Jerusalem: History, Culture and Religious Sites

Jerusalem can be explored through a range of themes: religious buildings, historic sites, museums and cultural offerings. Each provides its own points of reference when choosing your destination. The Old City and its surroundings are defined by more than individual monuments; the location of the Mount of Olives and the range of museum and cultural themes also shape the picture of the city.

Buildings, history and religious connections

The Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem was built in the 7th century and is decorated with geometric and floral motifs. The Western Wall reflects a different urban relationship: it separates the quarters of Jerusalem’s various religious communities. At the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the Rotunda of the Resurrection houses the tomb of Christ. These places are associated with different religious and historical connections, without telling the same story.

The Mount of Olives is a high ridge east of ancient Jerusalem that separates the city from the Judean Desert. Its religious significance extends across Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Christians associate it with places where Jesus was active during his final days in Jerusalem; Muslims associate it with the Day of Judgment at the end of time. Thus, both the landscape and different religious traditions are central to the Mount of Olives.

The City of David also has a precisely defined location: it lies southeast of Jerusalem’s Old City on the Ophel Hill, near the Western Wall. The market lanes Butchers’ Market, Perfume Market and Goldsmiths’ Market, by contrast, lie along the route of the Cardo, Jerusalem’s main street during the Roman-Byzantine period. The three markets are individual landmarks in their own right.

Museums with different areas of focus

The Tower of David Museum tells the story of Jerusalem over a period of more than 3,000 years through archaeological finds. The audiovisual show “The Night Vision” offers another perspective on the museum: projections on the citadel’s ancient walls, archaeological ruins and hidden paths tell the story of the city. Show dates and availability may change; check the latest information if you plan to attend.

In Jerusalem’s Jewish Quarter, the Bnei Mikra Heritage Center is dedicated to Karaite heritage. An exhibition displays various objects illustrating what is distinctive about the Karaites. A 45-minute tour about the Karaite community in Israel and the diaspora is also offered there. A visit to the Center also includes an old synagogue where Karaite Jews pray on carpets and without shoes. Confirm the current arrangements before your trip.

Other collections offer different perspectives: the Museum of Psalms in Jerusalem displays 150 paintings based on the Book of Psalms. The U. Nahon Museum of Italian Jewish Art presents rare objects that illustrate a Jewish community. Together with the Tower of David Museum and the Bnei Mikra Heritage Center, they make up a selection that brings historical finds, religious themes and community history side by side.

Guided tours, music and cultural programs

At the Hebrew Music Museum, visitors can hear stories about the instruments on display during a guided tour and try the instruments themselves. This offering combines explanations with a hands-on activity. The National Library of Israel hosts lectures, seminars, concerts, exhibitions, performances and educational programs for children. The program is varied, and dates for individual events vary. If a particular event is important to your trip, check the latest dates.

The attractions also differ in their subject matter: the focus may be on buildings and religious connections, a collection of paintings, archaeological finds or music. The show “The Night Vision,” in turn, uses audiovisual projections. These different formats can help you choose what to see in Jerusalem based on the topics that interest you most, without reducing the city to a single historical narrative.

A tasting tour at Mahane Yehuda Market

A tasting tour at Mahane Yehuda Market includes fresh bourekas from traditional ovens, Israeli beer from local breweries and Jerusalem halva made using traditional recipes. The offering is available only to organized groups; tour availability and itinerary may change. Before your trip, check whether the tour is available for your group and what the current itinerary includes.

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Go to the main travel overview: Jerusalem.