Jerusalem Old City
The old city of Jerusalem is located in East Jerusalem and is consisted of 4 districts; Muslim, Christian, Jewish and Armenian.
Though Israel has de facto control of East Jerusalem, it is said that the Palestinians and the Jews were living in peace until the foundation of Israel State.
East Jerusalem is the city that president Abbas declared the capital of the State of Palestine.
The walls
The old city is surrounded by ramparts that have eight gates.
Especially Damascus Gate, one of the eight gates, is the center of East Jerusalem; it’s always crowded with people at Arab Bus Terminals or Arab markets (souq) around it.
People say that Damascus Gate is the most beautiful of all eight gates; the present-day gate was built during the Ottoman era, with Roman style.
The ramparts walk is fun because you can get a great view of Jerusalem. The entrance is near Jaffa Gate where you can find tourist information.
Ramparts Walk (Jaffa Gate)
- Sat-Thu 9:00-16:00 / Fri 9:00-14:00
- adults 16 NIS, children 8 NIS
Souk (markets)
Souk means market in Arabic.
You can get whatever, each shop has its specialties.
It’s just fun to watch around the colorful shops with their smells; everything is photogenic.
You can get lost because narrow paths are like a labyrinth for foreigners. Just be careful of pickpockets and kids who ask you one dollar; it’s better not to show your wallets in the crowd.
Rooftop walk
There is a non-famous place called “Rooftop walk” where we can enjoy the calm.
Once you get tired of walking through the crowd, take a falafel sandwich and enjoy the calm on the rooftop!
There is a staircase to the rooftop on St Mark’s street leading down south from David street (David street starts from Jaffa Gate).
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulcher was built on the site of the supposed tomb of Jesus.
About the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, please see this page.
Via Dolorosa
The Via Dolorosa is the path that Jesus was supposed to have walked with the cross from the time he was found guilty to the Hill of Golgotha (where the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located today).
About Via Dolorosa, please see this page.
Dome of the Rock
The Dome of the Rock is an Islamic temple dedicated to the holy rock called the Rock of Abraham (the founder of Islam, Judaism, and Christianity).
About the Dome of the Rock, please see this page.
Western Wall
The Western Wall is the remains of the western outer wall surrounding the Second Temple of Jerusalem, located in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem.
About the Western Wall, please see this page.
Information
Tourist Information Center
- Jaffa Gate
- 8:30-17:00 (Friday until 13:30)
- +972-2-6271422
Christian Information Center
- in front of David’s Tower
- Mon-Fri 8:30-17:30, Sat 8:30-12:30 (Closed on Sunday, Christian holidays)
- +972-2-6272692