Jerusalem Overview

The holy city of Jerusalem truly personifies the 'Heritage of Peace', as the meaning of its name in Hebrew proclaims. There is a unique sacredness about the city, being considered holy among three religions, Jewish, Christian, and Moslem. The city is nestled in the barren land of Israel, surrounded by three mountains and four valleys. King David founded the city of Jerusalem in 1004 B.C.E and is the capital of Israel today.

Jerusalem is considered to be the most significant among Israel's popular destinations. It cherishes an intense history of faith and treachery, love and hatred, war and peace. This city has witnessed the crucifixion of Jesus, the ascension of Mohammed to Heaven. The city has it all to enchant every visitor, from pilgrims to scholars.

The visitors are awestruck by the beauty of the Byzantine churches, fortresses, mosques and synagogues that abound the city of Jerusalem, Israel. One of the most sacred places in the city is the Temple Mount, a place revered by Jews and Muslims worldwide. The imposing structure of the Dome of the Rock, where from Mohammed rose to Heaven, exudes grandeur and arouses reverence. On the Temple Mount there is Al Aqsa Mosque, the oldest of its kind in Israel. The Islamic museum treasuring relics of Islamic history attracts travelers.

At the bottom of the Temple mount there stands the huge Western Wall, made of massive golden stone-blocks. This place is considered to be the holiest for prayer by the Jewish people. They pray and contemplate here with utmost sincerity; the sheer holiness of the place benumbs the visitors. The place can be visited through the Jewish quarters of the city.

Originally formed as a part of the defense structure of Jerusalem around 2000 years ago, the Citadel or the Tower of David is also another site in Jerusalem that captures tourists. A museum, built within the tower, bears authentic chronicles of the history of the city of Jerusalem in Israel.

Via Dolorosa is believed to be the sacred route wrought with sorrow through Jesus bore his cross to the site of Crucifixion. At the end of the route there stands the Church of Holy Sepulchre. The church is built on the site where Jesus was buried and resurrected later. Inside the church there remains a curious atmosphere of solemnity and spirituality.

Another site of extreme popularity and significance is Yad Vashem, the world's most well-known memorial, which bears traces of the gruesome devastation incurred on the Jews by the Nazis during the World War II.

The Israel Museum is the storehouse of the country's most ancient and praised possessions. It houses art and archaeological galleries, which exhibit collection of Jewish artifacts and art pieces.

As there are only two international airports in the country, Ben Guion airport is the most accessible. The domestic transportation is well maintained the Israel Railways and Jerusalem's central Bus Stations. The city remains the tourist hub in Israel because of its rich heritage and religious significance.