Jerusalem Things to Do Tips by midnight_mike

Jerusalem has gone through many changes since the time of Jesus. One of the few places which has likely remained unchanged is the Last Path. This is the same path Jesus took to get from Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives. It is a gravel road which leads from city's eastern walls into Kidron Valley. As you walk down this path, you will have a great view of the Jewish cemetery and the tombs of Absalom and Zechariah, both of which are carved out of the mountain. The two tombs are about 2,100 years old. You will also be able to see the Church Mary Magdalene and the Church of All Nations. Jesus would have seen both monuments as he walked down the path.

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The rock which is covered by the golden dome is where Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son according to God's wishes. (Before going through with the act, legend has it that God stopped him and commended Abraham for his devotion.) Muslims believe that Muhammad ascended to heaven from this rock to consult with Moses. Photographs of the iconic dome can be found in the homes and businesses of Muslims around the world. Unfortunately, entry inside this structure is currently prohibited to non-Muslims.

Non-Muslims can enter the Temple Mount, where the Dome of the Rock is located, between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. except on Fridays and during the period of Ramadan. This information can change at any moment. Your best bet is to go there the day before you visit and verify the hours firsthand. There is a lot of bad information out there, too. Entry to non-Muslims is through a bridge near the entrance to the Western Wall. There are no signs, but you will see the bridge as it hovers over an archeological site.

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This is perhaps the most historic piece of land in the world! This is where Solomon built the first great Jewish Temple in the 10th centry B.C. It was destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. and rebuilt 70 years later. It was this temple which Jesus made numerous appearances. It would be destroyed by the Romans during the Jewish revolt in 70 A.D. The only thing remaining is a retaining wall on the Western edge of the complex, known as the Western Wall or the Wailing Wall. Since Jews are forbidden to enter the Temple Mount--the sign at the entrance says "due to its sacredness"--the Western Wall is the closest they can get to it.

Located inside are the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa mosque. There are also leftover debris such as ornamental pillars from the Roman period.

Non-Muslims can enter the Temple Mount, where the Dome of the Rock is located, between 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. except on Fridays and during the period of Ramadan. This information can change at any moment. Your best bet is to go there the day before you visit and verify the hours firsthand. There is a lot of bad information out there, too. Entry to non-Muslims is through a bridge near the entrance to the Western Wall. There are no signs, but you will see the bridge as it hovers over an archeological site.

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Directions: Old City Jerusalem