Location: Jerusalem
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10 Sacred & Religious Sites in Jerusalem That You Shouldn't Miss
Religious pilgrims have been traveling to Jerusalem for centuries, yet you don’t have to share their zeal in order to appreciate this city’s profound cultural and historical significance. Plan on seeing the major sights, but also leave plenty of time to walk through the streets and simply immerse yourself in the daily life of such an ancient and revered place.
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1. Temple Mount
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,572 reviews
A hill in the eastern part of Old Jerusalem is of special significance to the world's three major religions. It was reputedly the site of the first and second Jewish Temple, and since the 7th century has contained two Muslim shrines.
Reviewed By H75travel - Epsom, United Kingdom
Temple Mount and the Dome of the Roack are must sees when in Jerusalem, just make sure you time your visit right as there are limited visiting hours for non-muslims. There's only one entrance and to visit you must have your bag scanned and pass through airport type security. Come modestly dressed - arms, shoulders and legs covered for women. Undoubtedly the reason to come is the Dome of the Rock which is just stunning. I could have observed the building for a long time. It's very photogenic and the tile work beautiful. While you can't enter there are plenty of other places to explore, so make sure you save time.
2. Western Wall
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 11,159 reviews
The remains of the Second Temple of Jerusalem and a place of prayer sacred to the Jewish people.
Reviewed By PeterWJr46 - Poughkeepsie, United States
It was hard to believe that part of the temple that existed when Our Lord walked the earth, is still there. The West Wall is sacred to the Jewish faith and a testament to the life of Our Savior and His teaching in this very temple. The wall, itself, is divided by a separation for men and for women. It was interesting to see how this divide is so prevalent in this religious atmosphere. Security was ever present around the entrances and within the courtyard leading to the West Wall. It is a holy site and should be treated as such.
3. Dome of the Rock
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 794 reviews
Located in the Old City’s Muslim Quarter, this is the world’s third holiest shrine to Muslims (after the Kaaba in Mecca and the Tomb of the Propher in Medina), which signifies the spot where the Prophet Muhammad is believed to have ascended into Heaven.
Reviewed By 187brianm - Montrose, United Kingdom
You cannot travel to Jerusalem and not go to the Dome of the Rock. There are restricted visiting times for non Muslims so check when it is possible to go.
4. Eglise du Saint-Sepulcre
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 6,791 reviews
Built in the fourth century over the site of a Roman Pagan temple, this is considered one of the world’s holiest shrines to Christians, preserving the most important moments of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Reviewed By BillPNo1 - Friendswood, United States
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the most Holy and Sacred places in Jerusalem, or actually in all of Christendom! The Church of the Holy Sepulchre may be the most sacred places for anyone to visit in Jerusalem; although at times the lines of Pilgrims and crowds of reverent worshippers may be somewhat distracting, one cannot be in awe of what occurred there and what Our Lord suffered there. The Church of the Holy Sepulchre may be the single most important reason to visit the Holy Land and a visit there is certain to leave anyone with a hushed and powerful feeling for the sanctity of the place. I have been blessed to have been able to visit the Church of the Holy Sepulchre on two occasions: each tome I was filled with inspiration and the feeling of awe for the sanctity of the Church. I hope I will be able to visit again, sometime, but feel that my life was changed by even my first two visits!
5. Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 974 reviews
Located on the Mount of Olives, this beautiful church was first built by the Byzantines in 379 and rebuilt between 1919 and 1924, whose construction was financed from contributions made by many countries.
Reviewed By Patricia345 - Pune, India
The Church of All Nations or the Basilica of the Agony is located on the Mount of Olives. This is the place where Jesus was praying just before he was betrayed. A small garden with about 8 olive trees mark the actual Garden of Gethsemane. When we visited in November 2019, the olives were being harvested so we were not allowed inside. The Church is absolutely beautiful with huge stained glass windows. The altar inside the church is believed to have been built over the spot where Jesus Christ sweat fell as drops of blood. There are beautiful mosaics in the Church depicting various scenes on the night Jesus was betrayed. A visit to this Church is a moving experience for Catholics.
