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Jerusalem, like its old enemy Rome, is a city built on seven hills, and the most impressive of these, commanding the impressive view of the Old City which gave it its name, is Mount Scopus. The mountain, called Har Ha'Tzofim (Mountain of the Watchers) in Hebrew, derives its Latin name from its use as a vantage point for the Roman Army during its suppression of the Jewish Great Revolt, from which Titus' legions planned their final attack on the city in 70 CE.
Old City
Tour stop audio transcript
The Old City is a 0.35 sq mi walled area within the modern city of Jerusalem. It is home to several sites of key religious importance for Jews, Christians, and Muslims. Today, the Old City is roughly divided into the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Jewish Quarter and the Armenian Quarter.
Via Dolorosa
Tour stop audio transcript
The Via Dolorosa is a street, in two parts, within the Old City of Jerusalem, held to be the path that Jesus walked, carrying his cross, on the way to his crucifixion. The route of the Via Dolorosa begins near the Lions' Gate in the Muslim Quarter and ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the Christian Quarter, covering 500 meters and incorporating 14 Stations of the Cross, each marked with a plaque.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Tour stop audio transcript
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, known as the Church of the Resurrection (Anastasis) to Eastern Orthodox Christians, is a church in the Old City of Jerusalem that is the holiest Christian site in the world. It stands on a site that is believed to encompass both Golgotha, or Calvary, where Jesus was crucified, and the tomb (sepulchre) where he was buried. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been an important pilgrimage destination since the 4th century.
Western Wall
Tour stop audio transcript
The Western Wall in Jerusalem is the holiest of Jewish sites, sacred because it is a remnant of the Herodian retaining wall that once enclosed and supported the Second Temple. It has also been called the "Wailing Wall" by European observers because for centuries Jews have gathered here to lament the loss of their temple.
Dome of the Rock
Tour stop audio transcript
The most famous Islamic site in Jerusalem is the Dome of the Rock. An impressive and beautiful edifice, it can be seen from all over Jerusalem. The Dome of the Rock is the oldest Islamic monument that stands today and also boasts the oldest surviving mihrab (niche indicating the direction of Mecca) in the world.
The Dome of the Rock is not a mosque, but a Muslim shrine. Like the Ka'ba in Mecca, it is built over a sacred stone. This stone is believed to be the place from which the Prophet Muhammad ascended into heaven during his Night Journey to heaven.
David's Tomb
Tour stop audio transcript
King David's Tomb is a site viewed as the burial place of David, King of Israel, according to a tradition beginning in the 12th century. The tomb is covered with a velvet cloth embroidered with the words David Melech Israel Hai Vekayam, the first song many Jewish children learn, which evokes the sense that David’s spirit is still with us.
Cardo
Tour stop audio transcript
The cardo was a north–south-oriented street in Roman cities, military camps, and coloniae lined with shops and vendors, and served as a hub of economic life. The line of the Cardo Maximus (main street) is still visible on the Jewish Quarter Street, though the original pavement lies several meters below the modern street level.
Market (Shuk)
Tour stop audio transcript
Between Jaffa Gate and the Temple Mount, set along narrow alleys, the Old City of Jerusalem hosts a colorful market (shuk). The market offers a variety of lively shops that sell everything from nuts and spices to jewelry and clothes, all with an oriental flavor. Bargaining is an acceptable and expected part of the buying process in this lively market.
