|
| |
Jerusalem
Background
A trip to Israel would not be complete without visiting Jerusalem; it’s definitely a must especially for first timers. Jerusalem the golden is like no other city on earth. Sacred to the world's three major monotheistic religions, and was fought over for three millennia by a variety of peoples and nations. Jerusalem is the capital of Israel and some may say the centre of the world.
Whatever your views on religion, almost every step that you take through the streets of this most holy of cities reminds you that this is a place that has had a huge effect on the history of the world and is surely destined to have a pivotal role in its future. Walk along the Via Dolorosa, the network of streets through which Jesus dragged his cross before his crucifixion, and you’ll hear Muslim calls for prayer intermingled with Christian chanting and the shouts of market traders selling their spices. You’ll certainly see Jews and Muslims trading with one another and eating humus together in the market cafes. Take a moment to join them and watch the inhabitants of this city wander past you.
Sites and attractions in Jerusalem
The westren wall:
Visitors who stand at the Western Wall, looking up at the huge ancient stones – the last remnant of the Temple in Jerusalem – are almost always surrounded by people: some have come to celebrate a Bar Mitzvah, others to take pictures before a wedding, or to place a heartfelt prayer-note within the cracks between the stones. But they sense the presence not only of the here-and-now, but also of the untold numbers of people who for centuries streamed to this, the most sacred place in the world to the Jewish people.
More about culture:
Travel through thousands of years of history at the Citadel Museum (Tel: 972-2-6265333) which serves as a constant reminder of how many times Jerusalem has been conquered and re-conquered over the centuries.
Marvel at the Dead Sea Scrolls, walk through beautiful ancient synagogues and discover the huge art and antiquities collection at the Israel museum Ruppin Blvd (Tel: 972-26708811).
Uncover the true horror of the holocaust at Yad Vashem, a memorial and exceptionally moving new museum.
Gaze at some of the most ancient artifacts in the world at the Bible Lands Museum Row 25 Granot Street (Tel: 927-2561106).
For an extensive museum list check
Mini Israel – see it all in small, based in Latrun, a 20-minute drive from Jerusalem – a perfect stop before your departure back home.
Shopping:
Markets
Damascus Gate
Crowded gate with market leading into Arab Quarter
Ha-Zanhanim Street Jerusalem
Mahane Yehuda Market
Bustling outdoor food and goods market
Agripas Street and Jaffa Street Jerusalem
Ben Yehuda Pedestrian Street for Judaica, arts, crafts and souvenirs, from July to September watch out for the colourful fairs filled with jewellery, food and art stalls.
Nachalat Shiva is a trendy pedestrian precinct just off Kikar Zion with lots of sidewalk restaurants, cafes, pubs, small boutiques and arts/crafts shops.
Malha Mall
180 stores under one roof
Malha Jerusalem 96950
T: +972-2-678 8448
|
