Jerusalem, one of the most hotly contested cities on Earth, is rich in historical, theological, and cultural treasures, including some of the holiest shrines in Christianity, Islam, and Judaism.
Jerusalem, which is now a part of Israel, has been contested territory for millennia. Each of the Mamluks, Ottomans, Christians, and Muslims who dominated the region at some point left their own unique imprint on the area.
Top 10 Places to Visit in Jerusalem
The Old City may have more outstanding tourist attractions than many countries despite its small size. There are many wonderful landmarks to see in Jerusalem, including the Dome of the Rock, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Western Wall.
Wandering through its historic alleyways is a hypnotic experience, made all the more so by the religious pilgrims who fill the narrow alleys. Jerusalem is a one-of-a-kind destination with seemingly limitless historical sites and activities to explore.
1. Western Wall
Seeing Orthodox Israelis rocking back and forth in prayer at Judaism’s holiest place, the Western Wall, is a fascinating sight to behold.
The site presently serves as a de facto synagogue and provides support for one side of Temple Mount. It’s commonly referred to by its nickname, “The Wailing Wall,” because it’s where Jews have congregated to lament the loss of the Temple in 70 CE.
Stopping by the numerous places of worship to soak up the entrancing atmosphere is a must for anybody visiting Jerusalem. You can also slide a prayer note between the crevices between the massive white granite wall’s stones.
2. Israel Museum
The Israel Museum opened in 1965, and its impressive collection of art and archaeology spans more than five thousand years.
At the many galleries devoted to local archaeology, you can see objects from the Islamic world, the Near East, Italy, and Greece, among others. Seeing at the ancient biblical texts, including the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, is awe-inspiring.
Similarly captivating is the museum’s Jewish Art and Life Hall. Several aspects of Jewish customs, such as wedding and burial rituals, are explained in detail here.
3. Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre houses two of the holiest locations in all of Christendom: the tomb where Jesus was crucified and the empty tomb where he resurrected from the dead. When in Jerusalem, you must go inside to experience the dark and foreboding atmosphere.
The various Christian groups reluctantly share care for the church, despite its popularity among visitors and pilgrims. The church, which was dedicated in A.D. 335, has been damaged, demolished, and rebuilt multiple times since its original construction.
After exploring the church’s historic stone courtyard, entering the building is a moment to remember. There are a lot of people there, but it’s quite quiet. Visiting the Edicule shrine where Jesus’ empty tomb is located is guaranteed to give you the creeps.
4. Yad Vashem
Yad Vashem is a must-see when in Jerusalem, and for good reason: it will move you to tears. This memorial honours the Israeli government’s official recognition of the Holocaust as a genocide.
The Holocaust Memorial Museum, which details the Nazis’ atrocities, may be found at the memorial site, which is located on the lower slopes of Mount Herzl. You won’t soon forget your visit to “the Hall of Names,” where you may view photographs of all the victims.
Several of the audio, film, and things on show are startling; however, others represent renewal, as seen in the “The Eternal Flame” display.
5. Temple Mount
Temple Mount, located in the centre of the Old City, is one of the most hotly contested areas due to its historical significance and veneration by all three Abrahamic religions.
It is the holiest site in Judaism and the third most important site in Island due to the presence of the Al Aqsa Mosque. Both the original and the new Temples were built on this spot.
Notwithstanding the millennia of violence that has plagued the massive cypress tree-fringed complex, a stroll through the old limestone pavings is a serene affair. Seeing the Dome of the Rock’s famous golden dome shine in the sunlight is a pleasure.
6. The Garden Tomb
Some Christians believe that Jesus was buried in this magnificent rock-cut tomb, which dates back to the eighth or seventh century BC.
Even though it attracts a lot of visitors, the gardens it’s situated in are nonetheless a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of the Old City’s cobblestone streets.
Whether or not Jesus was actually buried here is hotly debated, but the location near to Skull Hill makes it well worth the trip.
7. Western Wall Tunnels
Most of Jerusalem is constructed on top of and around the ruins of older structures due to the city’s long and turbulent history of destruction and reconstruction.
As a result, there are a network of tunnels running beneath the historic district. Visitors can get into a time machine and travel back to the days of the Second Temple when they take a guided tour of the tunnels beneath the Western Wall.
There is a network of tight, claustrophobic tunnels running parallel to the Western Wall that is well worth exploring for the depth of history it contains.
8. Dome of the Rock
The Dome of the Rock, which sits atop Temple Mount, is a worldwide icon due to its dazzling reflections in the sun. It is a well-known symbol of Jerusalem.
The temple was constructed between 688 and 691 CE, and it is here that Muslims believe the Prophet Muhammad went to heaven.
Although only practising Muslims are permitted inside the Dome, the structure itself is a sight to behold. The walls are covered in bright blue mosaics, and the renowned gold-plated dome sits atop it, both overlooking Jerusalem.
9. Tower of David
Some people refer to it as the Jerusalem Citadel, but whatever you call it, the Tower of David is an interesting and worthwhile tourist destination due to its prime location above the Old City. There are artefacts that are older than two thousand years old.
The existing citadel, which has been remarkably preserved, was constructed on top of ancient defences and dates back to Mamluk and Ottoman eras.
The Tower of David Museum, conveniently located nearby, features exhibits, holograms, and maps that provide a fascinating glimpse at the history of Jerusalem, which spans over 4,000 years.
10. Mount of Olives
The Mount of Olives, located on the city’s outskirts, provides a breathtaking panorama of Jerusalem. Incredible panoramas of the Temple Mount and the glittering Dome of the Rock may be seen from its hilltop.
It’s not just a pretty place to visit; there’s also a significant Jewish cemetery and other churches, including the stunning Russian Orthodox Cathedral.
Mount of Olives is the oldest continuously used cemetery in the world and is well worth visiting if you find yourself in Jerusalem.
