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| Jerusalén Israel. Camino de la Ciudad
Santa Jerusalén es la capital de Israel, es la ciudad santa de los árabes y la ciudad de paz de los hebreos, pero también es la ciudad más grande y poblada de Israel, con más de 800,000 habitantes. Jerusalén se convirtió en capital del Estado de Israel tras el primer gran enfrentamiento árabe-israelí, en 1950. En Jerusalén encontramos uno de los espacios en disputa que tienen árabes e israelíes en Oriente Medio, la zona vieja de Jerusalén se encuentra en disputas y es el lugar en el que la Autoridad Nacional Palestina quiere establecer la capital de su estado, mientras que Israel no las acepta y considera todo el territorio suyo. No obstante, su Casco histórico es patrimonio de la Humanidad por la UNESCO desde 1981. |
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| La parte vieja, o ciudad vieja de
Jerusalén es el lugar más interesante de la ciudad, aquí existen templos
religiosos tanto para judíos como para cristianos, el Monte del Templo, la
Explanada de las Mezquitas, el Muro de los Lamentos o Muro de las
Lamentaciones… son algunos de estos emblemáticos lugares. Esta zona vieja
está dividida en cuatro barrios, uno armenio, otro judío, otro cristiano y
otro árabe. Son varios los lugares sagrados los que encontraremos en Israel, lugares sagrados de vital importancia y no menos interés para visitar, el Monte del Templo, el Muro de los Lamentos o el Domo de la Roca es el nombre con el que se conoce los símbolos de las diversas religiones, son los tres más destacados. Hay que destacar también que estamos ante una ciudad santa para tres religiones, como son el cristianismo, el judaísmo y el Islám. |
| Thanks to
http://www.world66.com/ *********************The content is published under a creative commons licence : http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/1.0 / ). |
| Jerusalem Travel Guide Edit This The best resource for sights, hotels, restaurants, bars, what to do and see Jaffa Street Grocery Jaffa Street Grocery Darrell Asplund 10May2004 Jerusalem is the three times holy capital of the twice promised land. In the old city you will see priests, nuns, mollahs and rabbis all over the place. Churches of every possible denomination dot the town, the gold domed mosque of the Haram-al-Sharif is seen from afar, the wailing wall is always busy. But the old city of Jerusalem is not just a holy place. It is also a very busy market place with more tourist shops than anywhere else, the arab part of town has bustling markets (especially near Damascus Gate) where anything is for sale. Jerusalem requires at least a day or four to be explored. Check the jerusalem,sights:sights section for the full story. More About Jerusalem Jerusalem is the modern capital of the State of Israel and the country`s largest city. It is a city where the first century rubs shoulders with the twenty-first century, each jostling for legitimacy and space, and where picturesque "old" neighborhoods nestle against glistening office towers and high-rise apartments. But Jerusalem is much more than the sum of its landmarks, old and new. It is a city of people, as diverse as the four corner of the globe from whence they came. To Jews, Jerusalem has always been "The Holy City", and it has been revered by Christians and Muslims for centuries. No wonder Jerusalem has such a tremendous impact, both locally and internationally. Holy Places in Jerusalem: The Kotel (Western or Wailing Wall), Temple Mount , The Mount of Olives, Dome of the Rock (Templum Domini), Temple Mount, Temple of Solomon (al-Aqsa Mosque), Tomb of the Virgin, The Mount of Olives, Church of the Ascension, Mount Zion, Church of St. Anne, The Via Dolorosa, The Holy Sepulcher. Part or or all of this text stems from the original article at: http://www.ddtravel-acc.com/jer.htm __________Sights Edit This Part of the Peace Tents exhibit by French artist Clara Halter. The giant white cloth with word "peace" in several languages is hanging over a large cliff in Abu Tor, a mixed Jewish-Arab neighborhood in Jerusalem. Part of the Peace Tents exhibit by French artist Clara Halter. The giant white cloth with word "peace" in several languages is hanging over a large cliff in Abu Tor, a mixed Jewish-Arab neighborhood in Jerusalem. Lili Segal There are many, many sights in Jerusalem. [Add Sight] Botanical Garden Edit This There is a pretty nice Botanical Garden in J. type: Parks, Gardens and Zoos World66 rating: [rate it] address: Shechunat Nayot Jerusalem tel: 972-2-6794012 Church of Saint Anne Edit This Coming from the Lion's Gate, on the right, 200 feet inside the gate, is a wooden doorway leading to a hidden garden enclave where you'll find this beautiful 12th-century Crusader church, erected in honor of the birthplace of Anne (Hannah), the mother of Mary. It is built next to the Pool of Bethesda, the site where Jesus is believed to have healed a paralytic. As the church is just a few hundred feet east of the Sanctuaries of the Flagellation and the Condemnation, at the beginning of the Via Dolorosa, so you might want to visit it before following the stations of the cross. more.. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] openings: Mon-Sat 8am-noon and 2-5pm (until 6pm in summer) address: : The Lion's Gate Church of all Nations Edit This To the east outside the Old City lies the Mount of Olives its slopes lined with the tombs of the Jewish Cemetery the oldest burial ground in the world still in use. Also on the Mount of Olives the beautiful Church of All Nations is built around a rock in the Garden of Gethsemane and has a gorgeous mosaic floor and gold-inlaid ceiling. The rock itself pokes in through its own doorway and runs along the walls occupying much of the altar. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] address: Mount of Olives Church of Dormition Edit This Dormition Church, Jerusalem Dormition Church, Jerusalem photo by: Deep Goswami The Church of the Dormition where the Virgin Mary is thought to have died (note the round zodiac mosiac on the floor) and the very plain Room of the Last Supper stand in it and try to bring to mind Leonardo da Vinci’s mural. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] Lutheran Church of the Redeemer Edit This For a 360-degree view of the walled city climb up the winding staircase in the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in the Christian Quarter. Across from the Lutheran Church is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre which is said to mark the site of the crucifixion burial and resurrection of Christ. Built in the 4th century on top of a temple to the Roman goddess Venus and rebuilt again by Crusaders in the 12th century the building encompasses the last five Stations of the Cross. Once rather dark and grim the church is now suffused with light from a skylight capping its newly restored dome. