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The Old City of Jerusalem

Jerusalem travel guide

The Holiest City on Earth, surrounded by glorious walls, the Old City of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim in Hebrew, El-Quds in Arabic) is the highlight of the city, and the actual place where the mythologies of Judaism, Christianity and Islam occurred.

Within its lively narrow alleys and colorful markets lie the major historical and religious sites of the world’s three main religions, revealing the ancient history from the times of King David, Jesus Christ and Prophet Muhammad.

It is the Dome of the Rock at the Temple Mount, the third holiest Muslim site, from where Muhammad is said to have ascended to heaven on his Night Journey.

The same spot, known as Mount Moriah, is where God tested Abraham by asking him to sacrifice his son Isaac, and on which King Solomon chose to build the First Temple. This is where the Western Wall, last remains of the Second Temple and most sacred Jewish site in the world, stands today.

Not far from there lies the holiest Christian site, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, held to be the location of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection.

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The Old City is divided into four quarters – the Jewish Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Muslim Quarter and the Armenian Quarter – each one comprises its own special shrines. Walking around the streets of the Old City you will not see any distinct separation between the four parts, but you might notice the cultural and architectural differences between them.

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Jerusalem Layout

A Celebration of Colors A trip to Jerusalem is an exciting journey into many types of cultures, traditions and neighborhoods. Along the history of the city, people of different religions, from all over the world, have set their homes in Jerusalem, making it an exotic place to discover. Many visitors to Jerusalem are drawn to the city's exceptional ambience and unique aura. The city of Jerusalem consists of three main parts: The most historical holy part is the walled Old City, where the major sites, the lively alleys and the colorful markets are. The Old City itself is divided into four quarters: The Armenian Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Jewish Quarter and the Muslim Quarter. Outside the walls is the New City, also known as West Jerusalem. Here is where you can enjoy the vibrant modern metropolis of the active bars and cafes, the malls, the impressive museums and galleries, and the expanding Israeli neighborhoods and industrial high-tech zones. The third part of Jerusalem is East Jerusalem, populated mostly with Palestinians, presenting a wide range of oriental restaurants, lively shops and inexpensive hotels.

Israel Museum, Jerusalem – Buy tickets online

Since its establishment in 1965, the Israel Museum in Jerusalem has become one of the leading institutions in Israel and one of the most important and comprehensive museums in the world. The museum features upwards of 500,000 artistic and archaeological exhibits, including the world’s leading collection on archaeology from the Holy Land, Judaica and Jewish ethnography, and works of art ranging from classical to modern. The collections represent the rich history of human culture, dating back almost one million years, through modern times. The Israel Museum offers a wide range of fascinating exhibits, activities for the entire family and special events at the Shrine of the Book, a model of Jerusalem’s Second Temple, activities in the Youth Department and a 24-dunam sculpture garden. This summer, museum renovations will be complete and it will feature new programs, fascinating exhibits and interesting activities. Special opening hours during the first week after reopening: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday (July 26-28): 10:00 A.M. to 9:00 P.M. Thursday (July 29): 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M. Opening Hours Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, Thursday: 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Tuesday: 4:00 P.M. to 9:00 P.M. Friday and Holiday Eve: 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. Saturdays and Holidays: 10:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. http://www.inisrael.com/news/?p=1069

Mamilla Alrov Mall, Jerusalem

The summer vacation is at its peak, and it seems like there's no stopping the mall from becoming the hottest venue for all events during the vacation months. And if you're going to be shopping, you should definitely check out the Mamilla Mall in Jerusalem - a city in which anyone who doesn't live there or wasn't born there feels like a tourist. The mall is situated opposite the Jaffa Gate, close to the Mamilla Jerusalem Hotel and is part of the exclusive area that overlooks the Old City of Jerusalem. The Mamilla Mall is an open-air mall, built as a boulevard that preserves the area's architectural heritage, while integrating it into a modern day shopping experience. There are 120 stores in the mall, both national chains as well as select stores belonging to local and international designers, boutiques, cafes and restaurants. The mall also has a closed auditorium where various performances are held, and where games and entertainment options are available for children. Among the huge variety of stores in the mall are: Mango, MAC, GAP, Castro, Steimatzky, H. Stern, BEBE, Polo Ralph Lauren, Nautica, Tommy Hilfiger, Topshop and many, many more! Among the luxury international stores that recently immigrated to Jerusalem, you'll be able to find Rolex Show, which is Rolex's flagship store. The mall also hosts a number of other luxury brands including Gucci, Rado, Lacroix, Omega and many others. The Nike store has a European design and carries unique and exclusive styles. Other stores in the mall include Crocs, the only one in Jerusalem, and The North Face - one of the leading brands in the world for climbing and backpacking equipment, mountaineering apparel and skiwear. The mall offers its patrons an adjacent, indoor parking lot.

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