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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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The Holy sites of Jerusalem

Being the most important city for all major religions, the old city of Jerusalem is probably the most fascinating trip you can make while visiting Israel. The history of Jerusalem combines some of the most important events in Jewish and Christian history alike, and the religious sites spread throughout the city capture the imagination of each and every visitor. The Wailing Wall (the Western Wall) is the first stop for Jewish travelers in the old city of Jerusalem. It is the only remaining part of the ancient temple of King Solomon which has become the holiest spot in Jewish life and an Israeli national symbol as well. The Wailing Wall is where Jewish worshipers pray in a designated area in front of the holy site; mourn over the destruction of the Temple by the Romans, and wish for the return of Israel's former glory. They also write their personal requests from G-d and post it in little notes between the wall's ancient stones. Mount Zion is another Jewish and Christian holy site you wouldn't want to miss. According to Jewish tradition, Mount Zion is the burial place of King David. Today, it is one of the most popular Jewish burial sites in Jerusalem. Mount Zion is very significant for Christians as well: according to Christian belief, it is where the last supper was held, in the building identified as the Coenaculum, which is also where Jesus reappeared after his resurrection. According to Christianity, in this area of the city the disciples and early Christians were living at the time. Beyond its history, Mount Zion offers some spectacular views of the old city of Jerusalem. Jerusalem's vicinity offers several other significant sites for Christian visitors: the nearby Bethlehem, where Jesus was born; the Mount of Olives, where he ascended to heaven, according to Christianity; and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, which is the first among the Christian shrines in the Old City of Jerusalem, where the resurrection has been celebrated for many centuries as the most sacred place in all of Christendom. Plus there is the Via Dolorosa, the holiest Christian thoroughfare in the world: This path is symbolically reliving the events of the passion, and includes the shrine of the ascension, the Garden of Gethsemane and Mount Zion. The holy sites of the old city of Jerusalem have defined its nature for thousands of years and still reflect its remarkable history and significance. Visiting some of these sites and wondering through the streets and markets of the old city is an experience you will carry with you for many years after visiting one of the most special cities in the entire world.

Skylin Restaurant: Unforgettable Kosher Dining Experience with Spectacular Views

The Skylin Restaurant located in Jerusalem Gardens Hotel is a must-visit for anyone looking for an unforgettable dining experience. The restaurant offers spectacular panoramic views of the city and has a pleasant and intimate ambiance perfect for a romantic dinner or a family gathering. One can choose to sit inside or outside and enjoy the views while savoring the delicious food. The menu at Skylin is kosher and Galat, with an emphasis on seasonal, creative, and diverse dishes made from the freshest and highest quality ingredients. The restaurant takes pride in offering homemade dishes, from bread and dips to desserts. The chefs at Skylin tailor the menu according to the freshest available ingredients, ensuring that each dish is unique and delicious. The restaurant's strict adherence to the OU Glat Mehdrin and Rabbis of Mehdrin ensures that all meats served are exclusively kosher of the ultra-orthodox congregation. The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes to choose from, with something to satisfy every palate. The aged entrecote steak, selected surgeons burger, and long-cooked lamb shoulder are some of the must-try dishes. The Croissant Benedict, roasted chicken, and burnt eggplant are also highly recommended. Overall, the Skylin Restaurant offers an unparalleled dining experience with its unique ambiance, delicious food, and spectacular views. Whether you are a local or a tourist, this restaurant is definitely worth a visit.

The Armenian Quarter - Jerusalem Old City

Situated to the right of the vibrant Christian Quarter is the secret Armenian Quarter, the most isolate of all of the quarters in the old city. The quarter goes back to the time when Armenian Christianity began and has a long history of Armenian pilgrims setting foot at its gate. The discovery of holy sites for Christians in the city caused many of the pilgrims to become fixed residents in the Armenian Quarter. Dating back to the turn of the fourth century, when Armenia was declared as the first Christian state in the world, the Armenian Quarter developed into one of the main substances in the Christian entity of Jerusalem. Due to wars and peregrination the Armenian populace in the old city has shrunk these days to a little under 1000. Still, this tight community lives its life in the surroundings of St. James Church, which envelopes the Armenian faith in Jerusalem and is also the residual place of the Armenian patriarchate. Unfortunately, the Armenian Quarter is far from living up to its full tourism potential. With the church and its surrounding areas closed to the public, in the quarter you can visit teh museum of the Armenian history and artwork, which is quite interesting but not easily found.

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