Since time immemorial Jerusalem has been the capital of Judah and Israel and the national, religious and spiritual center of the Jewish people. The Knesset, President’s Residence and Government Offices are located here.

Jerusalem is a city venerated by Jews, Christians and Muslims alike.

Conquered by David about 1000 B.C.E., the site of Solomon’s First Temple, Jerusalem was destroyed by Nebuchadnezzer and rebuilt by Ezra and Nehemiah. Herod enlarged and beautified the Second Temple, which was later destroyed by Titus in 70 C.E. leaving only the Western Wall, Jewry ‘s holiest site. Jesus’ ministry in Jerusalem was marked by miracles at Bethesda and Bethany, his Triumphal Entry during Passion Week, the Last Supper, the route He followed on the Via Dolorosa, His Crucifixion, Burial and Resurrection. The Romans rebuilt Jerusalem after Bar Kochva ‘s revolt and renamed it Aelia Capitolina. In 632 the city was conquered by Moslems, who built the Dome of the Rock on the Temple site. It was stormed by Crusaders in 1099 and retaken by Saladin in 1187. The Old City Wall in its present form was built by Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century.

Jerusalem City map

The commercial heart of Jerusalem is formed by Yafo Rd., King George St. and Ben Yehuda St. The big department stores and many of the restaurants are to be found here. Most of the bus routes include stops in the city center. Ben Yehuda is now a pedestrian mall (midrehov) with outdoor cafes.

The quarter of Jerusalem’s ultra-orthodox Jews was established in 1874. Here, about one thousand religious Jews live the life of the East European shtetl (Jewish village). From the corner of Yafo Rd. and King George St. towards Haneviim St. and Strauss St.

This colorful open-air market adjoining Yafo St., four streets west of Herut Square, is especially bustling on Thursdays, Fridays and holiday eves.

A collection of objects of art from Islamic countries.

Open Sun., Mon., Wed. Thurs., 10 am - 5pm, Tues. 4 pm - 8pm, Fri. Sat. & holidays 10 am -2pm. 2 Hapalmach St. Bus. 15 Tel. 02-5661291/2

Jewish art and religious articles are housed in the building of the Chief Rabbinate.

On the roof of the Museum there is an observation point overlooking the Old City. Open Sun. - Thurs. 9 am - 1 pm, closed Fri. & Sat.

58 King George St. Heichal Shlomo Bldg. Buses 4, 7, 9,14, 31, 32, 48.

Tel. 02-6247112,

Museum, library and coffee shop in the house of Dr. Ticho. Exhibitions of the paintings of Anna Ticho, famous Jerusalem artist and Dr. Ticho ‘s collection of rare Hanuka menorahs.

Open Sun., Mon., Wed., Thurs. 10 am 5 pm, Tues. 10 am – 10 pm, Fri. 10 am - 2pm, closed Sat. 9 Harav Kook St. All buses to the city center. Tel. 02-6245068,

Hebrew Union College Biblical Archaeology Museum. Free Admission. Open Sun. - Thurs. 10 am – 4 pm, Sat. 10 am - 2 pm, closed Fri.

13 David Hamelech St. Buses 15, 18, 21. Tel. 02-6203261,

Museum of Jewish crafts and holy objects. Includes an Italian synagogue built in 1701, brought from Italy in its entirety. Open Sun., Mon., Tues. 9 am - 2 pm, Wed. 9 am - 5 pm, Thurs. 9 am - 1 pm, closed Fri. & Sat.

27 Hillel St. All buses to center of city. Tel. 02-6241610,

One of the first Jewish neighborhoods built outside the Old City walls in 1860, financed by Sir Moses Montefiore, it is today a cultural and art center,

The flourmill "Montefiore’s Windmill" in Yemin Moshe was built for the first Jews living outside the walls of the Old City. An exhibit depicts Montefiore ‘s life, his carriage and a model of the original neighborhood. Open Sun. - Thu rs. 8.30 am - 4pm, Fri. 8.30 am - 1 pm. Between David Hamelech St. and Mt. Zion. Buses 4, 6, 7, 8, 14, 21,

The pool, located between the southwest corner of the Old City and Yemin Moshe, was part of the water system of ancient Jerusalem. Today the pool is dry. It was reconstructed in the 16th century by order of Suleiman the Magnificent and is named after him. Beside the pool, remains of ceramic pipes and aqueducts have been discovered. It was through these that water from Solomon’s Pool near Bethlehem flowed. An amphitheater has been erected at the site and is used for concerts and performances,

The present Knesset building was inaugurated in 1966. Opposite is a large menorah (seven-branched candelabrum), depicting events of Jewish history. Guided tours take place Sun. & Thurs. 8.30 am - 2 .30 pm. Passport or other form of identity is required. Eliezer Kaplan St., opposite Israel Museum. Buses 9, 24. Tel. 02-6753333,

The new residence of the Supreme Court, near Kiryat Hamemshala (Government Offices) and the Knesset is noted for its unique architecture.

