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Jerusalem Holidays, Hotels & Travel Guide
Travel guide to hotels & holidays in Jerusalem
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Jerusalem Holidays Overview
A guide to holidays in Jerusalem - Israel's capital city occupies an important
place in the hearts and minds of Muslims, Christians and Jews
alike. The walled section comprising the Old City of Jerusalem is
an area rich in the historical traditions of these three religions.
It is home to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Dome of the
Rock and the Al Aksa Mosque on the Temple Mount. The Western Wall
provides the focal point for Jewish worship and stands as an
enduring symbol of the Jewish homeland.
The Old
City can be accessed through seven of the eight gates punctuating
the ancient walls enveloping it. Within these walls are the
separate quarters of the Muslim, Jewish, Christian and Armenian
communities. A dazzling array of merchandise can be purchased from
the lively Arab souk (open-air market) and meandering through the
narrow corridors and cobbled pavements of the ancient centre
inevitably provides a feast of sensations. For
an orientation of the Old City it is best to set off along the
Ramparts Walk, originally designed for watchmen, or to climb the
Citadel of David for a panoramic vista of the eternally fascinating
city of Jerusalem.
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Jerusalem
holidays - Top Places To Go
1. Masada
www.parks.org.il |
What is it? Situated in the Judean Desert and overlooking
the Dead Sea is one of Israel's most popular tourist attractions,
the mountaintop fortress of Masada (sometimes spelled Massada).
This enduring symbol of Jewish history is the site of the heroic
defiance by 967 Jewish Zealots who rose against the Roman Empire in
66 AD and took their own lives when defeat seemed inevitable. A
cable car ride or hike up the Snake Path takes one to the top where
breathtaking views can be enjoyed over the Dead Sea and the
surrounding desert. The Masada Sound and Light Show recounts this
dramatic history with special pyrotechnic effects, and takes place
in a natural amphitheatre on the west side of the mountain
reachable only from Arad.
Hours of Operation: Daily 8am to 5pm (until 4pm from October to March),
first cable car at 8am
Phone:(07) 658 4207/8 |
2. Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Via Dolorosa, Old City
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What is it? The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the
holiest Christian site in Jerusalem, the site of Jesus'
crucifixion, burial and resurrection. First constructed in 335 by
Emperor Constantine, persistent damage has been inflicted on the
structure over the centuries and subsequent repair work has been
undertaken by the religious communities that administer it. The
Church contains the Chapel of Golgotha and three Stations of the
Cross where Jesus was crucified, and the Sepulchre itself marks the
place of his burial and resurrection.
Hours of Operation: Daily 5am to 9pm (April to September) and 4am to 7pm
(October to March)
Phone:(02) 627 3314 |
3. Temple Mount (Al-Haram al-Sharif)
Temple Mount, Old City
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What is it? Temple Mount, known by some as Mount Moriah,
is a site of tremendous religious importance to Muslims, Jews and
Christians alike. It is one of Jerusalem's most famous landmarks
and can be found within the walled section of the Old City. The
glinting golden dome of the Dome of the Rock
rises impressively from Jerusalem's skyline and has become the
city's most distinguishable feature. Temple Mount is of Jewish and
Christian historical importance on two accounts: the large rock is
believed to be the place where Abraham offered his son Isaac up for
sacrifice, and the First Temple is the place where the Ark of the
Covenant was housed. Even though off limits to Jews today, it is
still the focal point of Jewish life and Jews worldwide face the
Temple Mount during prayer. For Muslims the same rock is the place
from which Muhammad, in a dream, ascended to heaven. In
commemoration the Dome of the Rock was built
over the site in the 7th century. It is known to Muslims as the
Noble Sanctuary or Al-Haram al-Sharif, and is one of the three most
important sites in Islam. Also located on the Temple Mount are the
Al Aqsa Mosque and the Islamic Museum, which houses a collection of
Korans and Islamic relics.
Hours of Operation: The site is temporarily closed to non-Muslims due to
religious tensions. Otherwise Saturday to Thursday 7.30 to 11am and
1.30pm to 3pm (summer; 8am to 10.30am and 12.20pm to 2pm (winter) ;
closed Fridays and prayer times
Phone:(02) 628 3393 |
Jerusalem
holidays - Top Events
1. Israel Festival
From 2007-05-24
To 2007-06-15
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What is it? The Israel Festival is a celebration of
performing arts from around the world, the major international
cultural event in the country that brings together some of the best
theatre, dance, opera and classical music performances, including
the best of Israel's own talent. Programmes vary to exhibit a wide
range of cultures, from ethnic music to opera, traditional and
experimental theatre, and classical and contemporary dance.
Throughout the festival there are also numerous free performances,
including street shows, children's programmes and a nightly jazz
club.
Where is it? Various |
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