Last Updated on October 9, 2024
Last week I got my first introduction to Jerusalem, Israel’s capital and the most significant religious city in the world. Even though Jerusalem is not part of the National Trail, (which I was hiking), we made the detour to get a brief tour of this important site for Christians, Jews and Muslims. The religious gravity of Jerusalem creates an aura that is hard to put into words. Orthodox Jews, devote Muslims and faithful Christians living together in such a small space is something you don’t find anywhere else in the world, and I was wowed by the different quarters of each religion, all of which are distinctly different from one another.
The Dome of the Rock with its golden cupola is the most recognizable structure in Jerusalem, towering on top of Temple Mount high above all the other buildings of the city, unmistakably sticking out of the skyline of the Old City. While some sights that you know well from posters and pictures can be a letdown when you finally get to see them with your own eyes, I found the Dome Of The Rocks to be just as breathtaking as you’d expect it to be. It is known to be one of the oldest buildings in Islamic architecture, but is significant for all three religions (I’ll spare you the historical details, but you can read more about it here). I will return to Jerusalem next week and am already looking forward to spending more time there – if you’ve been to Jerusalem and have any tips or recommendations for me, please share them in the comments below.
jan
Saturday 27th of September 2014
Have been following my son's bike trip through Vietnam on Instagram and seeing your Jerusalem photos there too. I don't have a phone capable of doing Instagram at the moment but hope to get the new IPhone soon. So I thought I would pop over to the blog to find out all about why you are in Jerusalem. Your night under the desert stars would have been precious. We spent one night in the Moroccan Sahara, but it was cloudy :(
Dany
Monday 20th of October 2014
Hi Jan, thanks for the comment :) Your son is biking through Vietnam? That sounds awesome! Where can I follow his journey? Israel was amazing but doesn't compare to a cycling adventure in Vietnam!! ;)
Miquel
Tuesday 23rd of September 2014
Wow beautiful photo! Israel is really high on my list right now!
Dany
Wednesday 24th of September 2014
Miquel - Having spent nearly three weeks here now I have to say that I am completely blown away by the diversity of the country and the welcoming people. There's so much to see and do - I can't wait to share more about my trip soon!
Justine
Monday 22nd of September 2014
Wow, the dome is beautiful. I'm definitely a sucker for Islamic architecture!
Dany
Monday 22nd of September 2014
Justine - me too! I loved the Islamic Quarter of Jerusalem. Can't wait to go back and see more :)
De'Jav
Monday 22nd of September 2014
Great city with lots of history. Definitely a city to appreciate it's value for what it's worth.
Dany
Monday 22nd of September 2014
De'Jav - So much history indeed... I am glad I get to return and explore the city at a slower pace. The one full day I had there last week was definitely not enough and my head was exploding with all the facts and details of the history there ;)
renegadepilgrim
Sunday 21st of September 2014
I have friends in Ma'aale Adumim, just outside of Jerusalem I can put you in contact with if you wish. They are dear friends I met when I traveled to Israel 4 years ago and stayed with them for Shabbat. Let me know!
Dany
Monday 22nd of September 2014
Thanks so much, Heather! I will email you about it, would be great to meet them if time allows it.