Jerusalem Old City

Why Jerusalem Old City is unique?

It is holy to Christianity, Islam, and Judaism - faiths that communally clinch faintly above half of the human race.

Jerusalem tips & insights

Religion viewpoints

The world's three major religions view the significance of Jerusalem in three special ways:

Christians

It is where Christ was crucified and ascended to Heaven.

Jews

It is the home of the Wailing Wall (remains of the Second Temple).

Muslims

It is the site of the Temple Mount where the prophet Muhammad rose to Heaven.

Best known sites

Jerusalem's many notable holy sites include the Dome of the Rock on the Temple Mount, the Wailing Wall and the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

Jerusalem preservation

The old city has been preserved to retain much of its antiquated architectural character. This city in Israel is grandly enclosed by high, yellowish-limestone walls pierced by eight historic gates. Each of its four tradition-named residential quarters (Armenian, Christian, Jewish and Muslim) has a twisting maze of narrow cobble-stoned streets.

History in brief

Jerusalem means City of Peace in Hebrew, but it hasn't been exactly like that during its agitated 5,000-year history. Jerusalem has seen more than its fair share of fighting - by the Roman, Byzantine and Crusader forces, to name but three. The 20th and 21st centuries have witnessed the Arab-Israeli conflicts.

For more interesting topics related to archaeology, visit archaeology excavations.