Jerusalem, the present capital of Israel is a saint place for three religions – Christianity, Judaism and Islam. This city means much more than just a beautiful combination of ancient buildings and walls.
The story of the city began about 5000 years ago when Abraham meets "Melchizedek" (King of Justice). The first king of Jerusalem, a man who gave the city its capital status was David. He conquered Jerusalem in 1052 BC/
His son, Solomon, strengthened the magnificence of the city and increased its area five times. After Solomon's death Israel was divided. The kingdom of Israel was in the north, while Judah was in the south. Jerusalem became the capital of Judah.
In 586 BC the city was almost completely destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar. Later Jerusalem was ruled by the Greek and then Romans. During the Byzantine era (330-640 CE) many impressive Christian architectural monuments were built in the city. Jerusalem was a major Christian center, attracting pilgrims from all over the Roman Empire.
During Middle Ages Jerusalem became the key point for the Crusaders. They ruled about two hundred years (1095-1187) and again after a brief period, from (1189-1348). The city passed from Muslims to Christians and back. It was a very cruel period for Jerusalem.
The second half of the XX century was no less cruel. The establishment of the state of Israel led to numerous local wars and there is still no peace in the Holy City.
Such long and full of events story left a lot of traces in the city.
Jerusalem is divided into three parts – Old city surrounded by the wall (concentrating the most of the attractions), Eastern Jerusalem with the prevalence of the Arab culture and rapidly developing New city known as Western Jerusalem.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the most sacred object for the Christians. It’s the place of Jesus' crucifixion, burial and resurrection. This temple attracts millions and millions pilgrims a year especially during Easter.
Temple Mount, known by some as Mount Moriah, has equal religious importance for Muslims, Jews and Christians. One of Jerusalem's most famous landmarks lies within the walled section of the Old City.
The Western Wall, also known as the Wailing Wall, is considered to be the most sacred Jewish site of prayer in the world. It’s the place where thousands of worshippers gather year round to pray and even leave prayers folded into its crevices.
Many visit Road of Sorrow or the Way of the Cross. It is the route Jesus is said to have followed as he carried the Cross to his crucifixion.
Despite all its sacral meaning Jerusalem is the modern city with all its things. It’s the largest city in Israel with its population of about 650 000. It’s also the cultural and scientific center of the country. The most of them are Jewish, and one third is Arabs, but Jerusalem receives immigrants from other countries too.
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