Castles, Palaces & Historic Buildings in Jerusalem
Jerusalem can't really claim any castles or palaces, but historic buildings?? You could say that the entire Old City is one big historic building--so let's start our list with one of the oldest, the Tower of David. The citadel had nothing to do with David--it was mistakenly given that name in the Middle Ages and it stuck. The citadel was actually used during Second Temple times and one of the things that put this fortress at the top of the list is the varied things to see and do inside. You won't want to miss the Night Spectacular that's a state-of-the-art light show that depicts the history of Jerusalem projected on the walls of the citadel. Not more than a 5 minute walk from the Citadel is the Armenian Cathedral of St James. This is one of the oldest and most ornate churches in Jerusalem--open to the public at very limited times. Generally 3 p.m is the time to catch afternoon services and admire the Armenian tile work and silver icons. Walk on further south in the Old City and exit Zion Gate onto Mt Zion. Here you'll find another historic building, holy to Moslems, Christians and Jews. The Tomb of David is on the lower level of this structure--built during Crusader times--and one floor on top of the tomb is the famous Room of the Last Supper. He'd up the stairs when you exit the Room and you'll find yourself on the roof of the building with a spectacular view of the Old City and southern hills. Deeper in the Old City, in the middle of the Christian Quarter is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This is the place to see the different Christian factions carrying out their own traditions in the place where the orthodox and Catholic churches believe that Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected. Don't miss the other historic buildings on the list--the Karaite Synagogue, the Hurva Synagogue and the Austrian Hospice--19th century, but still historic.
Cathedral of Saint James
Armenian Patriarchate Road
Cathedral seat of the Armenian Orthodox Patriarch...
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Suq Khan e-Zeit
Christian Quarter
One of the most important Christian sites.Believed by many orthodox Christians and Catholics to be the site where Jesus was crucified, buried and resurrected...
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