Guided tours by appointment for groups of more than 10. Guided tours for individuals Sun. - Thurs. 11 am in Hebrew, 12 pm in English. Shaarei Mishpat St. Buses 9, 24. Tel. 02-6 759612,

Israel’s national museum is the largest and most important in the country. The museum includes archaeological and anthropological exhibits, displays of Judaica, Israeli and international art. It also houses unique finds such as the Scrolls, relics from the time of Bar Kochva and the largest collection of Judaica in the world.

Open Sun., Mon., Wed., Thurs. 10am -5 pm, Tues. 4 pm – 10 pm, Fri. 10 am - 2pm. For Sat, 10 am - 4 pm, please buy your tickets in advance at the Museum or the Kle‘im Ticket Agency. The Shrine of the Book has the same hours as the museum except for Tues. 10 am – 10 pm. Ruppin St. Buses 9, 17, 24. Tel. 02-6 708811,

Collection of antiques including rare exhibits and art works from the Ancient East. Open Sun., Mon., Tues., Thurs. 9.30 am - 5.30 pm, Wed. 9.30 am - 9.30 pm (Nov.-Mar. 1 .30 pm - 9.30 pm), Fri. & holiday eves 9.30 am - 2 pm, Sat. & holidays 11 am - 3pm. Sat. evenings music, wine and cheese, Wed. lectures on various topics. 25 Granot St. Museum Mall. Buses 9, 17, 24 Tel. 02-5611066,

The university is composed of three campuses. the original and reconstructed campus on Mt. Scopus, the largest campus at Givat Ram near the Knesset, and the Ein Karem campus. Tours in English of the Mt. Scopus campus leave from the Bronfman Family Reception Center in the Sherman Administrative Building,

Sun. - Thurs. 11 am.

The tours last 30-40 minutes. The tours are in English, and are free of charge. Tours in other languages, by appointment.

Desk, Tel. 02 -5882111, Tours, Tel. 02 -5882819,

The Ammunition Hill was a Jordanian Army stronghold which was conquered in a fierce, bitter and bloody battle by the Paratroopers Brigade of the Israeli Army in the Six Day War in 1967. Open Apr.-Sept. Sun. - Thurs. 8 am - 6pm, Fri. 8 am - 2 pm, Oct. -Mar. Sun. - Thurs. 8 am - 5pm, Fri. 8 am - 1 pm. Eshkol Blvd. opp. National Police Headquarters. Entrance fees, groups please call in advance. Buses 4, 9, 25, 28, 39. Tel. 02-5828442, 02-5829392.

The new zoo is located in the Malcha area and spreads across open fields, a lake and water-falls. The zoo is one of the most advanced and beautiful in the country. There is an amusement center and "Pinat Hai" - a petting zoo for children, computer terminals and a mini-train.

Open Sun. - Thurs. 9 am – 5 pm, Fri. 9 am-4.30 pm, Sat. 10 am - 5 pm Minhat Rd. Buses 26, 33. Tel. 02-6750111

An impressive panoramic view of the Old City and of the Judean Desert. Along the promenade are coffee shops and sheltered benches where you can sit and enjoy the view. Armon Hanatziv, Talpiot. Bus 8.

This picturesque village on the southwestern outskirts of Jerusalem, now home to man)’ artists, was the birthplace of John the Baptist. Two important churches, the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Church of the Visitation, are situated here.

The synagogue in this world-renowned medical center is adorned with the famous Chagall windows - twelve stained-glass windows representing the twelve tribes.

