Jerusalem - Emotion and Sprituality

Nestled among the Judean hills, the eternal city of Jerusalem beckons travelers from far with its ancient walls, magnificent domes and white stone architecture. No other city in the world manages to evoke such emotion and spirituality as this ancient capital of Israel does. Jerusalem is a startling combination of old and new, secular and religious. It inspires poetry and song, conflict and love, and is one of the most exciting destinations in the world to visit.

Jerusalem brings together the sanctity of three of the most important religions in world – Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Ancient synagogues burrow together in the same labyrinth of winding alleys with tiny baptism rooms. Magnificent golden domes share the Jerusalem skyline with towering church steeples. The spirituality in this city involves all five senses – the smell of incense, the sound of clanging bells, mumbling prayer and the call of the muezzin, the sight of colorful garb, the taste of traditional food and the touch of century-old stones.

Established by the great Hebrew King David over three thousand years ago, Jerusalem has been inhabited by generations of Jews, Christians and Arabs for centuries. The ancient walled Old City is home to some of the holiest sites in the world – the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the Temple Mount and Western Wall and the al-Aqsa Mosque. Visitors flock to the Old City to experience its alleyways, markets and culture and nobody comes away from a visit untouched by the absolute beauty of this quarter.

Yet, in direct contrast, many areas in Jerusalem represent the dynamic and modern vibe of the young country of Israel that gained its independence in 1948. Jerusalem is home to the country’s parliament – the Knesset, as well as government offices, the President’s residence and other important buildings.

Culture in this city abounds, with art and history museums, theaters and parks. The Israel Museum houses some of the most fascinating exhibitions in the world, including the Shrine of the Book and a model of the Second Temple. The world’s most heart-wrenching dedication to the Holocaust, the Yad Vashem Museum is also situated in this city. Music, art and film festivals are held in Jerusalem on a regular basis, attracting culture vultures from around the globe who love the experience of enjoying the best that this city has to offer.

Strategically located near the center of the country, Jerusalem is the perfect springboard for excursions to the rest of Israel. The lowest spot on earth, the Dead Sea is a couple of hours bus ride out of the city, and the modern, cosmopolitan city of Tel Aviv is less than an hour away. Nature walks, forests and wild animals abound on the outskirts of the city, allowing visitors to experience some of the most breathtaking and time-frozen views ever. Many claim that the sunsets in Jerusalem are among the most beautiful in the world, and when the sinking rays touch the white limestone of the city, it is then that the words “Jerusalem of Gold” are truly understood.