Holy city of Jerusalem

About Holy city of Jerusalem

Jerusalem is, by almost any measure, **the most contested city on Earth — sacred to three of the world's great monotheistic religions**, disputed between two peoples and multiple sovereignties, and layered with **5,000 years of continuous history** in which nearly every chapter involves conflict, destruction, and reconstruction. It has been the capital of the ancient Israelite kingdom, the **site of Solomon's Temple and its destruction by Babylon**, a Hellenistic city, a Roman city, the **birthplace of Christianity**, a Byzantine Christian capital, conquered by the Arab caliphate, transformed by the Crusaders, retaken by Saladin, ruled by the Mamluks and Ottomans, and divided by the 1948 war before being unified under Israeli administration in 1967 — a status that remains internationally disputed. Within the **0.9 square kilometres of the Old City — divided into Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian quarters** — stand some of the most sacred sites in the world. The **Western Wall, the last remaining section of the retaining wall of the Second Temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD**, is the holiest site in Judaism where prayer is permitted. Above it on the Temple Mount — known to Muslims as the Haram al-Sharif — stands the **Dome of the Rock, completed in 691 AD and one of the earliest masterpieces of Islamic architecture**, built over the rock from which Muhammad is believed to have ascended to heaven. Beside it is **Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest site in Islam**. The **Church of the Holy Sepulchre, shared uneasily by six Christian denominations**, stands over the site traditionally identified as the hill of Golgotha where Jesus was crucified and the tomb from which Christians believe he rose. Jerusalem can be visited year-round, though **spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are most comfortable temperature-wise**. The Old City is compact and best explored on foot; comfortable shoes are essential for the uneven cobblestones. Visiting the Dome of the Rock requires crossing the Temple Mount, which is **accessible to non-Muslims only during specific hours and is sometimes closed during periods of tension** — check current conditions before visiting. The **Israel Museum, housing the Dead Sea Scrolls** and a superb collection of antiquities, and the **Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial** are essential companions to the Old City. Tel Aviv, 60 kilometres west and reachable in an hour, provides a complete urban contrast.

Highlights

• ✦ Sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam
• ✦ Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Dome of the Rock
• ✦ Over 3,000 years of continuous history

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

Is it safe to travel to Jerusalem right now?

Security conditions in Jerusalem and the wider region can change quickly, so check your home country's current official travel advisory shortly before any trip rather than relying on older information. Many governments have issued specific guidance about areas to avoid, particularly around the Old City during periods of tension. When conditions are calm, Jerusalem is a heavily visited city, but this can shift, so verify before booking.

How do you get to Jerusalem's Old City by train?

The Israel Railways intercity line connects Tel Aviv to Jerusalem's Yitzhak Navon station in about 30 to 40 minutes on the fast route. From there, Jerusalem's light rail tram or a roughly 20-minute walk reaches Damascus Gate and the other Old City entrances. There is no direct rail line into the Old City itself, as it's a pedestrian, walled historic core.

Do you need tickets to visit the Western Wall or Church of the Holy Sepulchre?

No entry fee is charged for the Western Wall plaza or the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, both of which are open to visitors of any faith with modest dress expected. The Western Wall Tunnels, a separate underground excavation, do require a paid, guided-tour ticket booked in advance. The Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif has restricted entry hours for non-Muslim visitors and closes to them during Muslim prayer times.

How much time should you set aside for the Old City of Jerusalem?

A full day, ideally more, lets you cover the four quarters, the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the markets without rushing. Many visitors return over 2 to 3 days to also see the Mount of Olives and City of David nearby. Early morning is quieter at major religious sites before tour groups arrive.

What should visitors wear at religious sites in Jerusalem's Old City?

Modest dress is expected at the Western Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Temple Mount, generally meaning covered shoulders and knees for all genders. Head coverings are provided or required at some sites, such as kippot near the Western Wall. Rules are enforced more strictly during religious holidays and at the Temple Mount specifically.

Explore more

• Israel
• Dead Sea

Join the community

Track your visits to Holy city of Jerusalem and other world miracles, rate your experience, and share photos with fellow travelers.