Israel – a country in the Middle East. The capital – Jerusalem. According to the latest population of slightly more than 8 million people. It shares borders with Syria, Jordan, Lebanon and Egypt; bordering the Red Sea, the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea. The main resorts – Tel Aviv, Netanya, Herzliya, Eilat.
Official languages - Hebrew and Arabic. The accepted form of government – a parliamentary democracy. More than 70% of the population – the Jews, the other major communities – Muslims and Christians. State Symbol – Menorah with olive branches. Currency – New Israeli Shekel.
Israel is a relatively young country, the border of which is still completely uncertain. It was founded in May 1948 in the historic area of Palestinian lands, where biblical events unfolded. In prehistoric times the territory occupied Israel-Judah. The capital of the country is considered to be a holy place once for three religions.
Israel’s climatic conditions allow to rest there all year round. Unique healing Resort is located on Israel’s border with Jordan. It is there that is located the lowest place on earth – the Dead Sea.
Israel Sights – Wailing Wall
Wailing Wall – the remains of the colossal structure of the Temple Mount. This is one of the most visited sites in Jerusalem, Israel, and the most important shrine in Judaism. At the Wailing Wall can visit not only the believer, but also any interested person to touch the history of the particle.
Today, thousands of tourists visit this shrine and to the memory of himself invest a note with the wishes to the cleft. At this wall the Jews pray and observe certain rules. For example, men always wear a traditional Jewish headwear – pile. Women dress modestly and cover up knees a handkerchief.
On the Temple Mount once housed the first Jewish Temple, which was destroyed even before the onset of a new era. Then, through the efforts of King Herod it built a second temple, the remains of which this wall is. Jews believe that one day, and a third temple will be built on the sacred mountain. This wall serves as a support for the temple, which was destroyed by the Romans in the I century BC Many of the events described in the Pentateuch and the Old Testament, are connected with this mountain that surrounds the citadel wall.
It was here that Abraham sacrificed his only son. Here is the Muslim Dome of the Rock, which is the sacred stone. In short, the Wailing Wall, as Temple Mount itself, is deservedly considered one of the most important destinations for people from all corners of our planet. Against this background are public ceremonies. There swear recruits and family celebrate the coming of age of their children and grandchildren. The wall over the years as a symbol of faith and hope of the people.
Wailing Wall Western Wall, often called because of its location. Every day from early morning next to her organized educational trips in Hebrew and English. In addition to these attractions in the district are many other interesting places. For example, the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Arch Robinson, Warren well. Prior to the Wailing Wall buses 1, 2, and 38 from the central bus station.
Israel Sights – Dead Sea
Dead Sea – unique in their chemical properties closed lake in Israel and Jordan. This lake is so salty that it can not live fish or other living organisms, why it is called “dead.”
Due to the fact that the lake contains almost the entire periodic table, it has surprising healing properties. For this reason, every year thousands of tourists come to the Dead Sea as a resort or health resort. In this body of water can cure many diseases of the skin, musculoskeletal system, etc.
The coast of the Dead Sea is the lowest portion of the land in the world, and the water level in the lake drops annually by approximately one meter. Along the desert shores of the lake in Israel is full of hot springs rich in selenium, and mud, which are beneficial to the body.
No less interesting and the Jordanian shore of the Dead Sea. It is located in the unique climate of the reserve about an hour’s drive from the international airport. All hotels are located near the lake has its own beaches and treatment and rehabilitation centers.
Tourists who choose to take a dip in the Dead Sea, not necessarily hotel guests. These may be people traveling in an organized tour. Almost always on the beaches you can buy healing clay and unique cosmetic products manufactured based on Dead Sea minerals.
Israel Sights – Temple Mount
Temple Mount – an important religious shrine for Jews, Muslims and Christians in he City of Jerusalem, Israel. In fact, it is enclosed by high walls of a rectangular area on the hill of the old town. It significantly rises above all other buildings of the district.
This place is also called the Haram Al-Sharif. It is very important for Judaism, as before there is a second Temple of Jerusalem. For Islam, this place is also important. After all, there are shrines such as the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
According to the biblical version of this place is like Mount Moriah, on the cornerstone of which the whole world is held. On this same mountain, God have Abraham to sacrifice his son. Moreover, it is here, according to the Bible, after the Flood, Noah build a sacrificial altar to God.
Today, this shrine is visited by hundreds of thousands of people from around the world. Especially in crowded Temple Mount during religious holidays such as Yom Kippur, Rosh Hashanah. At the height of this landmark rises 774 meters above sea level. Currently inside the mountain continuously conducted archaeological excavations, which have shown that it takes about as much depth.
Geographically, the shrine is located in the eastern part of the Old Town. Visiting hours for tourists is limited, so you need to specify the schedule in advance. On Friday and Saturday the object completely closed, as well as during Muslim religious holidays. Entrance to the mountain only through certain gates.
Israel Sights – Damascus Gate
Damascus Gate – one of the most beautiful gate in Jerusalem, Israel, the main entrance to the Muslim quarter. Sometimes referred to as Damascus Gate, because of them begins the road to the city of Shechem, which leads on to Damascus. During these magnificent gate opens Arabic market.