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] Saint George's Cathedral Edit This Neo-Gothic towers adorn this compound, which also includes an excellent travelers' guest house and the headquarters for the Anglican archbishopric, with jurisdiction extending as far across the Middle East as Sudan. It's a rare architectural enclave for this part of the world, recalling the courtyards of Oxford or Cambridge. Feel free to pass through the courtyard for a look. The complex also contains a religious college, a school, a small garden, and residences. There is a small exhibit of beautiful Palestinian textiles on display as well. type: Churches and Cathedrals World66 rating: [rate it] openings: Daily 9am-4pm address: Nablus Rd. Jerusalem panoramas Edit This For excellent views of the Old City go to: Mount Scopus (near Hebrew University) Mount of Olives (near the hotel) The Citadel ramparts (Jaffa Gate) For views of the New City go to: Gilo Bayit Vegan Israel Museum YMCA tower DO NOT MISS the Israel Museum- Dead Sea Scrolls, Jewish Art, Biblical archaeology type: Landmarks World66 rating: [rate it] ___________Practical Information Edit This The map attached to this website is OUT OF DATE!!!!! There are NO borders in Jerusalem as marked on the map(they are pre-1967!!!) but there ARE roadblocks on the road north to Ramallah and the road south to Bethlehem which are NOT marked on the world66 map. These mark the de facto border with the Palestinian Authority territory and once you cross over you are not in Israel.....so make sure your papers are in order. When you reach Israel buy an up to date map (suggested publication: Carta)!!! _______Getting Around Edit This Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 st1\:*behavior:url(#ieooui) /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable The New Chirst the King Cathedral, the largest Roman Catholic Cathedral in Mindanao Jerusalem Experience Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable The New Chirst the King Cathedral, the largest Roman Catholic Cathedral in Mindanao Walking tours in the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel led by licensed professional guides and lecturers. Customized tours for special interests in fields such as architecture, archaeology, photography, various religions and consideration any physical disabilities. Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable The New Chirst the King Cathedral, the largest Roman Catholic Cathedral in Mindanao http://www.jerusalemexperience.co.il/ ___________Day Trips Edit This Religion and Wine in Jerusalem? No, you are not seeing things, it's one of the best kept secrets to non-Israelis. There are several excellent wineries operated by monasteries around Jerusalem. The best idea is to ask a local travel agent, hotel concierge, or simply rent a car and go on your own (Car rental is very reasonable). The first and closest winery is at Deir Rafat, a Monastery just west of Jerusalem on the way to Beit Shemesh. Another option to get here is to take the train to Beit Shemesh and then take a taxi. Deir Rafat is where the Mony Winery is located. It has won several awards worldwide. The best part about this winery is that you can experience a winetasting (for free) inside the Roman caves under the Monastery. My wife, a wine expert from California, has given her thumbs up to most of the wines. The Monastery also sells its local produce of olives, goat's cheese, honey, and Zaatar (a delicious spice). The view alone is worth a visit. Another Monastery famous for its wine is at Beit Jimal, established by Salesian Monks in 1881. This Monastery is 2 km. south of Beit Shemesh, turn left off route 38 up the dirt track. The Monastery has next to it the Convent of the Sisters of Bethlehem established by Trappistine Nuns. This silent order of French Nuns make their own jewelry. The Monastery is run by Italian monks who love to laugh and entertain the visitors. The contrast between the serious silent French Nuns and the jovial Italian Monks is remarkable. Again, the wine tasting is free of charge and visitors can also buy local jams, honey, and fruit concentrates. The mosaics inside are incredible. Another Monastery, a little more well known is Latrun. This Monastery is on Highway 1 leading to Tel Aviv. Latrun is run by Trappist Monks and is also famous for its wine worldwide. The Monastery itself is remarkable. Across the road is an ancient Crusader Church and Roman bathhouse. Contributors March 02, 2006 new by markintelaviv (4 points) April 07, 2007 change by butterfly28 (2 points) [Add Day Trip] The Mount of Olives - 4-6 Hours Tour Edit This The trip begins at the Mt. Scopus desert observation point and ends at David’s city. Highlights include: Mt. of Olives observation point, Mt. Of Olives churches, Absalom lookout point, and a panoramic view of the City of David . Appropriate for the whole family - but involves extensive walking. Mt. Of Olives churches The Dominus Flevit Church According to tradition, this is the site where Jesus wept over Jerusalem and foretold its destruction, as related in the New Testament. Let’s enter the site, and stop just a few more.. World66 rating: [rate it] ________Bars and Cafes Edit This For some of the best waffles ever and a unique Israeli cultural experience, go to "the waffle lady" in the neighborhood of Rehavia. It used to be located on Emek Rafaim, but is now located in Rehavia near the windmill (not the Montefiore windmill, but the Rehavia windmill). [Add Bar] Mike's Place Edit This A good place for nightly live music (including open mic nights) as well as some good drink specials during their happy hour. There is plenty of outdoor as well as indoor seating. In the Russian compound, amongst a bunch of other fun bars. A lot of foreigners (mostly American) and decent food. type: general World66 rating: [rate it] address: center of town ___________Things to do Edit This One place that should not be missed is Ein Kerem. Ein Kerem is a quaint town just on the edge of Jerusalem nestled in the hills. This is where John the Baptist was born. There are several beautiful churches and monestaries here. Bus number 17 will take you there from the city center. Stroll through the winding streets of this hillside town and have coffee at its many cafes. It seems as if every alley has a surprise of its own. Some people have commented that it resembles Tuscany. Start at Mary's Well and make your way up to the Monestaries on the hilltops. There are many places to stay the night. For those looking for sheer beauty and a place to contemplate, then the Sisters of Zion Monestary is a must. Prices are reasonable and breakfast is served. When else will you be able to say that you spent a night at a Convent? For those adventurous enough there are several hiking trails that cross through Ein Kerem. One goes along the cliffs up to Mt. Herzel. Another goes up in the direction of the Russian Church and the Jerusalem mountains. Contributors March 02, 2006 new by markintelaviv (2 points) [Add Activity] Concerts and Hummus in Abu Gosh Edit This One great treat for those staying Jerusalem is the Christian-Arab town of Abu Gosh just outside of Jerusalem. This town can be reached by bus, but most convenient by taxi or car. The two Churches in the town hold classical music concert so check the schedules. It is also famous of its Arab style restaurants serving hummus, salads, and kabbabs. After dinner, stroll over to the local cafe where you can indulge in the Middle Eastern sweet Baklawa and Knafe. Ask the cafe attendant to show you how to use a nargila for a true Middle Eastern Experience. type: Other World66 rating: [rate it] |
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| Jerusalem
