Missing Jerusalem? This virtual journey is for you!
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Time to read 4 min
Until you get to visit, join us on a visual journey of the Jerusalem Old City! From the moment you arrive through the Jaffa Gate, until arriving at the Western Wall, Jerusalem is filled with beautiful, ancient sights and little streets filled with history. The smells of the spices in the shuk, the colors of the Persian carpets, the views of the Western Wall Plaza: there's no place like Jerusalem. Join us for a visual walking tour from the Jaffa Gate to the Western Wall.
Arrival at the Jerusalem Old City through the Jaffa Gate
Entering the Jerusalem Old City through the iconic Jaffa Gate is a must-have experience! It's the famous gate through which you walk when entering the Old City from Mamilla or Jaffa Street. As you walk through the huge stone archway with the Medieval metal gates still intact, you can feel the history. The Jaffa Gate, dating back to the Ottoman period, opens up to the bustling central square in the Old City, from where you can enter each four quarters of the Old City. Did you know there are four quarters? Christian, Muslim, Jewish and Armenian - from the Jaffa Gate you can enter either directly! Market stalls line the square and the air is filled with the scent of spices, the echoes of prayers from nearby religious sites and the vibrant energy of diverse communities coming together in this sacred space.
Each quarter has its own ancient highlights: from the Holy Sepulcher Church in the Christian Quarter, to the Arabic shuk in the Muslim Quarter, to the Western Wall in the Jewish Quarter. When you visit Jerusalem and are nearby the Jaffa Gate, don't forget to visit the Tower of David Museum. It's the ancient citadel next to the Jaffa Gate, which has been converted into the official museum that tells you the story of Jerusalem throughout time and in the evenings, they have a fabulous light show!
On our way to the Western Wall: exploring the Jewish quarter
From the Jaffa Gate, we're passing the Tower of David citadel and monasteries of the Armenian quarter to enter the Jewish quarter in the Jerusalem Old City, where all little alleys lead to the Western Wall. The narrow cobblestone pathways wind their way through centuries-old stone buildings, each telling tales of years and years of history. Every turn reveals hidden courtyards, ancient doorways, and charming boutiques selling Judaica.
What is really special about the Jewish Quarter, is that here you can find most archeological sights: they've dug deep into the ground to show you thousands of years of history in the Jerusalem Old City. The deeper you dig, the more you go back in history! Jerusalem has been destroyed and built up so many times, that every time it was rebuilt on the rubble - hence the many layers of history.
If you get to visit the Jewish Quarter, don't miss a visit to the Hurva Synagogue and Temple Institute!
If only you could smell this! Walking through the Arabic market of the Jerusalem Old City
Roaming through the Arabic Shuk in the Muslim Quarter of the Jerusalem Old City is a sensory overload in the best possible way. The market bursts with vibrant colors, the scent of exotic spices, and the lively chatter of vendors eager to share their stories. Stalls filled with colorful carpets, ornate fabrics, and the most tempting array of Middle Eastern sweets you can imagine. The famous knaffeh is a must-try when in the Muslim Quarter! It's not just a shopping trip; it's a cultural feast that immerses you in the heart of the bustling life that defines the Muslim Quarter. Whether you're after unique souvenirs, delectable treats, or just soaking in the local vibe, the Arabic Shuk is a must-visit slice of Jerusalem's enchanting mosaic.
In the Jerusalem Old City, it's impossible to get lost, because somehow ALL roads lead to the Western Wall plaza. Suddenly it appears: the golden dome shining in the sunlight and below it the Western Wall. No place like it!
The most special place of all: arriving at the Western Wall
The Western Wall in the Jerusalem Old City, or the Kotel, as the locals call it, is like Jerusalem's beating heart. It's not just a wall; it's a testament to time and faith that hits you right in the feels. This wall is what used to be a wall of the Second Temple, which is why it is the Holiest place for Jews and a pilgrimage sight for both Jews and Christians. Standing in front of those ancient stones in Jerusalem, you can feel the weight of history and the prayers of countless Jews and Christians who've come here for centuries. Whether you're slipping a note into the cracks of the wall, praying Tehillim or just standing there, absorbing the energy, the Western Wall is a humbling experience. No matter your background, it's hard not to be moved by the spirituality and sheer magnitude of emotions that this place in Jerusalem holds.
If you're visiting the Western Wall, keep in mind that this is the holiest place in Judaism so that modesty is important. Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees and behave respectfully. If you'd like a really unique experience: book a tour of the Western Wall tunnels, where you get to see the Western Wall Plaza and area leading up to the Temple Mount in ancient Jerusalem times when we had the First and Second Temple.
Missing Jerusalem? With the new Tales of Israel shop you can now buy a piece of Israel for your home! Whether it's wall art, to hang framed prints of Israel on your wall, or apparel with Jewish design - we have a piece of Israel for you.
