Our trip to Jerusalem was one of the most emotional trips we had ever had. Jerusalem is of historical and religious interest. Whether you believe in a religion or not, being in this much-discussed place is truly magical!
Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, a place where 3 religions and 2 populaces coexist. Some were expelled for others to get a new home. Since then, the enmity has remained unquenchable in their hearts, which often manifests itself in acts of violent behavior and serious incidents.
A place blessed for each of the 3 religions and for a completely different reason. The old city of Jerusalem is considered by Muslims to be the third holiest in the world. For the Jews it is the holiest city and for us (Orthodox Christians) it is the place where Christ was martyred, crucified and resurrected. All of thοse, stand there alive in the old city of Jerusalem. They invite you to discover them, to touch them, feel the magic (or not).
How to get to Jerusalem
The city of Jerusalem is only 66 kilometers from the center of Tel Aviv or 51 kilometers from Israel’s international Ben Gurion airport. The easiest way to get there is by train. Of course, you have the option to go by bus or rent a car. We personally, to downsize the budget, chose their brand-new trains, and arrived in Jerusalem with just 24 shekels, that is 6.45 euros per person.
Tip: Which ever means of transport you choose, routes are frequent, the employees speak fluent English and can supply with any information you may need.
Is it an expensive city?
Jerusalem is far more affordable than Tel Aviv. Prefer to buy souvenirs from the old town. There, the prices are the best you can find, even if it is very touristic. Competition, forces them to accept some few bargains.
Am I safe in Jerusalem?
The truth is that once a year in Jerusalem various incidents happen between Muslims and Jews. As we mentioned, there is an enmity between them that holds through the ages. But police are everywhere throughout the Old and New Town. This gives you a sense of security. We personally were not scared at all; everyone was very friendly and we would visit Jerusalem again! If, despite all this, you do not wish to organize a trip to Jerusalem yourself, we would suggest you to contact the travel agency.
Where to stay
Definitely stay as close as you can to the old city of Jerusalem. That’s where you’ll spend most of your time. Trust us, the extra few kilometers of walking will take a heavy toll on you! We chose to stay in an apartment on Hillel Street in the New City, just a 10-minute walk from the “New Gate” of the Old City. During our stay in Jerusalem, we found out that we could stay in a monastery in the Christian Quarter, within the Old City, and at very low cost. An experience most unique! For information about your stay in a monastery, contact us, here.
The New City of Jerusalem
Jerusalem is split in the New and Old town. Both equally beautiful, graphical, worth visiting for various reasons. As far as New town is concerned, we recommend 2 places that are worth spend at least one day from your available ones. As for the rest day, you will definitely spend them in Old town of Jerusalem.
Extra tip: Keep in mind that from Friday evening to Saturday evening no means of transport operate in Jerusalem. Most shops are closed. It is a Jewish holiday called Shabbat.
What is worth seeing in the New City of Jerusalem
- “Yad Vashem“ museum dedicated to the Holocaust of the Jews. A unique space with rich audio-visual material that will leave you, if nothing else, moved. You can easily go to the museum by tram, but pay attention to the opening days and hours. Every Friday closes early and on Saturdays they are closed all day.
- The outdoor market «Mahane Yehuda Market». his market is literally a treat for all your senses. Endless stalls with colors, aromas and flavors that will fascinate you! The tram will once again make it easier for you to reach this alive market!
The Old City of Jerusalem
The Old City of Jerusalem will monopolize your interest, as there, are most of the attractions. It has been declared by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage monument. It is divided into 4 districts and has 8 gates.
The 4 districts are:
- Christian quarter
- Armenian quarter
- Jewish quarter
- Muslim quarter
Attention: The Muslim quarter stops accepting people of other religions from 14:00 noon on Thursday until Saturday night. We unfortunately arrived there on Thursday at 15:00 and we were not allowed to pass, missing one of the most important attractions the “Dome of the Rock”.
Read also: Trip to Israel: 6 important tips
These 4 districts are surrounded by the ancient walls, which were rebuilt by Sultan Suleiman I the Magnificent during the 16th century. To be able to cross the walls and enter the Old City, you must pass through one of the 8 gates:
- New Gate
- Jaffa Gate
- Dung Gate
- Damascus Gate
- Herod’s Gate
- Zion Gate
- Lion’s Gate
- Golden Gate
What you will see in the Old City of Jerusalem
The most important points to visit are::
- The Praetorium, the prison of Christ.
- The Church of the Resurrection or Holy Sepulcher: There you will see the point of decapitation; you will be able to enter the Tomb of Christ and see the rock where he was crucified. Inside, the temple is overcrowded. Be prepared to spend a lot of your time, but it is really worth it.
- The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate
- The tower of David, where you will understand the history of Jerusalem. From the tower of David, you also have a panoramic view of the whole Old and New city of Jerusalem.
- The Wailing Wall or the Western Wall: The holiest site and prayer point of the Jews.
- The place where the Last Supper took place (Kings David’s Tomb)
- Mount Zion
- The tomb of Panagia (Mother of Christ)
- The way of Christ’s martyrdom, the well-known “via dolorosa”.
- The Mount of Olives
- The Garden of Gethsemane
- Dome of the Rock
What we felt at the Holy Sepulcher, we didn’t even dare to share with each other. This is the magic, which you will keep for yourself, you cannot describe it and no one will fully understand, in case you dare to do so.
The most important attractions
To sum up, the most important attractions per district, but also outside the walls are:
- Christian Quarter: The Prison of Christ, the Church of the Resurrection, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate, the Tower of David.
- Jewish Quarter: The Wailing Wall or the Western Wall.
- Muslim Quarter: Dome of the Rock
- Armenian quarter: The place where the Last Supper took place (Kings David’s Tomb)
- Outside the walls of the old city are: Mount Zion, the tomb of Panagia, the Mount of Olives and the garden of Gethsemane.
The road of martyrdom, “Via dolorosa” includes 14 points, 14 stops that Christ made on his way to the place of his crucifixion on Calvary. The stops are marked with Latin numbers and in many places are not obvious. If you have the opportunity, walk this entire route with a guide, as all the points have historical significance.
You can have the best tour guide with a Greek guide, Dimitrios Chermantas, who stays permenantly in Jerusalem and will guide you around the Holly place, and generally thoughout whole Israel. You can reach him though Facebook or via email.
On this journey, get ready to get lost in the narrow streets of the Old City, to be dazzled by the intense rhythms of locals, tourists and pilgrims. Prepare to get tired, but even more to be emotionally moved, to feel awe and an inner disturbance. Everything is there. You see them in front of you, touch them and feel them on your skin
