Jerusalem is a Southern Levant city on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. This amazing city is one of the oldest cities in the world and is considered holy. Jerusalem is a journey to one of the most sacred sites in the world. The number of religious tourist attractions here can be baffling for first-time visitors. However, most of the top sightseeing landmarks and things to do are secreted within the lanes of the compact Old City district. Jerusalem is a wondrous city with historic sites of great cultural importance. There are several Quarters, all famous for different reasons. Visitors can access the grounds via seven different gateways.
Here are the Best Attractions in Jerusalem
1. Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is Jerusalem’s holiest site. It is said to have been built on the site where Jesus was crucified. As per the research, the original church built in 335 CE was destroyed by 1009. The grand church now dates from the 11th century. This church’s interior is a wealthy beautiful piece of religious architecture. It contains various holy relics and the quarters inside, are owned by different Christian denominations. Entering the church visitors can have an ancient stone courtyard is a memorable experience. Witnessing the Edicule shrine in Jesus’s empty tomb lies will surely send shivers down your spine. However, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a strangely peaceful place to visit.
2. Mount Zion
Mount Zion is a hill in Jerusalem, located just outside the walls of the Old City. It is home to Jewish and Muslim shrines and several churches. This place has been revered as the place where Christ celebrated the Last Supper and where the Virgin Mary spent the last years of her life since the Byzantine Age. Mount Zion’s importance stems from this being the place of King David’s Tomb. If visitors climb up the stairs from the tomb’s courtyard come to the Last Supper Room, which has served as both church and mosque throughout its history. There is also the Church of the Dormition.
3. West Jerusalem Central City Sites
Entering the Old City’s Jaffa Gate one can get to West Jerusalem’s modern central city. On Jaffa Road running northwest to Bar Kochba Square and Zion Square. From Bar Kochba Square, one can reach the Russian Compound. This area grew up in the late 19th century as a large walled complex for Russian pilgrims. To the north, is Ethiopia Street where visitors can find the Ethiopian Church. From Ethiopia Street is the Mea Shearim district. South of Jaffa Road is the Time Elevator. This place introduces Jerusalem’s history. It even has the Museum of Italian Jewish Art & Synagogue with an extensive collection of Judaica.
4. Mount of Olives
Mount of Olives is known for the panoramic view of the city. It is the oldest continually used cemetery in the world. This place is overloaded with churches. The Mount of Olives holds particular interest to religious pilgrim travelers to Jerusalem. Non-devout can appreciate the spectacular Old City panoramas from the peak. Mount of Olives has many interesting attractions that follow. The Church of the Ascension on the top of the mountain dates from 1910.
This church has the best views across Jerusalem. Walking down the slope, visitors come to the Church of the Pater Noster which is built next to the site. Farther down, the Church of Dominus Flevit. This church is built over the site where Jesus wept for Jerusalem. There is the onion-domed Russian Church of Mary Magdalene. Mount of Olives also has the Gardens of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations. There is also the Tomb of the Virgin Mary one of the biggest attractions of this place.
5. Ein Kerem and Abu Ghosh
Ein Kerem Road in Jerusalem is Ein Kerem Valley where as per Christian tradition, the village of Ein Kerem was the birthplace of St. John the Baptist. Alongside its religious landmarks, the place is known for its fine art, culinary, and musical scenes. This landmark has many must-visit places like the Church of the Visitation, Monastery of St. John in the Mountains, Convent of the Sisters of Zion, Gorny or “Moscobia” Convent, Mary’s Spring, St. Vincent. West of the city is the village of Abu Ghosh. This village is dominated by a crusader church that has belonged to the Lazarists since 1956. The four-meter-thick walls and the three-aisled church are fortress-like and are full of crusader character. Abu Ghosh has religious sites such as the Benedictine St Mary of the Resurrection Abbey, the Church of Notre Dame, and Abu Ghosh mosques.