A focus on the Old Town in JerusalemCategory: Travel & Holidays
Article added by: Amanda diaz
Jerusalem's Old Town is the spiritual tourist hotspot of many the international religious traveler.
The old city itself is quartered into sections, with each of the major monotheistic faiths of Islam, Christianity and Judaism having a shrine or point of spiritual interest.
But tourists needn't be religious to enjoy a stay in one of the Jerusalem hostels in Old Town. Neither is this the case for exploring its historical sites that predate many others across the western world.
The Old Town's history stretches back more than 3,000 years, but its most prominent feature is a much more recent addition in the 16th century Ottoman city wall ruins.
Tourists taking the tour along the wall's Ramparts Walk, running from Jaffa Gate to Stephen's Gate can catch a glimpse of Jerusalem's other buildings, from the Temple Mount to their own hostel in Jerusalem.
Christian Quarter
Highlights in the Christian Quarter are the famous Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is where many believe Christ was crucified. Tourists keen can even stay in a Jerusalem hostel along the historic Via Dolorosa route itself.
Also dubbed the way of sorrows, it is supposed to trace the last steps taken by Christ before his crucifixion.
Muslim Quarter
In the Muslim quarter, the most famous architectural piece is the Dome of the Rock, which is one of the earliest pieces of Islamic architecture. Many consider it the Old City's most impressive and awe inspiring attraction, with a golden dome visible from great distances.
Other highlights include the Al-Asqsa Mosque, constructed shortly after the Dome of the Rock, and the Museum of Islamic Art.
Jewish Quarter
This feature is open all year round and marks the western edge of the wall that surrounds Temple Mount. Also dubbed the "wailing wall" it is a point of great spiritual significance for Jews, with many reciting prayers and inserting parchment text into the wall's crevices.
Despite the heat, those venturing out of Jerusalem hostels eager to visit the Western Wall need to be aware that it has a specific dress code demanding that legs, midriff and shoulders are covered. Conveniently, shawls are offered on entry.
Posted By: Amanda diaz
Contact: e-mail
| About the Author: |
| Amanda Diaz is a freelance travel writer with more than a touch of the vagabond in her blood. Budget travel’s her specialty, and on a recent backpacking trip the Middle East she stayed in a hostel in Jerusalem, writing up her experiences as she went along. |
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