In the opinion of the majority is the most beautiful and majestic gates of the west wall. It is up to them should begin a tour of the old city walls. In the XVI century they were built on the orders of Sultan Qanooni – the greatest ruler of the Ottomans.
Prior to this, on the site of the gate stood a triumphal arch built in the II century, when the Roman emperor Hadrian. Remains from this arch were discovered during archaeological excavations.
Along the edges of Damascus (Shhemskie) gate decorated with two towers with loopholes hinged. To the left of the gate is a museum where you can see archaeological finds, map of the city in different historical periods and the column in honor of the Emperor Hadrian. Damascus Gate is open daily for tourists and locals alike. Through them can not drive vehicles, as they are only for pedestrians.
Every Friday you can see clusters of Muslims coming to the Temple Mount. Every Saturday a large number of Jews sent through the gate to the Western Wall. For Christian pilgrims and tourists Damascus Gate are interesting, first of all, as an architectural masterpiece, and the second, as the path to the main shrines in Jerusalem.
Israel Sights – Bahai Gardens
Bahai Gardens – one of the most beautiful places in Israel and the most impressive place in Haifa. The name of the point of interest received as a place of pilgrimage for followers of the Bahá’í Faith. Since 2008, they have been included in the UNESCO list and became the eighth wonder of the world recognized.
The gardens spread out over the surface of Mount Carmel, and, according to many, the Bible reminds hanging gardens. Today in the world more than 5 million followers of the Baha’i faith, although this religion is relatively young and was born about the middle of the XIX century. For them, the Bahai temple, located in the gardens is the administrative center.
Garden itself is a kilometer-long terraces cascade down to the gulf coast. In total, this gardening complex 19 terraces. All are decorated in oriental style and boast manicured flower beds, paths and lawns.
Under the doctrine of Bach, every plant in this garden symbolizes the most important life stages. Here you can meet and olive and eucalyptus trees, and fig trees, and even blooming cacti. It is no secret that for such lush gardens need careful maintenance.
Bahai Temple, located on the territory of the garden, serves not only the administration, but also as the main tomb of Baba – the founder of the Bahá’í Faith. For this reason, bahaytsev this place is sacred. Each of them wants at least once in their lives to come here and walk through the garden stairs kilometer. The gardens are open daily from 9 am.
Get to Haifa by train or bus is easy from any more or less a major city in Israel. The distance from Jerusalem to Haifa is about 150 km. Capital International Airport is 90 km away.
Israel Sights – Mount of Olives
Mount of Olives – a hill that separates the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel, from the Judean Desert. Since ancient times, the mountain was fully planted with olive trees, from which came the name. This place is quite popular among the pilgrims, as the Mount of Olives is one of the most important shrines of Jerusalem.
According to the Old Testament, this is where King David hid from his rebellious son. On the mountain there are several tombs and the old Jewish cemetery, which is more than 3000 years. Many famous people are buried there also, for example, the Prime Minister of the country, well-known rabbis, public figures, etc.
Equally important is the Mount of Olives and Christians. It is not often mentioned in the New Testament. It was on this hill Christ taught his disciples, predicted a sad future of Jerusalem. Here he ascended into heaven after the resurrection. The total height of the mountain about 800 meters above sea level. At a lower level, it was once the Church of the Ascension, built by order of Elena Equal to the Apostles. Today, in its place erected a wall of the temple ruins.
In general, the Mount of Olives three vertices, each of which is occupied by its attractions. So, on the highest part of the Hebrew University campus is located. At the middle level – Lutheran Center, and at the bottom – Russian Ascension Monastery. When the tourists get tired of walking, they can stop and rest at the viewing platform near the hotel “Seven Arches”.
At the foot of the mountains in the Garden of Gethsemane still kept the ancient olive trees that are considered descendants who saw and heard the prayer of Christ in the night before his execution. Also, the Garden of Gethsemane is associated with a kiss of the traitor Judas. By foot you can go from the Lion Gate, which can be reached by buses 1, 2, 38, 99 or on some buses.
Israel Sights – Jaffa Gate
Jaffa Gate – the main gate, through which you can get into the Christian and Armenian quarters of the Old City of Jerusalem, Israel. This is perhaps the most vibrant gateway to the city, since through them daily runs a huge flow of vehicles and pedestrians.
Passage through Jaffa Gate takes place through a large opening in the wall. And by the way, is the only gateway to the city, which turned to the west. They were built in the XVI century on the orders of the powerful Ottoman ruler Suleiman I. In those days they were called David, gates. The breach in the wall appeared much later, during the visit of the German Kaiser in the late XIX century. It is through this gap the old part of the city is connected with the new.
Today, many tourists who visit Jerusalem, want to go and see this sight, since it is surrounded by many memorable places. For example, the crossing of the Jaffa Gate area, you can get into the Christian Quarter, where there are about 40 shrines. Also, next to the door is the famous Tower of David.
Find Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem is easy, as the Jaffa Street is one of the central streets of the city. Coming in her unhurried pace for 10-15 minutes, you can be right up to the gate. Immediately behind them has an information center, where you can learn about excursions to the historical sites of the city.
