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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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Rockefeller Museum Jerusalem

The Rockefeller Museum is located in East Jerusalem, opposite Herod's Gate. The museum was designed by renowned British architect Austen St. Barbe Harrison in the 1930s. In his beautifully impressive architectural design, Harrison successfully merged east and west. The museum, which opened in 1938, exhibits numerous important historical findings from Jerusalem and around Israel, found mostly during the British Mandate period. Among the items on display: A collection of gold jewelry, Megiddo ivory collection, Lachish letter ostracon and decorated wooden doorposts from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The museum's exhibit halls have high ceilings, inspired by the Roman halls built around a beautiful courtyard with three different levels. Rockefeller Museum Jerusalem Address: Sultan Suleiman 27, Jerusalem (near Herod's Gate, a short drive from Safra Square, parallel to the Old City walls). Telephone: 02-628-2251

Experience Luxury and Serenity at Gordonia Hotel in the Jerusalem Mountains

Gordonia Hotel is an oasis of tranquility and luxury nestled in the Jerusalem Mountains. The hotel boasts a wide area with picturesque views and well-designed suites that are perfect for adults over 18 looking for a peaceful getaway. The hotel also features well-kept gardens and magical paths that surround the hotel, an infinity pool complex, a huge hot tub, and a sauna overlooking breathtaking views. The hotel's chef provides fine cuisine based on local crops and produce to complete the atmosphere. And for those looking for a more relaxed atmosphere, the hotel's cocktail bar in the infinity pool complex will soon be open. The Gordonia Spa offers a rare combination of spectacular views of the Jerusalem mountains and the intoxicating smell of the mountains, providing a perfect environment for those seeking intimacy and pampering. The spa offers quality treatments performed by experienced professionals in two modern treatment rooms, complete with a private shower for your comfort. The spa complex also features a dry sauna and a jacuzzi overlooking a magical view. For those seeking a more exclusive and private experience, My Private Place at Gordonia Hotel offers luxurious living rooms available 24/7, rotating dairy menus of the best local produce, a private chef, a personal swimming pool, a hot private hot tub, personal spa treatments, and selected music in the background. The hotel's fitness club equipped with 2 treadmills, stepper, exercise bike, multi trainer, and free weights is perfect for keeping fit during your stay. And for those seeking adventure, the hotel now offers bicycle rentals at special prices for guests. The surrounding area is ideal for a bicycle trip, allowing guests to enjoy the magical views of the Jerusalem mountains, mountain air, and some fitness on the way. Located west of Jerusalem at the top of one of the highest peaks in the Jerusalem Mountains, Kibbutz Maale HaHahime is adjacent to Gordonia Hotel from the north. On a clear day, the coastal plain from Ashkelon to Carmel stretches before the observer. The kibbutz is also near Kibbutz Kiryat Inavim, the village of Abu Gush, and the settlement of Har Adar. Gordonia Hotel is the perfect getaway for those seeking luxury, relaxation, and adventure. Experience the beauty and serenity of the Jerusalem mountains, indulge in fine cuisine, and rejuvenate at the hotel's spa and fitness club. Book your stay at Gordonia Hotel today and make unforgettable memories.

The Western Wall Virtual tour – Visit the Kotel

The Western Wall also called the Wailing wall, is the western retaining wall of the Temple Mount, the one that was closest to the Holy of Holies when the Temple stood. The holiest Jewish site in the world and a renowned symbol of Jerusalem’s Old City, the Western Wall is a remnant of the retaining wall built by Herod the Great in the 1st century BC, to encompass the Second Temple enclosure. As the only remainder of their sacred, destroyed Temple, Jewish people from all over the world, throughout two thousands years of exile, have faced the direction of the Western Wall on their prayers. It is a Jewish belief that the Holy Presence has never left the Western Wall, thus it became the most significant site of Jewish pilgrimage, where Jews came to mourn the ruin of the Temple. This is how the Wall, “Ha’kotel” in Hebrew, has gained the name – the “Wailing Wall”. The big plaza in front of the Wall is divided into two sections – one for women and one for men. Here you can observe different kinds of Jewish activities and prayers, from orthodox Jews dressed in black reading their bible, to Israeli soldiers and groups of Jewish tourists. Leaning against the Wall and kissing the stones, the prayers’ most famous custom is to insert a note with a prayer to God between the Wall’s bricks, believing in its priority to be answered. The Western Wall serves as a favorite location for Jewish traditional celebrations, and gets amazingly alive on Friday eve (the arrival of Sabbath) and on Jewish holidays. While visiting the Kotel you may see a Bar Mitzvah kid holding the Torah on his traditional ceremony, or an excited bride & groom being photographed before their wedding. Information: The Western Wall is open 24 hours, and requires a modest dress for women and a head cover for the men. Admission is free. The closest gate to enter the Old City directly to the Wall is the Dung Gate. Buses No. 1 and 2 reach inside the Old City to the area of the Wall. http://www.inisrael.com/news/?p=55

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