Buses 19, 27. Tel. 02-6416333

Buses 19, 27. Tel. 02-6416333

This Israeli institution is dedicated to the memory of the martyrs and heroes of the Holocaust. Its Hall of Remembrance has a mosaic floor inscribed with the names of the 22 largest Nazi death camps, an eternal flame and an underground vault with victims ashes. The museum also houses a permanent exhibition devoted to the Holocaust and the Central Archives of the Holocaust and Jewish Resistance. The Avenue of Righteous Gentiles has trees planted in honor of non-Jews who risked their lives to save Jews. An art museum exhibits artwork created in the camps and ghettos. In the Children’s Memorial, mirrors are used to create a point of light for every one of the one-and-a-half million children murdered in the Holocaust. The Valley of the Lost Communities, a memorial to the destruction of Jewish towns and villages. Free admission. Open Sun. - Thurs. 9 am - 5pm, Fri. 9 am - 2 pm.

Mt. Herzl. Buses 13, 17, 18, 20, 23, 26, 27. Tel. 02-6751611

A site which affords a stunning, panoramic view of the Old City. Associated with Judaism for over 3,000 years, the slopes hold the graves of pious Jews who died with the hope that the Resurrection of the Dead would begin here. This is the largest Jewish cemetery in the world.

The walls surrounding the Old City go on for more than two miles. Built mainly by Suleiman the Magnificent from 1538-41, some parts rest on remains built by Saladin of Crusader fame and the greatest builder of them all, King Herod. The most interesting of the eight gates is the Damascus (Shechem) Gate, in the northern wall, between New Gate and Herod’s Gate. An exhibition depicting the history of the Gate and archaeological relics found at the site is in the eastern tower. It is open to the public (entrance fee includes tour along the upper ramparts of the wall). The tour starts at the Jaffa Gate or the Damascus Gate. Seven of the eight gates are open.

Visitors can journey through 3,000 years of the history of Jerusalem with state-of the-art displays and exhibits. The Citadel, built 2,000 years ago by Herod the Great on remains from the Hasmonean period, is one of the only sites in Jerusalem standing on a mound from six different periods in the history of Jerusalem. The spectacular view from the towers of the Citadel and the archaeological gardens make this a unique experience. Open Apr. - Oct. Sun. - Thurs.

9 am - 5pm, Fri. & Sat. 9 am - 2 pm. Nov. - Mar. Sun. - Thurs. 10 am - 4 pm. Fri., Sat. & holidays 10 am - 2 pm. By Jaffa Gate. Buses 1, 3, 13, 20, 38. Tel. 02-6274111,

Southeast of the Old City, bounded by Hashalshelet St. to the north, Ararat St. to the west, Mahaseh St. (which follows the ramparts) to the south, and the Western Wall to the east. First inhabited during the First Temple period (8th century B.C.E.), in the past the quarter was the center of Jewish life in Jerusalem. In the War of Independence (1948) the quarter fell after a long and bitter siege and was almost completely destroyed. In the Six Day War (1967) it was liberated and since then has been reconstructed and partly repopulated,

These remains of a Roman road laid down in the 6th century CE. include fragments of Israelite walls and a tower, and ruins of Byzantine and Crusader structures. Restored and opened to the public, it has a shopping center with some exclusive boutiques. The site is illuminated and also open at night. Jewish Quarter,

Depicting life in the old Jewish Quarter from the 18th century until its destruction in

1948. Open Sun. - Thurs. 9 am - 2 pm. 6 Or Hachaim, Jewish Quarter.

Buses 1, 2, 20, 38. Tel. 02-62 76319, Tel/Fax 02-6284636,

Remains of a tower-gate from the end of the First Temple Period which stood at the

Northern Wall on the eve of the Babylonian siege and destruction of the city (586 B.C.E.).

Open Sun. - Thurs. 9 am - 5pm, Fri. & holiday eves 9 am - 1 pm. Plugot Hakotel St., Jewish Quarter.

Buses 1, 2, 38. Tel. 02-6283448.

Soot-covered remains of a house belonging to a well-known family of priests from the Second Temple period. The house was burnt on the 8th of Elul 70 C.E., a month after the destruction of the Temple. A display of relics and a slide show on the excavations of the Quarter are shown.

13 Tiferet Israel St., Jewish Quarter. Buses 1, 2, 38. Tel. 02-6287211,

Remains of homes in the Herodian Quarter, where the wealthy lived during the Second Temple period.

1 Hakaraim St., Jewish Quarter. Buses 1, 2, 38. Tel. 02-6283448

A model of Jerusalem from the First Temple period. A permanent exhibit and 3D audio-visual presentation on Jerusalem in the Biblical period.

