Jerusalem, Israel: The Holy City
One of the world’s oldest cities, Jerusalem finds itself in the role of a holy city for three of the world’s most prominent religions: Judaism, Christianity and Islam. Certainly it has a troubled history, having been conquered and re-conquered many times. Jerusalem was totally destroyed by the Romans in 70 A.D. and re-built over the years following.
Jerusalem itself is divided into 4 quarters: Christian, Muslim, Jewish, and Armenian. However; despite what the names might imply, there are Catholic Christian places of interest in each of these quarters…and they are close to one another. The quarters are listed below in alphabetical order.
Note: Tourists you can generally walk freely between the four quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem, as there are no physical barriers between them. However, the area is under intense security and access can be restricted by authorities during tensions or specific religious events.
The Armenian Quarter:
The Cathedral of Saint James (dedicated to two Saints named James)
The Christian Quarter:
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The Jewish Quarter:
The Western Wall (sometimes called “The Wailing Wall”).
The Muslim Quarter:
The Crusader Church of Saint Anne
Other Catholic places of interest in Jerusalem:
The Convent of the Sisters of Zion (coming soon)
Jerusalem, Outside the City Walls:
Mount Zion: Location of the Last Supper.
The Pool of Siloam (where Jesus healed the man who had been blind since birth)
Via Dolorosa: The Way of the Cross