One of the oldest cities in the world, and the holiest to three of the largest religions, Jerusalem is as captivating as it is complex. An international melting pot and historical palimpsest, the Jerusalem of today is a cosmopolitan city with a thriving food, arts and cultural scene.
HISTORY
Perched high on a plateau between the Mediterranean and Dead Sea, the Jerusalem skyline offers a glimpse into some 5,000 years of civilisation. Home to the Western Wall, the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, each tawny-coloured cobbled street reveals another sacred site and foundational story. A city that has been besieged, captured and attacked over a hundred times, and is still fiercely debated, Jerusalem’s history continues to be written every day.
LANDMARKS
With the Old City divided into four quarters, there’s something fascinating to discover around every corner. The Armenian, Christian, Jewish, and Muslim quarters house some of the holiest sites in the world, attracting pilgrims from across countries and religions. Beyond the old walls, the museums and galleries of modern-day Jerusalem are an equally fascinating insight into its history. Yad Vashem, the country’s Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the Museum for Islamic Art are a must-see for visitors looking to unearth more about this complicated city.
FOOD
Drawing on a diaspora of influences, Jerusalem’s food scene is diverse and dynamic. Trendy upscale restaurants sit alongside street-side vendors serving steaming falafel. While in the city’s sprawling Mahane Yehuda market, piles of vibrant spices, pickles and fresh fruits fill the air with Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fragrances.
Head up to the Jerusalem hills to discover tucked-away villages, where creamy hummus and pillowy pitta are the order of the day.