Travel Guide Jerusalem Travel Guide and Jerusalem Travel Information - TravelPuppy.com 'Jerusalem prays and Jerusalem plays' Very few other cities have the ability to inspire quite as much passion as the Old City of Jerusalem (Yerushalayim in Hebrew, Al-Quds in Arabic). Revered by 3 of the major world religions, it is no wonder that the history of the city is marked by political and religious turmoil. For Christians, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is believed to contain the tomb where Jesus was laid to rest after the Crucifixion, having carried the cross through the city along the Via Dolorosa. The Dome of the Rock on Temple Mount is Islam’s 3rd most important religious site (after Mecca and Medina), and it is from here that Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven. The Wailing Wall at the foot of Temple Mount is all that remains of Jerusalem’s 2nd temple and is Judaism’s most important place of prayer. With its pleasant, temperate climate, Jerusalem provides a unique opportunity to experience at close hand the contrasting opposites of modern and ancient, oriental and western, heavenly and earthly. Every visitor to Jerusalem soon realises that the city is necessarily divided and has seen many periods of conflict that continues to this day. Israel declared Jerusalem its capital in 1950 but this is not internationally recognised. Modern Jerusalem is divided in 2 parts, West Jerusalem, which has been part for the state of Israel since the country’s establishment in 1948, and East Jerusalem, which belonged to Jordan from 1948 to 1967, when it was formally seized by Israel. West Jerusalem is the extensive Jewish part of the city, which includes the modern centre of the city, and it is in several ways a tribute to the economic growth and prosperity Israel has enjoyed since its foundation and is characterised by leafy suburbs, smart cafes and outgoing nightlife. East Jerusalem, by contrast, offers very dissimilar charms. Mainly Arab, it has its own more relaxed pace of life, and street markets instead of shopping malls. However, the bullet holes that scar many of the houses in the neighbourhoods are a reminder of the political conflict that reverberates in the Middle East and a comment on East Jerusalem’s relative economic neglect. East Jerusalem is heavily policed, chiefly in the current tense situation. It is in the midst of these 2 contrasting halves that the Old City is to be found, with the exception of the museums on the western edge of town, most of Jerusalem’s main sights are found here. Into this small area of land, less than 1 square kilometre (which is 200 acres), is crammed a labyrinth of streets enclosed within walls of limestone dating back to the 16 th century and the reign of the Ottoman ruler Suleiman the Magnificent. This, the focus of all Jerusalem’s religious and historical divisions, is where the majority of visitors to the city will spend most of their time. The Old City is divided into quarters, named after the 4 communities that inhabited it during the Middle Ages, Arab, Jewish, Christian and Armenian. Its network of winding streets offers the chance to step back almost in time to savour the feel of cheek by jowl Middle Eastern life. Within yards, you may wander from the hustle and bustle of an Arab souk into the quiet calm of an Armenian garden before ending up before the magnificence of a medieval citadel. There is no other city that demands and offers quite so much. Since the start of the 2nd Intifada (Palestinian uprising) in 2000, there have been frequent attacks by suicide bombers, with a high proportion of these in Jerusalem. These attacks have taken place in a diversity of locations around the city and in areas frequented by tourists, so visitors should maintain a high level of vigilance when travelling anywhere in Jerusalem, and to follow local advice. _____________Jerusalem Culture Guide Jerusalem Culture Guide - TravelPuppy.com Israel appears at 1st sight to be a brash, assertive society. However, to see Israelis express themselves in music is to realise the hidden emotional depth of this nation. It is striking that most buskers here play classical music. Many world class classical music events take place in Israel, including the International Harp Contest held every 3 years (the next one, which will be the 16 th, is scheduled for 2006). In addition, there are significant classical music festivals, such as those at Kibbutz Ein Gev and the Kibbutz Kfar Blum. The Israel Festival, bringing a high culture mix of music, dance and drama, turns Jerusalem into the world’s cultural stage for 3 weeks in May and June. The Jerusalem Centre for the Performing Arts, 20 Marcus Street (telephone: (02) 560 5757/55), in the German Colony area of west Jerusalem, serves as the city’s unofficial cultural centre. This venue and the Jerusalem Film Center, Hebron Road (telephone: (02) 565 4333) (the city’s trendy centre for arthouse films) are worth visiting in their own right, as places to absorb the buzz of creativity amongst Israel’s most talented performers. The best ticket agencies for nearly all concerts and theatre performances in Jerusalem are the: Bimot Address: 8 Shamai Street Telephone: (02) 624 0896) Klaim Address: 12 Shamai Street Telephone: (02) 625 6869 Ben Nayim Address: 38 Jaffa Street Telephone: (02) 623 1273 Travellers to the city wanting to catch live shows can also buy tickets in person from the various box offices. Listings for main events can be found at the Jerusalem municipal website while the online magazine, @The Source, includes a guide to cultural events. ____________ Jerusalem Festival - Events Jerusalem Festivals and Events Guide - TravelPuppy.com All Jewish religious festivals and holidays (like Shabbat) are 24 hours long, starting the previous evening at nightfall and ending at nightfall on the date shown. As with the Muslim festival of Ramadan, Jewish religious festivals fall on a different date every year. Some yearly events may be cancelled due to the security situation. February 13 2006: Tu b’Shvat (‘New Year of Trees’), an annual celebration of nature, throughout Jerusalem. End of March: Jerusalem half marathon 16 April to 24 April: Pesach (Passover), nothing with yeast or which is ‘leavened’ is allowed all week, that includes bread and beer, the 1st and last days are public holidays (starts with ‘Seder Night’ festive meal on the evening of 24 April), throughout the city. May 5 2005: Yom HaShoah, a memorial day for victims of the Holocaust, throughout Jerusalem May 7: Israel Independence Day, celebrations of the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948, throughout Jerusalem. May to June: The Israel Festival, various city venues. June: Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day), celebrations of the reunification of Jerusalem and the return to Jewish rule in 1967, throughout Jerusalem. July: Shavuot (Pentecost), festival of 1st fruits and of the giving of the Torah to the Jews, throughout Jerusalem. Abu Gosh Music Festival, it happens each year at Shavuot and Sukkot, in Crusader Church, Abu Gosh, west of Jerusalem. July: Jerusalem Film Festival, Cinematheque. August: Tisha b’Av (9th of the Hebrew month Av), a religious fast day commemorating the destruction of the Temple, throughout Jerusalem. October 4 2005: Rosh Hashanah (Jewish New Year), throughout Jerusalem. October 4 to November 11 2005: Ramadan, the Ramadan nights are lively and colourful with coffee shops open until late and several rooftop parties. October 13 2005: Yom Kippur (The Day of Atonement), religious fast day, throughout Jerusalem. October 18 2005: Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), throughout Jerusalem. Abu Gosh Music Festival, it happens each year at Shavuot and Sukkot, in Crusader Church, Abu Gosh, west of Jerusalem December 24: Christmas Eve, at Christian locations throughout Jerusalem. December 25: Christmas Day, at Christian locations throughout Jerusalem. _____________Jerusalem Getting Around Getting Around Jerusalem - TravelPuppy.com Public Transport The Egged National Bus Co-operative (telephone: (03) 694 8888), provides an inexpensive, comfortable, efficient urban bus system within west Jerusalem, as well as elsewhere. All routes are based out of the Central Bus Station (telephone: (02) 530 4704) on Jaffa Road. Bus services run each day, except on the Sabbath (Friday afternoon to Saturday evening) or on Jewish religious holidays. Ordinary 1 way tickets are general enquiries. Visitors planning to spend more than a few days in Jerusalem are advised to consider buying a kartissiyah, a multi fare punch card that offers 11 journeys for the price of 10. There is also a special card called hofshi-hodshi (freedom for a month) that is good for 1 month of unlimited travel on urban buses. The price is equal to 40 ordinary 1 way tickets. Egged buses do not usually cross the ‘Green Line’ into the West Bank, except for the annexed areas, such as Gilo, which are now considered to be fully integrated