Few place in the world inspires as much awe and reverence as Jerusalem. The City of Gold, as it is also called, has many unique attributes to fascinate a tourist. It is a holy city for three Abrahamic religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam. It is the modern capital of Israel and also its largest city. Jerusalem is located between the Dead Sea and Mediterranean Sea in the Judean Mountains.
Claimed by three dominant religions of the world, it has been the center of conflict for ages. As per Biblical sources, the city was inhabited by the Jebusites, a Canaanite tribe, during the second millennium BC. King David conquered the city in 997 BC and called it 'Yerushalayim', a name it still sometimes uses. Subsequently, the city was captured by the Persian (6th Century BC), Greek Empire (4th Century BC) and Roman Empire (1st Century BC). Jerusalem was captured by Muslims in 638 AD, before being ousted by Christians in 1099 AD during the 1st Crusade. It was again taken by Muslims in 1187. It was occupied by the British during World War I. The city was divided between Jordan and Israel from 1949 before Israel united the city after a violent conflict with the Arabs in 1967.
Old City is the cultural core of Jerusalem. The Western Wall, Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre are important historical sites of this area. The Western Wall is the remains of the Second Temple, destroyed by the Romans in AD 70. It is the holiest place for the Jews. Al-Aqsa Mosque occupies special significance for Muslims because they believe this is the place from where Prophet Mohammad ascended to heaven. Dome of the Rock, located opposite to Al-Aqsa Mosque, is another holy place for Muslims. The golden dome and blue walls of this structure, which is decorated with calligraphy of Koranic verses, is one of the best known landmarks of Jerusalem.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the holiest place for Christians in Jerusalem. These monuments along with numerous others are finest examples of ancient architecture, which transport one back to old ages.
The New Jerusalem is the modern commercial hub of the city. The Israel Museum, which keeps the Scrolls of the Dead Sea and a model of ancient Jerusalem, Yad Vashem, Holocaust Museum of Israel and the Biblical Zoo are important attractions of this part of the city. Jewish Quarter (Old City), Ben Yehuda Street and Jaffa Road have impressive shopping centers. Jerusalem is famous for its jewelery - Jaffa Road and the Cardo (Old City) are some of the spots where one can get the good ones. The city has a decent nightlife. The Russian Compound is a popular spot.
Situated on the migratory birds' route from Africa to Europe, Jerusalem is a paradise for birdwatchers.
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