The old city of Jerusalem is the home of history in Jerusalem. The old city has several monuments and cultural sites like: Temple Mount, Western Walls, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the rock and al-Aqsa Mosque. Also, this place is listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. Most importantly this place has the last remaining wall of Jewish Temple, and as a result this is the holiest site for Jews.
According to the Hebrew Bible, the city was home to Jebusites before 11th Century. Also, the bible describes the city was covered by strong walls.
The wall of the city which exist today was built in 1535-42 by the Turkish sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. At the time, the wall was approximately 4.5 km with the height 5-15 meters.
In 1982, after the wall was listed in UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jordan requested the wall to be listed in the List of World Heritage in Danger which request was opposed by U.S. government.
The old city of Jerusalem is divided into several quarters known as: Muslim Quarter, Christian Quarter, Armenian Quarter as well as Jewish Quarter. Since, the place is divided into several quarters for people from different cultural background, this place is a hub for people from different culture to visit.
Armenian Quarter is the smallest of all quarters but there are several things that makes it one of the main choice of most of the tourist here. Tower of David is one of the popular spot here as you will see amazing Citadel. Also, Armenian Museum and St. James Cathedral makes Armenian Quarter a choice for tourist.
This is the quarter where most of the tourist visits first as more than 40 holy sites of Christians exist here. You will see priests and pilgrims in the streets of this quarter. Also, it is believed that Jesus was crucified and buried in Church of the Holy Sepulchre which exist here. In addition, you will be able to see different Christian groups who keep and maintain this quarter.
Jewish Quarter is considered as one of the quietest and cleaniest among all other quarter. But be aware when you walk here, there is separate section for men and women.
Muslim Quarter is the busiest and crowded among all other quarters as it is famous for Shuk selling. In this quarter, you will be seeing, kids playing in the streets and men enjoying nargila in the cafes.
