Read an Excerpt
It would not be much of an over-statement to say that Jerusalem
is the most famous city in the world. In many minds it is also the
most important. Here is a city that is of fundamental spiritual
importance to one third of humanity, sacred to Jews, Christians
and Muslims alike. Three faiths based on a common creed that
now present mutually exclusive claims to the same city.
A visit to Jerusalem can be an intense experience, yet it is one
that should not be missed. In fact, almost all foreign tourists
visiting Israel come to Jerusalem at some stage during their trip, on
average spending around half of their time in the city. And there
is plenty to justify a prolonged stay, with even the most ardent of
non-believers becoming enthralled by its unique atmosphere. Not
only is the first sight of the Dome of the Rock far better in reality
than in the imagination, but the chaotic, crowded streets of the
Old City retain a timeless exoticism despite the passage of many
centuries of pilgrims and tourists. Layered beneath the city are
remains of civilizations stretching back 3000 years, which can be
explored via tunnels under the Old City itself or at countless other
archaeological and architectural sites. Should the pervasive air of
history and religion get too intense, there are excellent museums
and nightly cultural activities – as well as a fine bar and dining
scene in both East and West Jerusalem.
Jerusalem is a fairly easy city in which to orientate yourself,
though it is a little more complex than just an ‘Old’ and a ‘New’ city.
The places of interest in this book have been grouped according
to location, though most of the attractions are in or close to the
walled Old City. In fact, it’s not difficult to see all the key attractions
in just three to four days.