districts of the city of Jerusalem. Egged buses also travel to the Jewish towns and settlements on the West Bank, several of which are near Jerusalem. Arab bus companies, serving east Jerusalem, as well as Arab towns within Israel and the West Bank, operate from the East Jerusalem Bus Station, at Sultan Suleiman Street, or on Nablus Road, both of which are near Damascus Gate. These buses are painted green and white or blue, and while they tend to be crowded and rickety, they’re cheap and run each day, including Friday and Saturday. Payment is made to the driver upon boarding. Buses have been a favourite target of suicide bombers and some visitors may feel that bus travel is too dangerous. Despite the fact that Israeli bus drivers are highly trained to anticipate and deal with danger, this has proved insufficient when dealing with the particular threat of suicide attackers. However, buses remain the most popular and cheap form of transport and Israelis are still using them as normal. Bombers can, of course, target anywhere, not just buses. It is safer to take long distance non stop buses, which depart from a central bus station (where there is high security), rather than buses that stop regularly to pick up more passengers. Visitors who notice anyone or anything suspicious (whilst waiting for a bus, boarding a bus or during a journey) should walk quickly up to the front of the bus and tell the driver straight away, even if the bus is moving. All bus drivers can speak some English. Taxis Taxis, which look like ordinary cars with a coloured light displayed, are legally required to use a meter for every journey. However, travellers occasionally need to insist that the meter be turned on. If, as frequently happens, the driver claims that the meter is ‘broken’, it is wise either to agree a fare beforehand or find an alternative taxi. To avoid being cheated, it is worth asking your hotel receptionist or the tourist office for some idea of what the fare to precise destinations should be. Taxis can be summoned in the street or booked in advance. About 20 different taxi companies ply the streets of Jerusalem, including the popular Nesher Taxis (telephone: (02) 623 1231), based at the intersection of Ben Yehuda Street and King George V Avenue in west Jerusalem, right across from the City Tower. Other recommended taxi companies are listed on the Jerusalem city website. In the present situation, for safety reasons, numerous west Jerusalem taxi drivers prefer not to go into Arab districts at all. Fares are 25 % higher at night and on Shabbat. Tipping is not usual, and not expected, however a very small gratuity of about 5 % is sometimes given. Sherutim An substitute to a taxi or bus is the popular sherut (literally ‘service’, ie service taxi, the plural in Hebrew is sherutim but visitors should be aware that this also means toilets). These shared taxis are generally stretched Mercedes or minibuses, seating 7 or 12, and they usually follow fixed public bus routes. However, they allow passengers to get on and off anywhere on the journey and may take other routes when necessary to dodge heavy traffic. Delays are rare and passengers should board quickly as drivers pull away sharply, both drivers and passengers are very intolerant of anyone holding things up. Some sheruts run on Shabbat. Fares are generally about the same as bus fares, sheruts running regular set routes within the city are mostly only available in west Jerusalem, but will go to other areas on request (for a fee). They also serve as a well known way of travelling from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv or the airport. Driving in the City Driving in all parts of Jerusalem, except the Old City, is fairly straight forward, although traffic on the main roads is bad and driving tends to be violent. For most sightseeing or getting around in central west Jerusalem, it is more pleasant to walk or use local buses. Vehicles are only allowed to enter the Old City through Jaffa Gate, following the road through the Armenian Quarter, where there is limited parking. Alternatively, the Karta parking lot, below the walls of the Old City, near Jaffa Gate, has space for 5,000 vehicles and is open 6 days a week (closed on Shabbat). Much of Israel uses the EasyPark smartcard system, an in car electronic device (about the size of a pocket calculator), which mechanically deducts the cost of street parking from the driver’s credit or debit card and which can be read electronically by parking attendants. Most locals have 1 of these devices in their cars, but it is also possible to buy traditional parking cards. These can be obtained from post offices, street kiosks and gas stations. The traditional parking card is a strip of paper with punched tabs for the hours of the day, drivers tear a tab to designate the month, day and hour they parked. 5 different kerbside colour codes indicate what parking is allowed, blue and white means parking is allowed with pre paid parking cards only. Visitors should not park where there is any other kerbside colour as they all represent restrictions and parking regulations are severely enforced. Car Hire The majority of car hire companies are situated in central west Jerusalem. If a car is hired locally, rental fees are moderate, pre booking through an agency overseas may result in a higher price. Rates usually go up at peak holiday times. To rent a car, drivers must be over 24 years and in possession of a full national driving licence with at least 2 years’ driving experience, insurance and an international credit card. Car rental companies will not allow hire cars to be driven into the West Bank at the moment. Eldan is the main Israeli car hire company. Address: 24 King David Street Telephone: (02) 625 2151/2/3 Website address: www.eldan.co.il It has a user friendly website accepting secure online payment and offers considerable price discounts for Internet bookings. International companies include: Avis Address: 22 King David Street Telephone: (02) 624 9001 Website address: www.avis.co.il Budget Rent-A-Car Address: 23 King David Street Telephone: (02) 624 8991 Website address: www.budget.co.il Hertz Address: 18 King David Street Telephone: (02) 623 1351 or 625 6334 Website address: www.hertz.com Bicycle Hire Despite the hills, cycling is well known in Jerusalem. Unfortunately, as in most main cities, there is something of a love - hate relationship between cyclists and motorists (predominantly during rush hour, when traffic is intense and tempers are even shorter than usual). Recently, cycling organisations have been making an effort to increase public awareness about 2 wheeled commuters and the need for better cycling paths. This has strengthened an interest in cycling and has inspired the ongoing construction of a bike path around Jerusalem, as well as the fact that some now consider the bicycle a safer means of getting around than public transport, which has often been targeted by suicide bombers. However, bike hire in Jerusalem is almost unknown. The Jerusalem Cyclists Club, 16 Harazim Street (telephone: (02) 643 8386) may be able to advise, while a useful website for cyclists visiting Israel is The Green Wheelers (Mountain Biking in Israel), who organise cycle rides and tours all over Israel. _____________ Jerusalem International Airport Jerusalem International Airport - TravelPuppy.com Ben Gurion International Airport or Tel Aviv Airport, is near Lod on the main Tel Aviv-Jerusalem highway (Highway 1), approximately 25km (15 miles) southeast of Tel Aviv and about 45km (29 miles) west of Jerusalem. This airport is Israel’s principal hub for international and domestic air traffic, served by over 47 airlines and with 2 terminals designed to handle up to 12 million passengers each year. Transport to the city Buses From the airport to Jerusalem, operated by the Egged National Bus Co-operative (tel: (03) 