylindrical structure built by Herod. It has a courtyard and a museum. The Tower contains exhibits detailing the history of the Old City.

Temple Mount

During the 1967 Six Day War, Israel captured Jerusalem's Temple Mount. The site has been a holy site for thousands of years. Christians and Muslims have both venerated it for centuries. The New Testament frequently mentions the temple's existence.

It has been a hotly contested piece of real estate. Palestinians claim it is the ancient mosque of Al Aqsa, while Israelis claim it is the Jewish temple. In recent weeks, Palestinians have been demonstrating in the Old City of Jerusalem. A group of far right Jews have also been protesting.

The Temple Mount has been the subject of several historical excavations. A British explorer named Sir Charles Warren investigated the area during the 1860s. He discovered a series of horizontal underground tunnels and other structures.

He was able to recover numerous ring pieces and bracelets, many of which date from the late Roman and Early Byzantine periods. Another find was a pillared figurine leg dating from the period of the First Temple.

The area of the Temple Mount, from Solomon's Stables to the Gate of Mercy, was about 15,000 square meters. It was paved, with engaged pillars in the upper part and flat in the lower.

During the Second Temple period, the area was populated. Archeologists have found pottery shards from the Hellenistic and Early Roman periods. The earliest shard found dates to the eighth century BCE.

The site has been the center of bloodshed and tension for decades. It is a sensitive issue that has been the centerpiece of several peace negotiations. In fact, it was the focus of a UNESCO World Heritage Committee report. In September 2000, Yasser Arafat launched an intifada against Israel.

Church of All Nations

Located near the garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem, the Church of All Nations (also called the Basilica of the Agony) is a landmark of the Holy City. Designed by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi, this church is a modern interpretation of a Byzantine basilica. The church was built between 1919 and 1924 with the help of donations from dozens of countries.

The church's facade is decorated with mosaics that depict Jesus as the mediator between God and man. The domes of the church display flags of the twelve countries that donated the construction. The ceiling of the church also features coats of arms of the countries.

The church is considered to be one of the most important places in the Christian Holy Land. It is located near the East Gate to Jerusalem. It is also in close proximity to the Mount of Olives.

The present church was built over the ruins of a fourth century Byzantine basilica. The original building was destroyed by an earthquake in 746 AD. The present building is also situated over a bedrock believed to be the rock where Jesus prayed during his agony in the garden.

The facade of the church is lined with columns with mosaics. The three apses of the basilica are decorated with mosaics as well. These mosaics were donated by Hungary, Poland, Ireland, and many other countries.

The interior of the church is filled with exquisite mosaics. The ceiling is surrounded by domes adorned with olive branches. Each dome contains a glass dome that contains the flags of the countries that funded the construction.

The church has an open altar that is used by Protestants, Roman Catholics, and Eastern Orthodox. The altar is also available for private use.

City of David

Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, the City of David is an archaeological site which has been discovered since the nineteenth century. It is believed to be the oldest settlement core in Jerusalem.

The City of David is home to many interesting archeological discoveries. The largest discovery in recent history is the Proto-Ionic Capital, which predates Greek and Roman architecture. It was found in the City of David, and is now on display in the Israel Museum.

The City of David also hosts a state-of-the-art virtual tour, which will allow visitors to explore ancient Jerusalem. It includes videos, animated re-creations of ancient sites, and interviews with excavators.

One of the most exciting discoveries in Jerusalem is Hezekiah's Tunnel, which is a 2,700 year-old water tunnel. This wonder of early engineering is popular with families.

Another site worth a visit is the Large Stone Structure, which is a huge structure resembling a stepped pyramid. It is located near the visitor center. The stepped structure is believed to have supported a palace for King David.

The City of David is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city. It attracts around 400,000 visitors per year. It is located on the ridge southeast of the Old City of Jerusalem. Its name is derived from the fact that King David built the city.

There is also a new visitor center scheduled for opening in 2009. This new facility will be on the west side of the City of David. It is expected to expand the tourism infrastructure on the south side of the old city.

