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When I say there\u2019s nowhere on earth quite like Jerusalem, it\u2019s not just another overused adage, it\u2019s simply and entirely the truth. The city balances cosmopolitan energy with a kaleidoscope of cultural influence that leaves you feeling like your very own posh Indiana Jones. And whether you find yourself there as part of a pilgrimage, a summer holiday or simply a weekend escape, Jerusalem and its four quarters offer a one-of-a-kind travel experience that you deserve to experience first-hand.<\/p>\n\n\n
This story was created in partnership with: <\/em>Israel Ministry of Tourism\u00a0<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n And so to prepare you for your visit, here\u2019s the guide I wish I had read before visiting myself. <\/p>\n\n\n\n First things first, Jerusalem as a whole is separated into two very different areas: the \u201cmodern\u201d city and the Old City, the former of which surrounds the latter. And while there\u2019s plenty of trendy restaurants and noteworthy places to visit in the modern area of the city, the Old City is the star of the show for good reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The origin of this much-contested and very ancient city dates all the way back to the 11th century, where the Hebrew Bible first described a heavily fortified city, surrounded by impressive walls – walls that still stand today. Throughout the rest of the city\u2019s history, its governorship has changed hands many times and nowadays the city\u2019s distinct diversity reflects its own complicated past. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Old City of Jerusalem is currently divided into the following four neighbourhoods, called quarters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a map of the Old City to help make sense of the quarters:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Each quarter boasts its own collection of significant experiences so it\u2019s absolutely essential to explore them all equally. And thanks to the Old City\u2019s small size (less than 1 square kilometre), you can absolutely manage to enjoy most (if not all) of the quarters over the course of a couple of days. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Known colloquially to its residents as HaRova, the Jewish Quarter lies in the southeastern section of the walled city and you can reach it from the outside via Dung Gate. Much of the original quarter was destroyed during the 20th century but it would eventually be rebuilt under the supervision of the Israeli archaeologist Nhamn Avigad. <\/p>\n\n\n\n During this period of rebuilding, a few impressive discoveries were unearthed that you can see for yourself today: a 2,200-year-old depiction of the Temple menorah, remnants of the Burnt House (a building destroyed during the Great Jewish Revolt against the Romans from 66-73 CE), the Israelite Tower (dating back to 586 BCE) and most recently a pool built by the Roman Tenth Legion Fretensis.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I\u2019ve seen the pool for myself and can vouch for it as a worthwhile landmark to visit. Still visible are the hundreds of terracotta roof tiles stamped with the name of the old Roman unit whom the structure is believed to have belonged to, as well as the steps leading into the pool and the white mosaic floor. It\u2019s easy to imagine its past glory as a busy bathing spot for ancient Romans. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you also visit the Hurva Synagogue. First built in 1864, the structure has been destroyed more than once throughout history and was finally reopened in 2010. It\u2019s an important symbol of Jewish heritage and has been depicted in many paintings and literature over the years. You can join a guided tour of the building and learn all about its local history as well as its international significance. <\/p>\n\n\n Travel to: <\/em>Israel on tour <\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n And finally, the Western Wall. Regardless of your relationship with religion, it\u2019s very hard not to get caught up in the atmosphere of this site, also considered the holiest place of prayer in Judaism. Like almost everywhere in\u2026well, Israel, this place is controversial and politically charged but nevertheless exceptionally important to our global history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jews consider the Western Wall to be where God gathered the dust to create Adam and where Abraham almost sacrificed his son Issac to prove his devotion to God.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Muslims believe it\u2019s the place where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven and consider it the third holiest place after Mecca and Medina.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Me, well, I consider it the place where I essentially found what I had been missing throughout all my previous travels: a transformative experience. When I entered into the female side of the wall (genders are segregated here) I immediately understood why the Western Wall is also referred to as \u201cthe Wailing Wall\u201d. The intense spectacle the most devout Jews put on as they pray and mourn here is really something to behold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It was so humbling to see hundreds of people, some simply curious like me, most there to be closer to their God, all respecting this ancient symbol in a rainbow of intensity. Before leaving I did what one does when they visit: I made a wish. Using the paper provided, I thoughtfully scribbled a desire for my life and slipped it into a crack inside the stone wall. All the prayers and wishes are collected throughout the year and buried in a Jewish cemetery. <\/p>\n\n\n\n And on your way out of the Jewish Quarter, I suggest using the same thoroughfare used by the Romans: the Cardo. Expertly excavated and restored, this pathway will transport you back in time while also giving you the chance to pick up some handicrafts to commemorate your visit and rest your feet at a quiet cafe. <\/p>\n\n\n See Also: <\/em>How to Spend a Week in Israel if You're an Adventure Lover<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\r\n Annnnnd now onto a new neighbourhood!