Jerusalem Things to Do Tips by mardaska

It is believed that this church is built at the place of Christ’s Crucifixion, burial and Resurrection. The first church was built by the Roman emperor Constantine but it was rebuilt by the Byzantine emperor Constantine Monomachus. The building was enlarged by the Crusaders and it has survived fires and earthquakes.
Because of fights over ownership of the church among Armenians, Greeks, Copts, Roman Catholics, Ethiopians and Syrians, the church is unlocked each morning by a Muslim keyholder.

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Address: Christian Quarter
Directions: Old City Jerusalem

This is the most sacred site for Christians. It is located inside the church of the Holy Sepulchre and it is owned by the Greek, Armenian, Coptic and Roman Catholic communities. The outer chapel serves as a Greek Orthodox altar.
On the Saturday of Greek Orthodox Easter the Greek Orthodox Patriach enters the tomb alone. The church lamps are all put out as a symbol of the darkness at the Crucifixion. The door of the Tomb stays closed and no one else can enter. The legend says that a fire comes from heaven and lights the candles the Patriarch holds. He comes out and shares the Holy Light, the symbol of Resurrection.
The Holy Light is carried by a special flight of Olympic Airways to Greece to go to the main cities and churches for the ceremony of Resurrection.

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Address: Christian Quarter
Directions: Old City of Jerusalem

The Via Dolorosa is a narrow street in the Muslim Quarter and it is believed that it is the route of Christ to the place he was crucified. There are 14 stops during the route ( stations of the Cross). Each stop has a particular meaning.

1st Station
Christ is condemned to death.

2nd Station
He takes up the Cross.

3rd Station
He falls for the first time because of the weight of the Cross.

4th Station
Jesus meets his mother.

5th Station
Simon of Cyrene helps Jesus carry the Cross.

6th Station
Veronica wipes His sweat away.

7th Station
He falls for the second time.

8th Station
He consoles the women of the city.

9th Station
He falls for the third time

10th- 13th Stations
He is nailed to the Cross, He dies and He is taken down from the Cross.

14th Station
The Holy Sepulchre.

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Address: Muslim Quarter
Directions: Old City Jerusalem

The third most holy site of Islam covers the rock believed to be where Muhammad left the earth and where Abraham was asked to sacrifice his son.

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Directions: Old City Jerusalem

The wall is a part of the Temple Mount built by Herod the Great. It is a Judaisms holy site.

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Directions: In the Old City Jerusalem

The hill is connected with the last days of Jesus Christ. It is also a place of burial. Many jews want to be buried there because they want to be near the valley of Jehoshaphat where it is believed that mankind will be resurrected on the Day of Judgement.

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Directions: Old City Jerusalem

This gate is the starting point for walks in the old city. Every morning in front of it you will find small traders selling vegetables and fruit.
The Gate itself is quite impressive. It is built over the remains of the Roman Gate. As you cross the Gate you will see the excavation area with parts of the original Roman one.

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One of the most beautiful streets in the old city. It is a covered street in the Muslim quarter with more than 50 shops and two hammams.

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Address: Muslim Quarter

It consists 3 covered streets with shops and stalls selling spices, fruit and meat.

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