6. The Garden Tomb
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,367 reviews
Located north of the Old City’s Damascus Gate, this Christian holy site is a perfect place for prayer and contemplation. Many believe it to be the site of Christ's crucifixion, burial, and resurrection.
Reviewed By KarenHicks63
The gardens surrounding the tomb make it a very quiet and peaceful place amidst the hussle and bussle of Jersuleum. It was nice to see the tomb. Tour guide gives good information. We as a group were provided a place to sit quietly and have communion.
7. Dominus Flevit
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 214 reviews
This tear-shaped church was built between 1953 and 1955 on the spot where, according to tradition, Jesus wept over Jerusalem.
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
The Catholic Church of the Dominus Flevit is the creation of Antonio Barluzzi, the Italian regarded as the ‘architect of the Holy Land’. The church was completed in 1955 and is managed by the Franciscans. Dominus Flevit is Latin for ‘The Lord Wept’. According to Luke’s Gospel, Jesus stopped here on the Mount of Olives during His triumphant ride toward Jerusalem on the first Palm Sunday. Jesus was overcome by the beauty of the Second Temple and He openly wept when He prophesized about its future destruction. The teardrop-shaped church, symbolizing the tears of Christ, was built on the foundation of an earlier Byzantine church. Inside, do not miss the Byzantine-era floor mosaics that include a large cross. A modern mosaic at the foot of the altar depicts a hen gathering her chicks, symbolic of Jesus’ yearning for the people to recognize and follow Him. A stunning arc-shaped picture window behind the altar overlooks the city, as Jesus did that day. The Dome of the Rock now stands where the Second Temple once did, but that is not the focus of the window. Instead, the cross and chalice point the way to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection.
8. Dormition Abbey
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Located on Mount Zion, this massive church resembles a mighty fortress with a high, domed belltower and conical dome.
Reviewed By 994linday - Frisco, United States
The massive Benedictine Church of the Dormition with its conical roof and four round corner sandstone towners has been a Jerusalem landmark since construction was completed in 1910. The current church, which looks like a small castle, was built on the ruins of a Crusader church, which had been built on the ruins of a Byzantine church. The church is traditionally believed to be the site where the Virgin Mary, the Mother of God, died or ‘fell asleep’ (dormition comes from the Latin word dormire meaning to sleep). The church is built on two levels, the upper having the high altar with semicircular apse surrounded by six colorful side chapels. Pretty – but it is the lower-level crypt with Marian shrine that will take your breath away! A life-size statue of Mary, made of cherry wood and ivory, rests on a simple bier in the center rotunda. Jesus, along with six great Biblical women, look down at the sleeping Mary from above. The room is softly lit and has a hushed, serene atmosphere. What a touching representation of the Virgin Mary departing from this earthly existence!
9. Church of St. James
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 67 reviews
Located inside the Armenian convent compound in Jerusalem’s Old City, this church serves as the quarter’s religious heart and the holiest focal point for Armenians in Israel.
Reviewed By KimGTravels - Pacific Grove, United States
My son and I accidently stumbled upon the Church of St. James while walking the streets in the more tranquil Armenian Quarter. Unfortunately, the Church was closed when we arrived, but it is said to be one of the most beautiful and ornately decorated churches in the Holy Land. The oldest section of the church was built in 420 AD, and it is claimed that the head of Saint James the Great and the body of the Lesser St. James are buried here. The remainder of the body of Saint James the Great is at the Church at Santiago de Compostela in Spain. Try to attend during mass, when the church is open. The exterior courtyard is worthy of a visit, even if you are unable to access the interior of the church.
10. Italian Synagogue
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Built in a lavish Baroque style, this beautiful synagogue’s interior belonged to a 1719 synagogue in Conegliano Veneto, Italy, which was removed and transported to Jerusalem in its entirety after the Holocaust.
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