If we had to choose the most important city in the world, what would it be? A capital of a great empire, like London, Paris, New York or Beijing? Perhaps, but to over half of the world’s population it has to be Jerusalem. The most important city for the Jews and the Christians, and considered to be the third most significant site for the Muslims, the city is so charged with history, meaning and symbolics that it often ignites the unfortunate human tendency for conflict. Today it is placed in a vulnerable limbo between the Israeli and Palestinian claims, fascinating with its iconic monuments and atmosphere swathed in myth.
The history of the Old City of Jerusalem is rich and complex, spanning over 3,000 years. Originally inhabited by the Canaanites, the city was conquered by King David in the 10th century BCE and later became the capital of the Kingdom of Israel. The city was subsequently conquered by numerous other empires, including the Babylonians, Persians, Greeks, and Romans, each of which left their own indelible mark on the city’s history and culture. Today, the Old City is home to some of the most significant religious and historical sites in the world, including the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
On this tour of the Old City of Jerusalem, visitors will have the opportunity to explore all four quarters of the city and experience the rich history and culture of each. The tour begins in the Armenian Quarter, where visitors can explore the rich history and culture of the Armenian people and visit the Armenian Orthodox Church. From there, visitors will proceed to the Jewish Quarter, home to numerous historical and religious sites, including the Western Wall and the Hurva Synagogue. Next, visitors will touch on the Muslim presence in the city, viewing the Golden Dome of the rock and Al-Aqsa mosque and explore the Christian Quarter, with the most important site of Christianity: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site where Jesus was crucified and buried. This tour of the Old City of Jerusalem is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave visitors with a deep appreciation for the city’s rich history and cultural significance.
On this tour, we will see and visit:
- The Jaffa Gate
- The Tower of David
- The Armenian Quarter
- The Jewish Quarter
- The Western Wall
- The Christian Quarter
- The Church of the Holy Sepulchre from the outside
