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The Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem

Jerusalem travel guide

The Biblical Zoo in Jerusalem named after the Tish family, or in short the Biblical Zoo, is a zoo located on Derech Aharon Shulov 1 in Jerusalem, on the northern slopes of Nahal Refaim near Ein Yael and Ein Lavan springs. The uniqueness of the zoo is in presenting a zoological collection of Eretz Israel animals, some of which have even been mentioned in the Bible.

This zoo is one of the six zoos that are members of the Israeli Zoo Organization. According to the “Dun & Bradstreet” rating – the Biblical Zoo was the most popular attraction in Israel between the years 2005-2007, and in 2009 738,000 visitors were registered.

The zoo is uniquely built and displays the animals while integrating into the landscape. The park was designed by architect Lenny Raviv of the Miller Bloom Environmental Planning Office [14], with the goal of giving animals as similar conditions as possible to the conditions in nature. The animals are not in cages, and between the crowd and the animals there are deep ditches that prevent contact between the animals and visitors. The gene is divided into several areas, with each area having animals according to a certain category (for example, according to the continent from which the animals came).

Adjacent to the park is the Jerusalem Railway Station – the Biblical Zoo, which began operating in the second half of the 1990s and reopened in 2005 and closed when the new Jerusalem – Yitzhak Navon Railway Station opened in 2018.

Archaeological excavations have been carried out in the area of the zoo and the remains of agricultural farms dating from the third millennium BC have been discovered. Most of the exhibits discovered in the area date from the Middle Bronze Age (the first half of the second millennium BC).

At the end of the African Yard route is the Zoo Visitor Center in the shape of a Noah’s Ark where there is a kiosk, a movie theater and a souvenir shop. The center was established by Aharon Shulov in 1990 with the first film in the cinema hall that tells about the construction of the biblical zoo.

Opening hours:
Sun-Thu 09:00-18:00
Fri 09:00-16:00
Sat 09:00-17:00

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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

Time Elevator, Jerusalem

The Time Elevator takes visitors on a fascinating, historical journey over 3,000 years, telling the story of the city of Jerusalem. Haim Topol, who starred in Fiddler on the Roof, is our tour guide, leading us between collapsing ceilings, water hoses and other special effects that enhance the experience and the unforgettable journey to historical Jerusalem: From the City of David through the 1967 War. With an exciting original film written by historians and archeologists, featuring special effects, viewers can enjoy a fascinating journey to the most dramatic moments in Jerusalem's history. Visitors meet the Prophet Jeremiah, confront King Zedekiah and relive the destruction of the First and Second Temples. The audience goes through the Roman occupation of Jerusalem, the birth of Christianity, the rise of Islam, hundreds of years of occupation in the Holy Land and the drama of the establishment of the State of Israel. Visitors are provided with surround sound headphones and may choose to listen to the show in English, Russian, French, Spanish, German, Mandarin, Italian or Hebrew. A visit to the Time Elevator has become an important and essential part of each visit to Jerusalem. The Human Body: This exhibit reveals the secrets of the most sophisticated machine that man did not design: the human body itself. In what way do we breathe? How do we perceive information? How do we digest? The answers to these questions will be revealed to you by stunning and accurate 3D simulations of the ear, brain, muscles, lungs, and even the womb as we journey through these structures. It is made possible by "Info", a futuristic robot-capsule that guides the journey and provides its own unique perspective on the body's activities. The Auschwitz camp in Birkenau is being toured using virtual reality using 3D glasses (VR) for the first time in Israel. Take part in an exciting, thrilling and unusual three-dimensional experience in Poland - without leaving Israel, while making an intergenerational historical connection. An experienced guide will accompany you on a 65-minute virtual reality (VR) tour. On the tour, Rabbi Israel Goldwasser, a leading Holocaust researcher and lecturer, will accompany you. Admission is limited to those aged 15 and older. Presented in languages: Hebrew, English.

Mount of Olives Observation Point: A Must-Visit Destination in Jerusalem

Jerusalem, the holy city, is known for its rich cultural and historical heritage. It is home to several historical sites, religious monuments, and ancient structures that have stood the test of time. One of the most prominent attractions of Jerusalem is the Mount of Olives Observation Point, which offers breathtaking views of the city and its surroundings. This article will provide you with a brief overview of this iconic destination and why it is a must-visit for travelers. Location and Access The Mount of Olives Observation Point is situated in the east of Jerusalem, adjacent to the Mount of Olives Cemetery. It is easily accessible via public transportation, taxis, or private cars. Visitors can also take a walking tour to the observation point, which is a great way to explore the city's historical sites and landmarks. Historical Significance The Mount of Olives has significant religious and historical importance, which makes it a significant destination for people of all faiths. According to the Bible, Jesus spent time on the Mount of Olives, and it is also believed to be the location where he ascended to heaven. It is also the site of several important events in the Old and New Testaments, such as King David's flight from Jerusalem and Jesus' prophecy of the Second Coming. Observation Point The Mount of Olives Observation Point offers panoramic views of Jerusalem's Old City, including the Dome of the Rock, the Western Wall, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Visitors can take in the stunning views of the city and its surroundings while enjoying the serene atmosphere of the observation point. It is also an excellent spot for photographers, who can capture the city's beauty from a unique perspective. Tips for Visitors Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, as there is a considerable amount of walking involved in reaching the observation point. It is also recommended to bring water and sunscreen, as the area can get hot and dry during the summer months. Additionally, visitors should respect the religious and cultural significance of the site and dress appropriately. Conclusion The Mount of Olives Observation Point is a must-visit destination for anyone visiting Jerusalem. Its historical and religious significance, combined with its breathtaking views of the city, make it a unique and memorable experience. Whether you're a photographer, a history buff, or simply looking to take in the city's beauty, the Mount of Olives Observation Point is an unforgettable destination. Plan your visit today and discover the wonders of Jerusalem from a whole new perspective.

Jerusalem - one of a kind