Old Jerusalem is a 0.9 square kilometer (0.35 square mile) walled area within East Jerusalem and one of the most sacred places in the world. Despite its small size, Old Jerusalem is of major importance for Christians, Jews and Muslims. However, you do not have to be Christian, Jew or Muslim to be impressed by this amazing place. If you have at least a little sense for history or spirituality the Old Jerusalem is definitely one of the places you should visit at least once during your lifetime.
Old Jerusalem is surrounded by a 4 kilometer (2.5 miles) long wall and can be accessed through seven of eight gates. Most part of the Old City is accessible by foot only but this should not pose any major problem due to its small size. The area is roughly divided into four quarters – the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, the Jewish Quarter and the Armenian Quarter.
The Muslim Quarter is the largest and the most populous of all quarters in Old Jerusalem. It is situated in the northeastern section of the Old City, while the Temple Mount Area, also known as Noble Sanctuary is its top attraction. However, if being non-Muslim you will not be allowed to enter the area on Fridays and Muslim religious services though the area also might be closed for visitors entirely, depending on political situation. However, the Dome of the Rock is currently not allowed to be entered by non-Muslims, while the Al-Aqsa Mosque is permanently off-limits for non-Muslim visitors.
The Christian Quarter is situated in the northwestern part of the Old City, while the most famous landmark is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The church that built by Roman Emperor Constantine I in the early 4th century is one of the holiest places for Christians and is believed to be build on the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, death and resurrection. In is open daily from 5 AM to 9 PM during summer and from 4 AM to 7 PM in winter.
The Jewish Quarter that lies in the southeastern corner of the Old City is home to the Western Wall also known as “Wailing Wall”, one of the most sacred places in Judaism and a remnant of the wall that surrounded the Jewish Temple.
The Armenian Quarter in southwestern section of the Old Jerusalem is the smallest of all quarters. It is home to the Citadel housing the Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem, St. James Cathedral and Saint Mark’s Syriac Church and Monastery.
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