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Wohl Archaeological Museum Jerusalem

The Wohl Archaeological Museum is located in the Herodian Quarter, which was considered the upscale, wealthy neighborhood in the city during the time of the Second Temple.

The site was discovered during archaeological digs conducted in the Jewish Quarter between 1969-1983 and is considered the largest covered archaeological site in Israel. Six houses belonging to the Jerusalem elite were discovered there, most likely belonging to the ruling family during the Herodian Era (some 2,000 years ago). The findings – wells, mikvehs (ritual baths), mosaic-tiled floors and fresco – bear testament to the owners’ wealth. Numerous rock tools and utensils were also found at the site.

Address: 1 HaKaraim St., Jerusalem
Jewish Quarter of the Old City
Phone: 972-2-626-5906

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Church of the Holy Sepulchre

The holiest Christian shrine in the world is situated on the Hill of Golgotha (skull hill), used to be an execution location outside the city walls. According to Christian gospels, and with compatibility to archeological discoveries, this is the real site of Jesus' crucifixion, burial and resurrection. The beautiful architecture of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a combination of Crusader, Byzantine and Greek structures. In addition, five Christian communities share the Church today: the Roman Catholic, the Greek Orthodox, the Armenian, the Coptic and the Syrian Orthodox, each has its own part inside the church. The Holy Sepulchre History: In 335 AD, Constantin, the Emperor of Byzantium, and his mother, Helena, built a splendid church on the exact site where the massive excavations they ran revealed the tomb of Jesus. The church was completely destroyed by Caliph El-Hakim in 1009, partly reconstructed by the Byzantines in 1042, and entirely rebuilt by the Crusaders when they entered Jerusalem on July 15, 1099. However, a big fire in 1808 caused a lot of damaged to the church, which had been repaired by the Greek Orthodox during the last century. The architecture of the church as it exists today is therefore a combination of Crusader, Byzantine and Greek structures. Information: Visitors of all religions are requested to enter the Church of the Holy Sepulchre modestly dressed. The church is open daily from 5:00am to 9:00pm (4:00am to 8:00pm at wintertime), admission is free. The church can be reached from Jaffa Gate, through the Christian Quarter St., or from the Lions Gate following Jesus' footsteps along the Via Doloroza. Virtual Tours of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher

Discovering Abu Gosh: A Historic Village of Hummus, Music and Monasteries

Abu Gosh is a lovely, picturesque village located in the Judean Hills, off a winding road between Tel Avi and Jerusalem, dating back some 6,000 years. The village is situated on a mountainside and serves as a tourist attraction, drawing in many visitors. The village is particularly famous for its hummus restaurants. You may not reach the original Abu Shukri restaurant, but there are many restaurants serving authentic and particularly tasty food throughout the village, at affordable prices. Aside from the famous restaurants, twice a year – during Sukkot and Shavuot - the village holds a vocal music festival. The festival hosts choirs from across the country and around the world, which perform in the village's monasteries. The village has a number of guest houses, gift shops, candle shops and glassware stores. The atmosphere in the village is unique, as it serves as a meeting point for the three religions: Jewish Israelis and tourists from around the world visit the Muslim village in order to hear music at a Christian church. During Biblical times the village was called Kiryat Ye'arim. The Ark of the Covenant was placed there and it was a site for religious rituals. Later, during the Byzantine period, a church was built on the highest point in the village. This church was destroyed during the Persian occupation, and The Church of Our Lady of the Ark of the Covenant - which features a large statue of the Virgin Mary - was built on its ruins. These days, nuns live in the church and twice a year, during Sukkot and Shavuot, it hosts choirs from across Israel and around the world during the vocal music festival. According to Christian belief, Abu Gosh is where Jesus appeared following his resurrection. During the Crusader period a church and stunning monastery were built in the village, which have been preserved to this day. The Benedictine Monastery is surrounded by a huge, lovely garden with ancient olive trees, an orchard and grapevines. The monastery's interior walls feature frescos that were drawn during the thirteenth century, and a spring flows from the monastery's crypt. The site also houses a ceramics and candle factory, operated by the monks. Six daily prayer sessions are held at the monastery, from 5:30 A.M.-8:30 P.M., and visitors are encouraged to visit during one of the sessions, for the unique opportunity to hear prayer songs performed in an 800-year-old church. Monastery Visiting Hours: Monday-Wednesday and Friday-Saturday: 8:30 A.M.-11:30 A.M. and 2:30 P.M.-5:30 P.M.

The Museum for Islamic Art, Jerusalem

The Museum for Islamic Art in Jerusalem: A Window into the Rich Cultural Heritage of the Middle East Jerusalem is a city that has been at the crossroads of many civilizations throughout history. As a result, the city boasts a rich cultural heritage that has been preserved in its museums and historical sites. The Museum for Islamic Art is one such cultural institution that offers visitors a unique window into the artistic and cultural traditions of the Middle East. The Museum for Islamic Art, located in the heart of Jerusalem, is home to a vast collection of Islamic art and artifacts that date back to the 7th century. The collection includes ceramics, textiles, metalwork, and jewelry, among other things. The museum was founded in 1974 by Vera Bryce Salomons, a Dutch philanthropist, and art collector, who was inspired by her travels through the Middle East. The museum building, designed by the architect Alfred Mansfeld, is a work of art in itself. The structure, which was completed in 1974, is a modernist masterpiece that features a unique blend of geometric and organic forms. The building is surrounded by a lush garden that serves as a peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city. The museum's permanent collection is organized thematically, with each section highlighting a different aspect of Islamic art and culture. One of the most impressive sections of the collection is the ceramics gallery, which features a stunning array of earthenware, stoneware, and porcelain from across the Islamic world. The collection includes examples of some of the most intricate and beautiful ceramic work ever created, including Persian lusterware, Iznik pottery, and Chinese-inspired blue and white ceramics. Another highlight of the museum's collection is the textiles gallery, which features a wide range of textiles from across the Islamic world. The collection includes silk and cotton fabrics, embroidered garments, and carpets and rugs. The textiles on display showcase the incredible craftsmanship and artistry that went into creating these beautiful objects. The museum's collection of metalwork is also a must-see for visitors. The collection includes a stunning array of decorative objects made of brass, copper, silver, and gold. The metalwork on display includes everything from ornate candlesticks and candelabras to intricately designed jewelry and weaponry. In addition to its permanent collection, the Museum for Islamic Art also hosts a number of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. These exhibitions feature works of art from across the Islamic world and provide visitors with a deeper understanding of the rich cultural heritage of the region. One of the unique features of the Museum for Islamic Art is its focus on education and outreach. The museum offers a variety of programs and workshops for visitors of all ages, including lectures, guided tours, and hands-on workshops. These programs provide visitors with a deeper understanding of Islamic art and culture and allow them to engage with the museum's collection in a meaningful way. In conclusion, the Museum for Islamic Art in Jerusalem is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the rich cultural heritage of the Middle East. With its impressive collection of Islamic art and artifacts, stunning architecture, and commitment to education and outreach, the museum offers visitors a unique and enriching cultural experience. Whether you're a seasoned art lover or simply looking to learn more about the history and culture of the region, the Museum for Islamic Art is a destination that should not be missed. Address: 2 Hapalmach St, Jerusalem

Jerusalem - one of a kind