The journey to Jerusalem
Anybody who has read the Bible will find a visit to Jerusalem both enlightening and intriguing. Tourists can walk through the Garden of Gethesemane, cross the Sea of Galilee to see where the crowds listened to the Sermon on the Mount, or journey to nearby Bethlehem, the location of Jesus’ birth.
If you’re visiting the Holy Land, then don’t leave without seeing these three historic and spiritual locations.
1. The tomb of the Virgin Mary
A prime site of interest is a Crusador church said to mark the tomb of the Virgin Mary. Tourists can step in off the road to a 12th century portal, which leads down to he tomb of Queen Melisande, buried in 1161. Below this is a Byzantine 5th century crypt, party hewn out of rock, where the walls are blackened by centuries of lamp smoke. To the east of this chamber, a small square chapel marks the location of Mary’s tomb.
2. The Mount of Olives
Located to the east of Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives is holy to Jews, Muslims and Christians alike. It gained significance during the time of the first and second temples as the place where the high priest slaughtered and burned the ‘Red Cow’, whose ashes were said to redeem the impure. Now, it is known as the place where fires were lit to declare the first Jewish day of the month to the Jews in diaspora.
3. Temple Mount
Famous as a place of preaching and of worship, Temple Mount houses two of the holiest Muslim sites – the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. It lies in the east of Jerusalem’s old city, and comprises a ancient walled rectangular compound of great historical interest. The site is currently a centre of conflict between Muslims and Jews in the middle east, both of whom claim it as a holy site for their religion.
Thousands of tourists visit Jerusalem every week, and very few are affected by terrorism incidents. Still, it’s best to be careful – avoid areas known to be high risk, and take out travel insurance before you go with a provider like AA Travel.