694 8888; website: www.egged.co.il/Eng/), leave the airport every 25-45 minutes 0630-2140. The bus stop is outside the airport arrivals building, opposite parking lot number one. Bus no. for Jerusalem are nos. 405, 423, 945 and 947; can buy the tickets on the bus. Buses terminate at Jerusalem’s Central Bus Station on Jaffa Road in west Jerusalem. Taxis are located on the right outside the airport arrivals hall. The Nesher Company (tel: (02) 623 1231) runs a sherut (shared taxi) service between the airport and Jerusalem, charging a fixed rate per passenger. For an extra charge, they will take passengers and their baggage to anywhere in the city. ___________ Jerusalem Nightlife Jerusalem Nightlife - TravelPuppy.com Despite the lack of licensing laws, Jerusalem has never been known for its wild nightlife and if you’re looking to dance the night away your best bet would be to follow the example of many Jerusalemites and take a sherut the 60 kilometres (37 miles) to Tel Aviv. The night clubs that do exist in Jerusalem tend to be situated in the Talpiot area, are expensive and operate smart dress codes. Nightlife is even quieter than usual at present due to worries about terrorist attacks and East Jerusalem is predominantly empty after dark. The legal drinking age is 18 years old. Up to date listings for club nights can be found in the Friday supplement of the Jerusalem Post. Bars With a a small number of exceptions, alcoholic drinks are not available in East Jerusalem or in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City. If you do want a drink in East Jerusalem, head for the Cellar Bar, at the American Colony Hotel, Nablus Road, which is popular with journalists and open until 3.30 am. Visitors should drink in moderation or avoid walking around visibly under the influence. Most bars are situated in west Jerusalem, with a handful to be found in the Christian and Armenian Quarters of the Old City. Among the most popular is the Tabasco Tearooms, 8 Aqabat al-Taqiya (open from 8.00 am top 12.00 am), attached to a budget hostel of the same name (consequently popular with backpackers). The friday night Punch Party allows you to drink as much punch as you like. Jerusalem’s 1st Internet bar, Strudel, 11 Monbaz, is also good for food and drink (and open until at least 12.00 am and until 2.00 am on Saturdays). Zanzibar, 13 Shamai, is still a popular, trendy bar that caters to a sophisticated yuppie clientele (open until 3.00 am). Tzoof Bar, 15 Hebron Road (open from noon until 2.00 am Saturdays and Sundays), with its arched entrances, brick walls and floor and ambient lighting, summons up the Old City, and serves a mix of drinks including cocktails, and sometimes shows stand up comedy and live jazz. 1 of the city’s liveliest areas, Nahalat Shiv’ah, can be found of Soloman Street just outside the city walls, it is a polular for cafes, bars, pubs and restaurants at all time of day, but especially at night. Casinos Gambling is illegal in Jerusalem. Clubs Most clubs are situated in west Jerusalem. At Underground, 1 Yoel Salomon, there has been drinking and dancing as long as anyone can remember. With 2 rooms of music (1 rock and 1 dance) it attracts Israelis and travellers alike. Haoman 17, 17 Haoman Street, is still going strong, attracting international DJ's and boasting 2 dance floors where you can groove the night away to a mixture of house and techno. Hata'asiyah Dance Club, Ha-Ta'asiya 5, is another large club popular with the dance crowd, Fridays and Saturdays are the biggest nights. Dance Lovers of dancing will have no problem finding what they want in Israel. The renowned Israel Ballet (Israel’s national classical ballet company) performs chiefly in its home town of Tel Aviv, with occasional productions in Jerusalem. Many professional modern dance companies, most based in Tel Aviv, perform throughout Israel and abroad, best known are Inbal Dance Theater and Batsheva Dance Company, both based at the Suzanne Dellal Centre in Tel Aviv. In Jerusalem, Mechola, 43 Emek Refaim (telephone: (02) 563 6663), is a municipal dance centre housing jazz and folk dance companies and workshops for children and adults. Film The majority of foreign films in Jerusalem are screened in their original version with Hebrew subtitles. Among the most popular mainstream cinemas are Ray Chen, in Talpiot (telephone: (02) 679 4477), and the GG Gil, Jerusalem Mall, Malha Street (telephone: (02) 678 8448). The Lev Smadar, 4 Lloyd George Street (telephone: (02) 561 8168), is a highly regarded, nice and comfortable arthouse cinema. However, the best place for cinema in Jerusalem is the Cinematheque, at the Jerusalem Film Centre, Hebron Road (telephone: (02) 565 4333). The Cinematheque has 2 auditoria showing classics, critically acclaimed new releases and foreign arthouse films. Literary Notes Some of Israel’s supreme living writers were born in the 1930's. Several of them lived in Jerusalem at the start of the Arab - Israeli War, which followed the foundation of Israel in 1948. Constant themes are the conflict between the religious life of Judaism and the life of the modern secular Jew, and the disagreement of Jerusalem as the holy, eternal city of God and Jerusalem as the man made, political city of human conflict. A B Yehoshua deals with these issues in his novel, The Lover (1977), which explains a husband’s attempt to trace his wife’s lover, who disappeared during the Yom Kippur War of 1973. The husband discovers the man living within a community of Orthodox Jews in Jerusalem and attempts to persuade him to rejoin the modern secular reality of life in the city. In Amos Oz’s novel, My Michael (1968), the tension between violence and spiritual yearning in Jerusalem leads to strains within a Jewish couple’s marriage as they become more aware of both the danger and the hope offered by the city’s Arab population. Yehuda Amichai (1924 to 2000) was 1 of the country’s most admired and most successful writers. The author of more than 75 books, Amichai’s works have been published around the world. Amichai was also much admired for his love poems, it was his ability to capture the dynamics of Israel’s inner tensions and historical evolution that proved to be his most continuing contribution to Hebrew literature. Music The Henry Crown Symphony Hall, 5 Chopin Street, is the home of the excellent Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra (telephone: (1700) 704 000). Tickets are usually priced NIS 100 to NIS 150. The well known Israel Philharmonic Orchestra (telephone: (02) 645 4647) rotates performances between its main base in Tel Aviv, Haifa and Jerusalem. Visitors to Jerusalem may find acquiring tickets for its concerts in the city very difficult. Such is the level of devotion to the orchestra, the ensemble boasts almost 30,000 season ticket holders, the largest subscription public per capita in the world. When it performs in Jerusalem, concerts are at the Binyanei Ha’oomah, 1 Shazar Street, near the Central Bus Station (telephone: (02) 655 8558). Although a wide selection of live music venues can be found in both east and west Jerusalem, what is on offer generally can not generally be described as exciting. However, jazz is popular and often very good. Pargod Theatre, 94 Betzalel, hosts a Friday afternoon jam session, while Tmol Shilshom Bookstore Café, 5 Yoel Salomon, has jazz on Mondays and folk on Tuesdays (both from 11.00 pm). Folk musicians play at the AACI, 11 Pinsker, in Talbiya. Pop concerts (both foreign and Israeli groups) are sometimes held at the Jerusalem Theatre, 20 David Marcus Street, in Talbiya. For live rock bands try the downstairs bar at Arizona, 37 Jaffa Road, or Mike’s, Horkanos Street, which has live rock and blues music nightly from 10.30 pm. Theatre Jerusalem’s most original theatre for new plays and drama is probably the Khan Theatre, 2 David Remez Square (telephone: (02) 671 