Things to do in Gush Etzion

The Western Wall, also known as the Al-Buraq Wall, the Kotel or the Wailing Wall, has been a site of pilgrimage for Jews and Muslims for centuries. Its towering sandstone blocks are stuffed with paper prayers. Watch as men, women and children gather here to recite scriptures and touch the ancient stone.

A long-venerated place of worship for Muslims, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the important religious structures located on the Temple Mount. The site is known in Arabic as Haram esh-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary). View the rectangular, Islamic-influenced design of the building and learn about its long and fascinating history.

Of all the holy Christian sites, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is one of the most famous. Join the many Christian pilgrims who come here to view sacred spots associated with Christ’s crucifixion and resurrection.

Explore the historic market of Machane Yehuda to get a feel for the energetic, commercial face of Jerusalem. The market is particularly famous for food, and is home to all kinds of stalls and vendors. If you’re after a traditional Levantine meal, choose one of the many shawarma or falafel stands. For dessert, try a regional favorite like halva or baklava.

Jerusalem’s Dome of the Rock, identifiable by its gilded dome and bright blue tile façade, is among the most famous and most photographed sites in the city. Discover why this Islamic shrine is considered sacred in both Islam and Judaism.

Visit the picturesque Mount of Olives and you’ll find not only an iconic feature of Jerusalem’s landscape, but an important site in Jewish and Christian scripture. It is mentioned numerous times in the Hebrew Bible and the Old Testament, and is also considered holy by Muslims.