An impressive archaeological garden with relics from the First Temple period and finds from different periods in the history of Jerusalem.

Open Sun. - Thurs. 9 am - 4 pm, Fri. 9 am - 2 pm, closed Sat. Dung Gate, near the western Wall. Buses 1, 2, 38. Tel. 02-6254403/4

The Temple vessels are reconstructed according to historical and archaeological sources.

Open Sun. - Thurs. 9 am - 5 pm, Fri. 9 am - 1 pm.

24 Misgav Ladach St., Jewish Quarter. Buses 1, 2, 38. Tel. 02-6264545

In the Old City, the holiest site in Jewish history - the sole remnant of the Temple Mount destroyed by the Romans. This is a part of the Western Wall surrounding the Temple Mount during the period of the Second Temple. People from all over the world write notes to God, adding their supplications to the millions already resting between the ancient stones.

Temple Mount. Buses 1, 38. Tel. 02-6271333/4,

This is the site of the First and Second Temples, the religious and spiritual center of the Jewish people throughout the ages. The First Temple was built by King Solomon and destroyed by Nebuchadnezzer, King of Babylon, in 586 B.C.E. The Second Temple was erected by those who returned to Zion in 515 B.C.E., rebuilt by King Herod in 20 B. C.E. and destroyed by Titus the Roman in 70 C. E. Both Temples were destroyed on the same Hebrew date, the 9th of Av. After being conquered by the Arabs, it became a Muslim religious center. During the Crusader period the mosques were turned into churches. After the expulsion of the Crusaders they were once again turned into mosques. The Temple Mount was conquered by the Israel Defense Forces during the Six Day War in 1967.

On the Temple Mount stands the Dome of the Rock, an especially striking mosque with its golden dome and magnificent mosaics, and the El Aqsa Shrine. The mosque is also mistakenly known as the Mosque of Omar, named after the Caliph Omar; in whose name the Moslems conquered Palestine. The mosque was erected in 691, and during the Crusader period, was used as a church. The Dome is built around the Sacred Rock upon which Abraham was about to sacrifice his son and from which Mohammed rose to Heaven,

The Quarter comprises churches, the Patriarchate and the House of Caiaphas. St. James, one of the earliest and most impressive churches in Jerusalem, is situated here. The Quarter is populated mainly by people of the Armenian faith. Southwestern section of the Old City and Mt. Zion.

The monastery adjoins the Armenian Patriarchate, the Cathedral of St. James, a library established by oilman/philanthropist Calouste Gulbenkian in 1929, and a seminary. Of special interest is the collection of Armenian manuscripts in the Church of St. Theodoros. Extends over the summit of Mt. Zion.

Tel. 02-6282331,

Recounts the story of the Armenian community in Jerusalem, the Armenian quarter and the Armenian holocaust. Open Mon. - Sat. 9.30 am - 5 pm. Armenian Patriarchate, Buses 20, 38. Tel. 02-6282331,

The Quarter is situated in the northwestern corner of the Old City.

In the Quarter are located the most important Patriarchates in Jerusalem. It is provided with all necessary services and thus forms a city within a city. Among the Patriarchates are the Greek Orthodox, the Catholic, the Coptic, the Ethiopian and the Franciscan Center. In the Quarter are numerous churches, some of ancient times.

From the Temple Mount you can follow in Jesus, footsteps as you walk the Via Dolorosa up to the holiest site for Christians - the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Along the road are the 14 Stations of the Cross.

The most densely populated quarter, it occupies the northeastern section of the Old City and extends beyond the central area. Its boundaries are formed by the walls on the north and the east.

Archeological Museum. Open Sun. - Thurs. 10 am- 5 pm, Fri. & Sat. 10 am- 2 pm. Sultan Suleiman St. East Jerusalem. Buses 1, 2. Tel. 02-6282251,

A colorful and picturesque marketplace displaying a wealth of Eastern wares and ornamental objects.

Traditional Tomb of David, Chamber of the Holocaust, Room of Christ’s Last Supper, David Palombo Museum, Church of the Dormition. Adjacent to the southwest corner of the Old City

Tel. 02-6241379

Entertainment spots can be found in the following areas.’ Ben Yehuda, Nahalat Shiva, Russian Compound Area, Talpiot Industrial Zone, the Khan, Cinemateque, Jerusalem Shopping & Entertainment Center in Manahat.