The City of David is the best place to learn about the history of Jerusalem. The site offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding area. Its location enables visitors to relive the conquest of the Jebusite city by King David.

Mahane Yehuda Market

Whether you're looking for fresh vegetables and fruits, fresh fish, baked goods, nuts and spices, clothing or clothing accessories, Mahane Yehuda Market in Jerusalem has it all. This market is one of the biggest in the city, and its more than 250 vendors make it the perfect destination for a day of shopping.

The market has been a staple in the Jerusalem food scene since the Ottoman era. It offers fresh produce, meats, flowers, and spices, as well as a wide variety of local traditional restaurants.

The market is a bustling area during the day, but it gets really busy at night. The best way to enjoy it is to take a tour. A local tour guide will show you around and point out some of the best things to eat. You can also visit the BeerBazaar, which serves over 100 types of local Israeli craft beers.

You can purchase a "Bite Card" to enter the market. This allows you to go at your own pace and includes an audio guide, a drink, and six different items to try. There are also cooking classes available at the Atelier, a boutique restaurant based in the market. The owner, Tali Friedman, will lead you through the best produce and give you tips on how to eat it.

Another option is to check out the Graffiti and Nightlife Tour, which includes visits to several popular spots, including the BeerBazaar. You can also sign up for the Mahane Yehuda Bite Card, which includes the same items, plus an authentic Jerusalem dish and coffee. The card requires a smart phone with data service.

Finally, if you're looking for a way to explore the city's nightlife, you can try the Graffiti and Nightlife Tour, a nighttime visit that includes a mixture of pubs and street art.

Whether you're going to Israel for the first time or you're an experienced traveler, there are a lot of things to see and do in Jerusalem and surrounding areas. You can plan a tour that focuses on the city, but there are also many day trips that will allow you to explore the rest of the region. You can visit sites related to the Jewish, Christian, and Muslim religions. These tours are a great way to spend your time in Jerusalem.

The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the most important religious sites in the world. It's where Jesus was crucified and resurrected. It's also the place where he was buried. The Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall) is a 2,000 year old monument that's considered to be the holiest Jewish site in the world. It's where faithful Jews pray and read from scripture.

The Mount of Olives is another popular destination. It's where you can take a panoramic view of the Old City of Jerusalem. It's also one of the most photographed landmarks in Israel. You can also stop at the Kotel, or the Western Wall. It's a pilgrimage site for Jews and Muslims, and it's one of the few remaining remnants of the Second Temple.

The Sea of Galilee is another favorite of those seeking a Holy Land tour. You can visit the popular town of Tiberias, as well as the Mount of Beatitudes and the ancient city of Kfar Cana. You'll also pass by Mount Tabor and Yardenit, a sacred baptism site on the Jordan River.

The Judean Desert is another interesting destination. It's home to the Mar Saba Monastery, as well as the Monastery of Saint Gerasimos. It's a place where you can find peace and quiet. It's also a great place to buy souvenirs.

You can also combine a day trip to Masada with a tour to the Dead Sea. Both destinations can be reached in just over an hour. If you want to swim in the Dead Sea, you can do it before or after the tour. You can also book a tour that includes a cable car ride to Masada.

The Old City of Jerusalem is a place that's packed with history and culture. The Old City contains the Jewish Quarters, Armenian Quarters, and the Roman Cardo. It's also home to a variety of mosques and churches, as well as the Israel Museum. If you're looking to explore the city in more depth, there are guided tours that will show you some of the most important sites in the city. They will include a guide, air-conditioned coach, and admission tickets. You can also opt to join a tour that visits the Jewish and Christian Quarters as well.

You can also take a tour to the West Bank of Jerusalem. You'll learn about the complicated history of the region, as well as some of the city's most impressive landmarks. Some of these sites are closed on Fridays and Saturdays. If you're interested in visiting the West Bank, it's best to do it with a local tour guide.