8281), which performs 5 or 6 plays every season. The repertory is divided between new plays from Israel and around the world, classics and adaptations. Performances are usually in Hebrew. Devotees of experimental and avant-garde theatre should try to catch performances at the Habima Theatre, a 96 seat studio at Floor 4, 4 Yad Harozim (telephone: (02) 625 4463, the websit is in Hebrew only). __________ Jerusalem Shopping Jerusalem Shopping Guide - TravelPuppy.com The Old City has a lot to offer, with the narrow, colourful souk that follows the Street of the Chain from Jaffa Gate into the Muslim Quarter. Tiny open fronted shops sell souvenirs of olive wood, mother of pearl, silverwork, leather and hand blown glass. There are also many arabic sweets and pastries on offer. Bargaining here is standard practice and shoppers can usually get about 1 quarter off the asking price. As the Muslim Quarter leads into the Christian Quarter, several souvenirs take the form of religious artefacts. Continuing into the Old City’s Jewish Quarter, the Cardo has numerous exclusive shops selling clothing and objects d’art. Several 100 shops are listed by the Ministry of Tourism and display a special emblem as a symbol of fair pricing. These carry a range of goods from exclusive jewellery and diamonds to oriental carpets, leather goods and ladies wear. Bargaining is not usual in Jewish shops and markets, although asking for a ‘discount’ on some pretext can sometimes bring an instant price reduction. In west Jerusalem, shops and streets are similar to southern Europe. For traditional crafts and Judaica head for the House of Quality, Yochanan Migush Halav Street, the Hutzot Hayotser Arts and Crafts Lane and the Mea Shearin area. There are also large shopping malls, such as the Jerusalem Mall in Malcha Street. Shopping in east Jerusalem upholds a strongly Arabic, Middle Eastern feel. The hub of this district is Damascus Gate, where traders gather daily, from dawn to dusk, to sell anything and everything from household wares to fresh farm produce. This market is full of life and bustle and (unlike the markets of the Muslim Quarter) trades to locals as well as tourists. Opening hours for shops are usually Sunday to Thursday from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm (some close daily between 1.00 pm and 4.00 pm). Most shops and businesses in west Jerusalem are closed on Friday and Saturday (the Shabbat). The Muslim Quarter and east Jerusalem are also less busy on Saturday. Trading on Friday, the Muslim holy day, is also quite restrained. The Christian owned shops close on Sundays. Value Added Tax (VAT), at a current rate of 18.25 %, is given in the price of all goods and services. Tourists buying goods at shops listed by the Ministry of Tourism may be entitled to claim the tax back, provided the purchase cost US $50 or more and expense was made in foreign currency. Shoppers must attain a special invoice at the time of purchase. The form must be filled out and submitted at the airport and the refund is usually issued by post. ______________ Jerusalem Sightseeing Jerusalem Sightseeing Guide - TravelPuppy.com The compact size of Israel means that almost anywhere (with the exception of Eilat) is reachable for a day trip from Jerusalem. The coastal cities of Akko, Tel Aviv and Haifa can easily be visited in a day, as can the area around the Sea of Galilee and even (in a long day) the Golan Heights. There is enough to see in most of these places to merit a longer visit however, in terms of historical and religious sites, none of them can match Jerusalem. The 1st stop for any visitor has to be the Old City, which contains the holy sites that have caused such turmoil and unrest marking Jerusalem’s history and still felt today. The Old City is divided into quarters (the Armenian, Jewish, Christian and Muslim) each with its unique identity and character. Whether sightseeing or just exploring, visitors should be aware of the intense campaign of terrorism being waged against Israel. Popular crowded venues, such as busy street markets, restaurants and cafés, discos, crowded buses, have particularly been targeted by suicide bombers. Security guards have now been posted at the doorways or entrances to most such locations and it is advisable to be wary of venues that have not put any security measures in position. To date, tourist sights have not been struck by the bombers, and Arab areas or Muslim sights are unlikely to be hit. Church of the Holy Sepulchre Containing the last 5 Stations of the Cross of the Via Dolorosa, this is the most sacred Christian site in Jerusalem. Upon entering the church, the little stairway to the right lead to the Chapel of Golgotha and 3 Stations of the Cross, where Jesus was stripped, crucified and removed from the cross. The Sepulchre itself is at the centre of the church and marks where Jesus is thought to have been buried and resurrected. Downstairs is the Angel’s Chapel, where the resurrected Christ made himself known to Mary Magdalene. The site of the church was 1st chosen in the 4th century by Queen Helena and the existing structure dates mainly from the period of the Crusades. It is divided into sections, which are each under the authority of a different Christian denomination. Protestants do not acknowledge that this was the site of the Crucifixion or Resurrection. Via Dolorosa, Old City Telephone: (02) 627 3314. Opening hours: Daily from 5.30 am to 9.00 pm (summer), daily 4.30 am to 8.00 pm (winter). Admission: Free. Citadel or Tower of David The tall, slender stone tower rising gracefully from the ancient walls of the Old City is almost as familiar an image of Jerusalem as the Dome of the Rock. But despite its name, the Citadel has nothing to do with King David (the city’s founder) and was in fact constructed in the 1st century BC, as a fortress for Herod the Great. It has consequently formed part of Jerusalem’s defence structure for over 2,000 years. What remains today is mostly medieval. It now houses the outstanding Museum of the History of Jerusalem, which intensely chronicles the entire history of the city. The Citadel’s tallest tower, the Phasael, offers a superb panorama over the Old City. The main entrance is nearby to Jaffa Gate. Armenian Patriarchate Road, Old City Telephone: (02) 626 5333. Website: www.towerofdavid.org.il Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Friday from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm (April to October), Saturday to Thursday from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, Friday from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm (November to March). Admission: There is a charge. Mount of Olives Rising beyond the city walls, to the east of Temple Mount, the Mount of Olives is part of the range of hills neighbouring Jerusalem. The olives that gave the place its name were cut down in Roman times and the western slope is now covered by the white tombs of the biggest Jewish cemetery in the world. Tragically, it was badly damaged during the Jordanian occupation (1948 to 1967), when stones were smashed and defaced and many were removed to be used for construction. Among both Jews and Christians, is the faith that the resurrection of the dead will begin on the Mount of Olives. The mountain has added religious importance for Christians, as the place Jesus came on the night before his arrest and trial. The Garden of Gethsemane, which Jesus visited after the Last Supper, lies at the foot of the slope. The believed tomb of his mother, Mary, is a Byzantine and Crusader structure reached through a fine doorway that leads to an underground shrine containing various tombs. Although medieval, these are said to be the actual graves of Mary, her husband Joseph and her parents. At the summit of the mount, an Arab village named Et-Tur affords a beautiful panorama of the Old City. Mount of Olives, East