When it comes to ancient cities Jerusalem is in a league of its own.
Its history stretches back thousands of years and it has been a holy city for Jews Christians and Muslims.
Today it is the capital of Israel and one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world.
There is so much to see and do in Jerusalem that it can be hard to know where to start.
To help you plan your trip here are 10 of the most stunning sights to see in this incredible city.
1.
The Old City
The Old City of Jerusalem is the historic center of the city.
It is enclosed by walls that date back to the 16th century and it is home to some of the most important religious sites in the world.
The Old City is divided into four quarters – the Muslim Quarter the Christian Quarter the Jewish Quarter and the Armenian Quarter.
Each quarter has its own unique atmosphere and there is plenty to see and do in each one.
2.
The Western Wall
The Western Wall also known as the Wailing Wall is the most sacred site in Judaism.
It is the only remaining wall of the ancient Temple of Jerusalem and it is a place of prayer and pilgrimage for Jews from all over the world.
The Western Wall is located in the Jewish Quarter of the Old City.
It is open to visitors 24 hours a day and there is often a lively atmosphere with people praying singing and dancing.
3.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the most important church in Christianity.
It is built on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion and burial and it is the place where many Christians believe that he rose from the dead.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is located in the Christian Quarter of the Old City.
It is a large and complex building and it is worth taking the time to explore all of its different chambers and courtyards.
4.
The Dome of the Rock
The Dome of the Rock is a Muslim shrine located on the Temple Mount.
It is one of the most iconic buildings in Jerusalem and it is visible all over the city.
The Dome of the Rock is open to Muslim visitors only but non-Muslims can admire it from the outside.
It is especially beautiful at night when it is lit up with thousands of lights.
5.
The Temple Mount
The Temple Mount is a large plaza located in the Old City.
It is the site of the ancient Jewish Temple and it is the third holiest site in Islam.
The Temple Mount is open to visitors of all religions but it is important to dress modestly and behave respectfully.
The plaza is huge and there is a lot to see including the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
6.
Mount Zion
Mount Zion is a hill located outside the walls of the Old City.
It is the site of the ancient city of Jerusalem and it is where King David is said to have been buried.
Mount Zion is home to a number of important religious sites including the Room of the Last Supper and the tomb of King David.
There are also some great views of the Old City from the top of the hill.
7.
The Mount of Olives
The Mount of Olives is a large hill located to the east of the Old City.
It is a place of great religious significance for Jews Christians and Muslims and it offers stunning views of the city.
The Mount of Olives is a great place to enjoy the sunset and there are a number of different ways to get to the top of the hill.
There are also a number of churches and other religious sites located on the mount.
8.
The Garden Tomb
The Garden Tomb is a rock-cut tomb located outside the walls of the Old City.
It is a place of Christian pilgrimage and it is believed by some to be the site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus.
The Garden Tomb is located in a beautiful garden and it is a peaceful and moving place to visit.
There is no charge to enter and the tomb is open to visitors of all religions.
9.
Yad Vashem
Yad Vashem is Israel’s official memorial to the victims of the Holocaust.
It is located on the Mount of Remembrance and it is a must-visit for anyone interested in Jewish history.
Yad Vashem is a large and complex site and it can take a few hours to explore.
There is a lot of information to take in but it is an important and moving place to visit.
10.
Mahane Yehuda Market
The Mahane Yehuda Market is a large outdoor market located in Jerusalem.
It’s a popular spot for locals and tourists alike and is known for its fresh produce spices and handmade goods.