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Muslim Quarter is actually the largest and most populated of the four neighbourhoods in the Old City. More than 22,000 people call this quarter home and if you\u2019re anything like me, you will find yourself completely entranced by the collision of fragrant fruits, incense, and spices that await you at every turn. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Bring an empty stomach when you walk along streets like Souq Khan Al Zeit and Al Wat; both present equal opportunities for feasting and shopping. Personally, where food is concerned, I recommend sampling the fresh pomegranate juice, creamy hummus and murtabak (essentially a stuffed pancake) from any of the local restaurants. If you\u2019re looking for a quick snack to carry along on your explorations, kunafeh (a soft cheese topped with shredded pastry) should rest high on your list. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In terms of sites to enjoy, nothing comes close to Temple Mount. If you\u2019ve done any googling you\u2019ve likely seen a photo of this golden topped dome before. I promise it\u2019s even more dazzling in person. As things go, non-muslims are not allowed to enter the actual building (the Dome of the Rock) but the grounds surrounding them are open to everyone and really worth exploring. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Within the area, you can see about 100 different structures built throughout the ages including arches and fountains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n I found this area of the city to be particularly peaceful, so if you\u2019re looking to recharge your batteries, it\u2019s a good place for a quiet stroll. Entry is free but visiting hours are heavily restricted and can be cancelled without notice so sometimes the lines to enter can be long. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When I went I visited in the morning (it was January) and didn\u2019t have to wait at all, so I\u2019d recommend following suit to avoid any disappointment! Just make sure you bring along your passport because you might need to show it at the gate. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Another important place you\u2019d be disappointed to miss inside the Muslim Quarter includes Masjid Al Asqa, a mosque so large it can actually hold up to 400,000 worshipers! It\u2019s located on the southern end of the Temple Mount and, unlike the Dome of the Rock, is open to the public. Make sure you arrive prepared: dress modestly, cover your hair (if you\u2019re a woman) and remove your shoes before going inside. You\u2019ll be stepping foot inside the second oldest mosque in the world. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Typically the first place you\u2019ll see when you arrive in the Old City (it\u2019s just beyond Jaffa Gate – a common starting point), the Christian Quarter is home to one significant landmark in particular: the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Built in the 4th century, this church is considered one of the most significant in Christianity as it\u2019s believed to have been the location of two of the religion\u2019s holiest events: Jesus\u2019s crucifixion and later, his burial and resurrection. For me, it was the highlight of the quarter thanks to its unique architecture and the intensity it inspired in my fellow travellers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The outside is fairly understated and the church more or less pops out of nowhere when you turn the corner. When you first step inside your eyes will immediately need to adjust to the sombre lighting, and your nose will need to adjust to the strong smell of burning incense. The impact on the senses is immediate and if you\u2019re anything like me, you\u2019ll need to stop to regain your bearings. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s a powerful experience to be surrounded by so many people who have made the trip specifically for pilgrimage purposes. The Stone of Unction, where it\u2019s believed Jesus\u2019 body was prepared for its burial, is a particularly important relic and one that was the centre of much excitement during my visit. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Set aside some time to behold the church\u2019s various relics, as it can get quite busy throughout the day and there are many worth checking out beyond the Stone that lies at the entrance. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, there are a few more things you can do in the Christian Quarter that include: the neo-Romanesque Lutheran Church of the Redeemer; the Muristan, a marketplace built over the ruins of a longtime Knights Hospitaller hospital for pilgrims and Jerusalem residents; and the Christian Quarter Shuk, a dizzying array of mostly identical memorabilia and gift stalls that fades imperceptibly into the more functional Muslim Quarter souk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Armenian Quarter is criminally overlooked when it comes to experiences on offer in the Old City. Yes, it\u2019s missing the hype of mega-landmarks like the Western Wall and Temple Mount but as one of the first countries to recognise Christianity as their official religion, Armenia has played an essential role in Jerusalem for a long, long time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"\"](\"\/days-to-come\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/01\/12493949_10153916499027059_1252511011334164752_o-1024x683.jpg\")
What are the four quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What to do in the Jewish Quarter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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<\/div>\n\n\nWhat to do in the Muslim Quarter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What to do in the Christian Quarter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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What to do in the Armenian Quarter<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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