Jerusalem Opening hours: Each day, 24 hours. Admission: Free. Montefiore Windmill Located in the downtown area of west Jerusalem, the Montefiore Windmill is 1 of the oldest and most famous landmarks outside the Old City. It was built by an Anglo Jewish philanthropist, Sir Moses Montefiore, in 1858 in an attempt to provide a basis of employment for the city’s poor immigrant Jewish population. With the windmill and 2 rows of houses he set about establishing the 1st Jewish Quarter outside the walls of the Old City. Not used often as a windmill, it was damaged during the 1948 war that led to the establishment of Israel. Today it has been renovated by the Jerusalem Foundation, and the houses form a Jewish Artist’s Colony with a music centre and guesthouse, while the windmill has become a museum dedicated to the life of Montefiore. West Jerusalem Telephone: 02) 675 1711. Website address: www.jerusalemfoundation.org/home.php Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm, Friday 9.00 am to 1.00 pm. Admission: There is a charge. Passes A 2 day pass for the no. 99 bus, which gives a guided tour of the city, will allow discounted entry to the Tower of David Museum, the Israel Museum, and the Biblical Zoo. It can be bought at ticket offices at these sites or from the bus drivers. Temple Mount Temple Mount (Har Habayit in Hebrew, Al Haram ash-Sharif in Arabic), also called Mount Moriah, is sacred to both Judaism and Islam. It is a natural hill, which was built up artificially to maintain the huge Jewish Temple that stood here in Biblical times. Temple Mount has remained the focus of the Jewish religion ever since, whilst praying, Jews worldwide still face Temple Mount. It was from a black rock within the complex, where, according to the Koran, Muhammad made his ascension to Heaven at the conclusion of his Night Ride from Mecca and in the bible where Abraham offered Isaac for sacrifice. With the arrival of Islam in the 7th century, the octagonal, blue tiled Dome of the Rock, with its large gold dome, was built over the huge black rock. Dominating the skyline of the Old City, its dome glinting in the sunshine, this stunning building is Jerusalem’s most famous landmark and an absolute must for visitors. Also on Temple Mount is the Al Aqsa Mosque, the most ancient mosque in Israel and (unlike the Dome of the Rock) an actual place of Muslim worship. It's silver dome dates from the 11 th century. The Islamic Museum, the 3rd building within the complex, contains Islamic artefacts and relics. Only 1 of the 10 gates to the complex, Al-Mughradia (Moors) gate, allows entry for non worshippers. This is situated to the right of the Western Wall and is accessed from Western Wall Plaza. However, the complex is currently closed to non Muslims. Temple Mount, Old City Website: www.al-aqsa.com (Muslim site), www.templemount.org (Jewish site) Opening hours: Closed during all prayer times (unpredictable), otherwise Sunday to Thursday from 7.30 am to 10.30 am and 12.30 pm to 1.30 pm, and during Ramadan Sunday to Thursday 7.30 am to 10.30 am. Closed to non Muslims Fridays and Muslim holidays. During periods of tension, the site may be closed. Admission: Free for Temple Mount, a charge for Dome of the Rock, Al Aqsa Mosque and Islamic Museum have a combined ticket. The Israel Museum The Israel Museum is the nation’s leading showcase for its archaeology, art and anthropology. It houses a large number of fascinating exhibits relating to the long history and culture of the Jews in the region. Among the highlights are the modern sculptures of the Art Garden, the 20th century artworks of the Art Pavilion, and the Archaeological Galleries, where significant discoveries are displayed. In the Ethnography and Judaica wing, exhibits include a collection of old Jewish artefacts. A Youth Wing features hands on activities for families and art classes for children. The museum’s greatest treasure is contained in a remarkable separate building called the Shrine of the Book. Resembling the lid of an earthenware jar, this structure was created to hold and display the Dead Sea Scrolls and other antique manuscripts. Discovered beside the Dead Sea at Qumran in 1947, the Scrolls consist of the oldest known scripts of the Torah or Pentateuch (the 1st 5 books of the Old Testament), as well as the enigmatic scrolls of an austere, scholarly Jewish sect apparently resident at Qumran. Ruppin Boulevard (near the Knesset), west Jerusalem Telephone: (02) 670 8811. Website address: www.imj.org.il Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and holidays from 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, Tuesday 4.00 pm to 9.00 pm, Thursday from 10.00 am to 9.00 pm, Friday from 10.00 am to 2.00 pm. Admission: There is a charge. Tourist Information Israeli Government Tourist Office (IGTO) Address: Visitors Centre, Jaffa Gate, Old City Telephone: (03) 627 1422 or (02) 26 754 811. Website address: www.infotour.co.il or www.jerusalem.muni.il Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday from 9.00 am to 4.30 pm, Fridays 9.00 am to 1.00 pm. Christian Information Centre Address: Jaffa Gate, Old City Telephone: (02) 627 2692 Website address: www.cicts.org The Visitors Centre in West Jerusalem at Safra Square is temporarily closed. Via Dolorosa The Via Dolorosa (literally ‘Road of Sorrow’) is the route thought to have been walked by Jesus as he carried the Cross to his crucifixion at Calvary or Golgotha. The route begins at the Lion’s Gate, passes through the Muslim Quarter and leads to the Calvary in the Church of the Holy tomb. It is marked along the way by the 14 Stations of the Cross. The stations designate events along the journey and at some of these points churches have been founded. Every year, 10's of 1000's of pilgrims walk this route in the belief that they are following in the footsteps of Christ. Via Dolorosa, Old City Opening hours: Each day, 24 hours. Admission: Free. Western Wall Located along one side of a vast plaza at the bottom of Temple Mount the historic Western Wall (HaKotel in Hebrew). Also known as the Wailing Wall from the Jews chanting lamentations on Tisha b’Av, the once a year fast, mourning the destruction of the Temple. The Western Wall, constructed of massive rough blocks of golden stone, is a remainder of the outer retaining walls of the 2nd Temple as reconstructed by Herod in 30 BC (the 1st Temple, constructed by Solomon, occupied the same site but was destroyed by the Babylonians). Since the final complete destruction of the Temple by the Romans in AD 70, the Western Wall has been the most sacred place of prayer for the Jewish people. Jews come from all over the world to pray or to think. Some place notes with dreams, hopes and messages of goodwill in the cracks of the Wall. In keeping with Orthodox Jewish practice (as the entire site is technically an Orthodox synagogue) the length of the Wall has been divided into separate sections for men and women. Any man or woman may enter their respective section, provided men have their heads covered (visitors can borrow a skullcapor a kippah whilst entering) and women are modestly dressed. The Wall can be reached either through the Dung Gate or through the Jewish Quarter of the Old City. Temple Mount, Old City Opening hours: Each day, 24 hours. Admission: Free Yad Vashem The name of this, the world’s most significant Holocaust memorial, means ‘A Hand and a Name’, the word hand being used for a memorial and implying that every victim will be independently remembered. Yad Vashem (or the Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Authority) is situated on the western edge of Jerusalem. It is best known as a monument to the devastation inflicted upon the Jewish people by the Nazis during World War II. There are indoor and outdoor exhibits, including memorials, museums, sculpture and a research and documentation centre. The tree lined Avenue