Attractions in Old City (Jerusalem)

Holy Sepulchre

This is one of the most important Christian shrines in the Holy Land, and is held by the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Armenian Orthodox, Coptic, Ethiopian and Jacobite Churches. The Emperor Constantine's magnificent (and much larger) fourth century basilica was destroyed by Persian invaders in 614, and rebuilt by the Crusaders (dedicated in 1184). Here you will find Golgotha, the Tomb of Christ (Anastasis), and various chapels. The Christian Information Center at Jaffa Gate provides a current schedule of liturgies and other ceremonies. Free entry. Dress respectfully.

Via Dolorosa

This marks the 14 Stations of the Cross, a medieval pious meditation on Jesus' journey from the time of his arrest to his crucifixion and resurrection. The first station is located in the courtyard of the Muslim El-Omariyya School (open only after school hours). Continue along the well-marked path to the Holy Sepulchre, which encloses the last five stations. Franciscan monks guide a pilgrimage daily at 3p (except Sundays). Note that most of the churches along the walk are closed from 12:30p-2p.

Dormition Abbey

This fortress-like church with its conical dome was dedicated in 1910 by German Benedictines. It lies above the remains of the fourth century Hagia Sion and the 11th century Franciscan Church of the Dormition, commemorating the "falling asleep" of the Virgin Mary. In the crypt, look upward under the dome of Mary's shrine to see the mosaic of Christ surrounded by the biblical women Eve, Sarah, Miriam, Esther, Yael, and Judith. The main sanctuary is graced with beautiful side altars, and a magnificent mosaic floor. Check the bulletin board or call for listings of organ concerts. Gift shop onsite.

Christ Church

The first Protestant church in the Middle East it came into being when a controversial agreement to establish a joint bishopric in Jerusalem was signed between Britain and Prussia. The neo-Gothic building was dedicated in 1848 in the compound that was once the British consulate. It is now home to several congregations who worship in English, Hebrew, Romanian, and Filipino. Note the Hebrew inscriptions, the Hebrew Ten Commandments behind the altar, and the stained glass windows with Jewish symbols. Christ Church also operates the Immanuel Bookshop next door, a guest house, and coffee shop.

Ramban Synagogue

Dating back to the late 13th century, the history of this site is inspiring. The famous Rabbi Moses Ben Nahman (Ramban) established the synagogue's ancestral community on Mount Zion. In 1400 the community moved to the Old City and prayed here until Moslems attacked the Jews in 1474. Their existence was sporadic until after the war in 1967 where the Israelis gained control of the Old City. Now the synagogue is beautifully restored with the original columns still standing. Recalling the site's long history, the singing during Sabbath evening and morning services echoes off the vaulted ceiling.

Four Sephardi Synagogues

Jews of Middle Eastern or Spanish origin attend this newly built Orthodox synagogue. There are four separate prayer rooms each slightly different from the another. The design of the main prayer hall is typical of Sephardic culture. The central platform is surrounded by a bronze metal encasing and decorated with leaves. The basic prayers are similar to that of Ashkenazi Jews (of European descent) but the melodies are distinct and beautiful. This prayer environment is a definite must for those seeking to understand the diverse world of Jewish cultures.

Jaffa Gate Tourist Information

This small office is a hive of activity, located a few footsteps inside the Old City by the Jaffa Gate entrance. Its services include a bureau de change (no commission charged) and a travel agency which can arrange both local trips and journeys to destinations such as Petra and Cairo. There are maps on sale, as well as a limited supply of books and postcards. The staff speak English, French, Italian and German and as well as giving travel information, they can also assist in reserving accommodation and renting cars. Credit cards can only be used for booking tours.

Ecce Homo

During construction of the Sisters of Sion convent, remains of a monumental Roman arch, probably erected by Hadrian in 135 CE, were revealed. Part of the central arch is visible on the Via Dolorosa. The smaller northern arch now holds the main altar in the convent chapel. Within the convent, visitors can see the vaulted Struthion Pool that supplied water to the Antonia fortress. The Roman pavement was once thought to be the place where Pilate condemned Jesus, but it was actually built after the first century.

Dome of the Rock

The golden domed structure encasing the Sacred Rock has special significance, in that it is the place where Abraham was about to sacrifice his son and from where the Muslim prophet Mohammed ascended to heaven. It is a unique and beautiful artistic piece of Islamic architecture built by Abd el-Malek in 691. The walls are decorated with verses from the Koran, the ceiling is tiled in red, gold and black shards and the exterior's tiled facade is magical. Converted to a church during the Crusader period, examine the crosses on the interior's columns. Downstairs is the wells of souls, a place where Abraham, David, Solomon, and Jesus were said to have prayed. Entrance fee to the Temple Mount includes the Dome of the Rock, Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Islamic Museum.

Grotto of Gethsemane

A narrow passage next to the Tomb of Mary leads to this small Franciscan chapel, a cave where tradition says the disciples of Jesus slept while he prayed nearby (commemorated in the Basilica of the Agony). The site once held an olive press, and one can see remains of an ancient cistern, as well as traces of Byzantine mosaics. The stars painted on the ceiling of the cave date from the 12th century. A specific address is not available but it is well-known, ask anyone for directions.

Cathedral of Saint James

The first chapel here commemorated the early Christian martyr, Menas of Egypt. It was dedicated by Lady Bassa of Rome, who came to the Holy Land in 444 A.D. with the empress Eudokia. The present structure was built by Armenian Christians between 1142 and 1165. In the courtyard, notice the elaborately carved crosses. Inside, don't miss the tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl inlaid doors to the chapels of St James (brother of Jesus and first bishop of Jerusalem), and the throne of the Armenian Orthodox Patriarch. The mid-afternoon vesper service at 3pm is often accompanied by the world-famous Armenian Patriarchate Choir.

Hebrew University Amphitheatre - Mount Scopus

The amphitheatre, on the campus of Israel's first institution of higher learning, overlooks the eastern walls of the Old City ramparts, new city skyline and many nearby Arab villages. Because of its secluded locale, it is definitely a neglected tourist spot. Enjoy the breeze and enjoy a picnic lunch on the campus' many shaded grassy areas. Beginning at 11a from Sunday - Thursday, there is a free 1.5 hour campus tour leaving from the Bronfman Visitor's Center in the Sherover Administration Building. Call for more information.