Discovering Jerusalem: Best Scenic Places to Add to Your Holy Land Tour

Jerusalem is an old city, but it is a living experience full of spiritual, historical, and cultural grandeur. It attracts pilgrims, tourists, history enthusiasts, and all those who just want to experience breathtaking views.

With so much to do and see, an itinerary planning is a great way to ensure you see its most prettiest and significant landmarks.

Iconic Religious Sites with Beautiful Views

• The Western Wall (Kotel)

The Western Wall is a symbol of faith and hope. It is the only surviving part of the ancient Jewish Temple and it attracts thousands of pilgrims for prayer and contemplation. Visiting during sunrise or sundown provides an extra tranquility to the experience.The diffuse light creates beautiful photo settings and calmness for personal reflection.

• • The Church of the Holy Sepulchre

This is the central church of Christianity- supposedly the location where Jesus was crucified and resurrected. It has beautiful chapels and detailed stone carvings with a powerful architectural design. You may be able to find a place or balcony to look down on the holy interior of the church, which would allow for you to take a picture while the sun shines through the stained glass windows.

• The Dome of the Rock

With its golden dome glinting, this Islamic shrine is one of Jerusalem’s most recognizable landmarks. It’s a masterpiece of architecture that stands out against the city’s skyline. Early morning or late afternoon light adds to its glow, ideal for photography. The courtyards surrounding it and views of the Old City make it a must-visit.

Mount of Olives: 360 Degree Views of Jerusalem

• Historical and Religious Context

Mount of Olives has spiritual meanings for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It is referenced many times in different religious texts, and it provides a continuum with Jerusalem’s past religious significance. Its panoramic views have witnessed centuries of changes, thus making it an evocative space for personal contemplation.

• Viewpoints and Panoramic Lookouts

At the Garden of Gethsemane, you can have views of the rooftops and walls of the Old City. You can see Jerusalem spreading out before you like a living map. You will definitely want to bring your camera to capture sweeping views of the old-world charm of the city.

• Sites Worth Mentioning on the Mount

Stop by the Church of All Nations for a serene moment amidst stunning mosaics. A few steps away are centuries-old Jewish cemeteries that complement the picturesque view. Guided tours can reveal the history behind such holy places and their ravishing views.

The Old City: A Mosaic of History and Picturesque Corners

• The Walls and Gates

The Old City is encircled by crumbling stone walls and ancient gates. The walls are worth walking as you will get a panorama of the city and great photo ops all along the way. Hike the Tower of David if you want to have an overview of the city plan and its packed streets below.

• The Cardo and Markets

Walk through the medieval market called the Cardo. The narrow streets are jammed with stalls of cheerful colors and craft shops. The early morning or non peak times provide a beautiful experience and real scenes.

• The City of David

he historical site reveals some of the city’s earliest history. You will see old stone ruins and in walking the site, you will have an idea of what ancient Jerusalem was like. You can also hike the outlooks around the site to provide you beautiful views of the hills and valleys that surround the city.

Yad Vashem and Mount Herzl: Green Spaces with Places to Reflect

• Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial

Yad Vashem has lovely gardens and many memorials. It is a calm space to stop and contemplate amongst lovely landscaped areas. The contrast of the calm greenery and poignant history in photographs is hard to beat.

• Mount Herzl National Cemetery

The national cemetery is also situated on a hill which provides gorgeous views of Jerusalem’s skyline. Mount Herzl is the gravesite of many heroes and leaders of Israel. The cemetery is a quiet zone; ideal for contemplating your surroundings while learning about history.

• Advice for Visitation

Go at dawn or just before dusk when the lighting is warm and perfect. Consider guided tours to appreciate and learn about the sites history and meaning in a deeper way.

The New City and The Near-By Gardens – Modern Scenic Beauty

• The Tzion Garden

A lovely park to sit and enjoy the views of the ancient city walls. It’s a great place for a stroll or to see the sunset glide down over Jerusalem. There are benches to sit on and just take in the peaceful views.

• Sacher Park

Jerusalem’s largest park allows for spectacular views of the city’s skyline. It’s a great space for picnics, family reunions, or simply enjoying being outside. For the touristic family that likes lookout points, there are some pretty sights at Sacher Park.

• The Biblical Zoo

An amalgamation of beautiful scenery, and entertaining exhibits, all related to biblical stories. Walking thru the green tenth is educational as well as charming. It’s the ideal park for families with small children to have some more adventure outside in a beautiful setting.

Mt Tabor – Memorizes the Transfiguration of Jesus

Ever since the fourth century of the common era Christians have called the mountain where Jesus was transfigured, Mount Tabor. It is located in Galilee and in the Jezreel Valley, a tri-valley area with Mount Tabor particularly unspectacular when compared to Mount Hermon.

In 348 AD St. Cyril, Bishop of Jerusalem, shared his opinion that he liked Mt. Tabor over nearby Hermon as the likely spot of the transfiguration. By 6th century chapels to Jesus, Moses and, Eljah had been constructed on top of Mt. Tabor, then later churches built on the two previous site by the Byzantines and Crusaders.

In 1924 the original construction of the present Church of the Transfiguration was finished, it is situated at the peak of the auspicious mountain on top of a 12th century church site. It is under the Catholic Care of the Franciscans.

Reflection for Mount Tabor

• Jesus liked the mountain, He has numerous mountain experiences including, the night he climbed a mountain and prayed while he selected his 12 apostles.
• The time just moments before his death that Jesus was praying his heart out to His Father on the Mount of Olives.
• The time Jesus climbed the mountain and gave us the Sermon on the Mount.
• The time Jesus was praying his heart out to His Father on the Mount of Olives.

We need mountaintop experiences in life, and the world around us flattens mountains. We build expressways that strip the road of turns so that roads turn straight and flat. Convenience is king, but we need to “be” somewhere that mounts our experiences of worth, that requires preparation, effort, and time.

We need to be “located” where everything seems “other.” Everything does seem “other” when you step on a mountain. We need to be “located” where we have “located” the presence of God. Lent is a time where we may pray until midnight and in the darkness, we encounter new fire. This is a mountaintop experience and we need to battle this peeling down to our level. Climbing a mountain is difficult. It is tiring. But we need mountaintop experiences to see God and ourselves differently. Mt Tabor is one such place which can give you an immense feeling of God during your Catholic pilgrimages to Holy Land Jerusalem.

Conclusion

Jerusalem is one of the few cities that merges scenery, history, religion and the natural environment in quite a spectacular manner. Whether it is holy sites, landscapes on a hilltop, green parks, or views of hills and valleys, Jerusalem has each element in spades.

A solid plan for Jerusalem Pilgrimage will help you take in all of Jerusalem’s views. When you visit, be sure to identify the photographic opportunities as well as potential moments of existence. Many of these moments will remain with you long after your visit, and even help you grasp some of the timeless beauty of Jerusalem.

 

 

Contact Christopher Cross, KHS for your Catholic Pilgrimage Holy Land Tour.

Christopher Cross, KHS (Knight of the Holy Sepulcher)

15803 Oxford Glenn Drive, Huntersville, NC 28078

For More Information Call: +1704-274-2031 or e-mail at: ChristopherXCross@gmail.com

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