of the Righteous Among the Nations commemorates and honours non Jews who endangered their lives to save Jews and leads to the Historical Museum, Yad Vashem’s centre piece, where the course of Hitler’s ‘Final Solution’ is traced. The Hall of Remembrance is a serious tent like structure that allows visitors to pay their respects to the dead. Also contained within the Yad VaShem complex is the wooded, walled Valley of the Communities, recording the names of Jewish communities wiped out in their entirety, and the Hall of Names, where the names and details of over 3 and a half million individual victims have been recorded and are being constantly added to. There is also an emotional Art Museum, containing work produced by Jewish inmates of the death camps. Perhaps the most moving, however, is the Children’s Memorial, where, in a dark underground chamber, names from the list of 1.5 million children murdered in the Holocaust are constantly read out. Har Hazikaron (near Mount Herzl), west Jerusalem Telephone: (02) 644 3400. Opening hours: Sunday to Thursday from 9.00 am to 5.00 pm, Friday from 9.00 am to 2.00 pm. Admission: Free. ______________ Jerusalem Tours - Excursions Jerusalem Tours Guide - TravelPuppy.com Walking tours Leaflets and information on the several government and private tours of the city and surrounding area can be found at the Visitors Centre and the Christian Information Centre: Visitors Centre Address: Jaffa Gate, Old City Telephone: (03) 627 1422 Christian Information Centre Address: Jaffa Gate, Old City Telephone: (02) 627 2692 Website address: www.cicts.org City tours start at 10.00 am every Saturday from the entrance to the Russian Compound, Cheshin Street, west Jerusalem. No booking is required and the tours are free. Zion Walking Tours (telephone: (02) 628 7866) provides a 3 hour tour of the city (fee). The tourist office also rents out cassettes, for self guided walking tours. For an overview of Jerusalem, there is the Ramparts Walk. Built by Suleiman the wonderful, the ramparts of the Old City are the most complete of any medieval walls standing today. Entrance is from Moat Fort, Jaffa Gate and Damascus Gate. The walk can be completed Saturday to Thursday from 9.00 am to 4.00 pm and Fridays 9.00 am to 2.00 pm, tickets are valid for 2 days. Ramparts Walk is subject to tight security and is often closed, please check 1st with the tourist office. Bus Tours The Egged National Bus Co-operative (telephone: (03) 694 8888), and United Tours, 9 Coresh Street (telephone: (02) 625 2187), are the main operators of coach tours in and around Jerusalem. Similar tours can be arranged (sometimes more economically) through many smaller private companies. A helpful introduction to the city is the bus route 99, which is operated by Egged and known as the circle line because it takes passengers on a circular tour of the city. It begins at the Jaffa Gate and stops at 26 of Jerusalem’s tourist sites. 1 day hop on hop off tickets are available on the bus or in advance (telephone: (02) 530 4704). The excursion is available between 10.00 am to 4.00 pm, departing every 2 hours. Excursions for half day Bethlehem Situated just 12 kilometres (7 miles) south of central Jerusalem, the ancient biblical town of Bethlehem, which lies just across the ‘Green Line’ in the West Bank, is an obvious, satisfying excursion from the city. Unfortunately, security considerations have made it difficult and sometimes dangerous to visit during the last 2 years. It is essential to check the current situation before travelling to the town. Visitors should keep up to date through English language daily newspapers, such as The Jerusalem Post, however it is advised to check with locals before planning a trip. Bethlehem is known internationally as the birth place of Jesus Christ, born, according to the New Testament, in a food trough in a cattle shed. However, Bethlehem also appears in the scriptures nearly 2,000 years before Jesus, as the burial place of Rachel, the wife of Jacob. The events of the Book of Ruth took place here, too, and this was also the birth place of King David. The town is therefore of great significance to Christians and Jews alike, and several Arabs living here are Christians rather than Muslim. In the 4th century, a cave was selected as the exact place where Jesus was born and the Church of the Nativity erected over the site. The elaborate and atmospheric medieval church, standing along 1 side of Manger Square is the focal point for any visit. The Cave of the Nativity is reached by going down some steps inside the church and a star on the floor shows where Jesus was thought to have been born. Other sites in and around Bethlehem include the Shepherds’ Field and Grotto. Another well known site which is on the Jerusalem side of town is Rachel’s Tomb, however, this and Grotto are both particularly dangerous spots at present. Away from the rather tawdry tourist sights, Bethlehem is a delightful small Arab town. The Palestinian National Authority (PNA) tourist information centre (telephone: (02) 074 1581) is situated on the southern side of Manger Square, but is currently closed. The PNA also have official website's (www.bethlehem2000.org and www.visit-palestine.com), which give some information about the town, but neither has been updated since they were 1st put up in 1999, before the start of the intifada. If Bethlehem can be safely visited, it can be simply reached by sherut (shared taxi) from Jerusalem. Sheruts leave from opposite the Old City’s Damascus Gate and follow the Hebron Road. A passport is needed to show at checkpoints. Excursions for a whole day Masada Located on an isolated flat mountain top in the Judean Desert and overlooking the Dead Sea, Masada (pronounced ‘matzada’ in Hebrew which means ‘fortress’) was the scene of the final heroic Jewish resistance against the Romans. The group of Jewish zealots who had fled with their families to Masada realised that they faced forthcoming defeat and, rather than surrender to the Romans, all 967 men, women and children committed suicide. The extensive ruins include Herod’s Palace (telephone: (08) 658 4207), the fortress, the synagogue, an elaborate bathhouse and much more. Guided tours are possible. Masada (telephone: (07) 658 4117/8;) is run as a national park. It is open Saturday to Thursday 8.00 am to 5.00 pm (until 4.00 pm from October to March) and Fridays from 5.00 pm to 3.00 pm (the cable car operates from 8.00 am). There is an admission charge and the cable car costs extra. Masada lies on Route 90 close to the Dead Sea, 22 kilometres (14 miles) east of the desert town of Arad, and 20 kilometres (12 miles) south of Ein-Gedi. Approaching from the east, the road ends at the parking lot at the bottom of the mountain. From there the ascent is either by the cable car, or by walking up the Snake Path, a demanding climb taking just under 1 hour. From the west, the road ends at the western parking lot, from which there is a 15 to 20 minute simple climb to the top. Masada can be reached by bus 487, 444, 486 or from west Jerusalem. Ein Gedi Spa, Dead Sea Situated on the western shore, the Ein Gedi Spa (telephone: (08) 659 4760 or 4813) offers a chance to float in the Dead Sea, relax in its sulphur pools and enjoy its brilliant restaurant. Bathers can be covered in black mud before going for a dunking in the sea, which, at some 400 metres (1,320ft) below sea level, is the lowest point on earth. Famous for its curative powers, the Dead Sea is the saltiest and most mineral loaded body of water in the world. The Ein Gedi Spa is open Saturday to Thursday from 7.00 am to 6.00 pm, and Friday 7.00 am to 5.00 pm (admission charge). It can be reached by bus 421, 444 or 486 from west Jerusalem. It is possible to merge the Masada and Ein Gedi Spa in a day with 1 of the tours run by the Egged National Bus Co-operative (telephone: (03) 694 8888). |