Introduction
It is difficult to describe Jerusalem, a city that is not quite big but enjoys the status of being the capital of two nations, one existing and other proposed. One of the oldest surviving cites - it has been crowned as the religious capital of the world because of its significance, as the birthplace of three of the greatest religions of all times - Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.

However, Jerusalem is much more than a pilgrimage city. It has a character that gives rise to a rare blend of old and new, of antiquity and modernity, and of a glorious past and living present. Though the recent past of the city has not been that great, yet it has not lost any of its charm, which attracts tourists from all over the world irrespective of their religious affinities.

What to do
Once in Jerusalem there are a variety of options to choose from. The city has great religious significance as the birthplace of more than one religion; naturally, therefore, the places within and around Jerusalem are full of religious flavour. An excursion to these places is therefore a must. This apart, the city thrives with cultural and literary activities, such as musical evenings, orchestras, art galleries, theatrical performances etc., making it an ideal place for the admirers of any kind of cultural extravaganza. For those looking for some real time excitement, a host of nightclubs and pubs located throughout the city shall serve the purpose.

City at a Glance

Latitude 31°47'N Longitude 35°13'E Population 6,33,700 Language Hebrew, English, Arabic Religion Judaism, Islam, Christianity Telephone Code 02

History
According to archaeological evidences, the history of this city can be traced to around 4000 BC. The real history of this place however begins, when King David conquered Yevus (Jerusalem or Yerushalayim) in 1005 BC and built a wall around it. Next important historical personality of this region is King Solomon, who in 950 BC built the first temple in Jerusalem. Later on, the 'First Kingdom' of Israel fell in 722 BC, which marks the beginning of a long and belligerent phase of destruction and internal crisis within this region.

Alexander the Great attacked and conquered this region in 332 BC. However, the Greeks rule was short-lived, as the Romans conquered Israel in 63 BC and made it a part of their expanding empire for the next 100 years, after which the oppressive nature of the Romanian rule resulted in the rebellion of the Jews. The rebellion ended in the destruction of the entire city, on the ruins of which the Romans built the new city of Elia Capitolina in 130 AD. AD 324 was of great importance for entire Christian world and Jerusalem in particular when Emperor Constantine the Great declared Christianity as the official religion of Roman Empire, and built many churches and monasteries in Jerusalem.

Muslims conquered Jerusalem in AD 638 and slowly the character and demography of the city started to take some new colours. Dome of the Rock Mosque was built by Abed El Malik, Halif of the house of Omina in 691, which added a new attraction to the city. At the end of 11th century crusaders took the city under their control and declared it as the capital of Holy Kingdom.

Mamluk Turks and Ottomans were the next set of rulers to rule this city. The reigns of Jerusalem went in the hands of British in 1917 when they took over it from the Ottomans, who surrendered without offering much resistance. A new violent phase entered the city after World War II, when the United Nations decided to divide Jerusalem between Arabs and Jews. This tragic phase in the history of the Middle East has led to a situation of increased violence and protests. The situation refuses to normalise, despite constant efforts at the international level, to bring about peace in this region - for reasons best known to the parties involved in this conflict.

Weather and Best Season to Visit
Once in Jerusalem don't think about the weather at all as you will never miss out on the pleasant surprises. You may encounter snowfall in December and early part of January when the temperatures are at the lowest ebb in this part of the world. January and February are the best months to visit. December to February also makes the best season, though remember that these are the most crowded months, and you may find it difficult to get accommodation.

Attractions
Temple Mount
Temple Mount can be described as the single most important religious site that is sacred to three great religions of the world - Christianity, Islam, and Judaism. The temple complex is located on a raised platform, in the eastern part of the old city of Jerusalem. The temple complex is known by many names, specific to each religion, such as Holy House, Mount Moriah, al-Haram ash-Sharif (The Noble Holy Place), and Har ha-Bayt.

The complex is home to many well-known religious structures like Dome of the Rock, al-Aqsa Mosque, Western Wall. These apart, there are many synagogues, mosques, and churches in the Temple Mount Complex.

Church of the Holy Sepulchre
One of the holiest Christian shrines, it is built on the site where Jesus was buried. It contains the chapel of Golgotha where Jesus was crucified that is located in the Old City's Christian Quarter.

Church of Gethsemane
Considered as the most beautiful church in Jerusalem, it was originally built in AD 379. The present church is a recent one, built between 1919 and 1924. Also known as the Church of all Nations, for sixteen nations contributed to its construction, it is a must visit sites of Jerusalem.

Other Attractions
Other important destinations in Jerusalem include Via Dolorosa, The Citadel (Tower of David), Gates and walls of Old City, Tomb of Virgin Mary, Bethany or al - Azarieb, and the Kidron Valley.

Important Festivals and Exhibitions
Jerusalem is a city known for its cultural extravaganzas, art exhibitions, musical evenings, and above all Christmas. Being the place, which is associated with Jesus Christmas has a special flavour in Jerusalem.

Yom Kippur - an important Jewish festival, is celebrated here, in the month of October. Ramadan - a month long fasting festival of the Muslims is also celebrated here with great fervour.

Places nearby
Bethlehem
Placed at a distance of 10 km from Jerusalem - Bethlehem is known for its religious significance as the birthplace of Jesus. The city has many important religious sites such as: Basilica of the Nativity, Rachel's Tomb, and the Milk Grotto Chapel.

Hebron
One of the oldest continuously inhabited towns in the world - Hebron is closely identified with Abraham and is regarded as holy by Christians, Muslims, and Jews. According to the legends this was the place where Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Rebecca, Leah, and Jacob all were buried. The town is situated at a height of around 1000 metres south of Bethlehem. Major attractions here are Old Town, Modern Hebron, Al-Haram al-Ibrahimi, Oak Of Abraham, Halhoul, Archaeological Museum, and Dhahriyyeh.

After Hours
Jerusalem has lots of nightclubs, discotheques, and pubs, apart from various cultural centres where regular programmes are held. The options therefore, are wide and many to suit ones taste and desire.

SHOPPING
Jerusalem is a shopper's paradise for those of you who are looking for authentic Judaica, jewellery, reproductions of cast bronze antiques, and local Israeli art and craft objects. Ben-Yhuda is the main tourist shopping area, but you can also try shops in West Jerusalem and Old City.

WHERE TO STAY
Hotels rooms are available for all categories of tourists in the city. Getting a hotel room may prove to be difficult during the festival season therefore, it is wise enough to get a room booked in advance.

WHERE TO EAT

Apart from regular Middle East cuisine, restaurants in Jerusalem specialises in Italian, French, Chinese, South American, and East European food. Fast food chains, coffee shops, and pizza shops can be found throughout the city.

Travel Information
Air Travel Resources
Ben Gurion International airport at Tel Aviv is the nearest airport for Jerusalem. It is connected with regular flights to important destinations in Europe, Asia, and North America.

Land And Water
There are direct buses from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv and Cairo. Buses are the best options to move around the cities in Israel, and state transport has an extensive network of buses that connect every part of the country.

Local Transport
Buses and taxis are the main modes of local transportation in this city. Buses run on regular routes and monthly passes can be purchased if you wish to travel more, and are there for more days. Metred taxes are available throughout the city.