I became a tourist again and took a 3 1/2 hour walking tour of the old city. It was fantastic and every interesting. The city is divided into 4 quarters. Christian, Armenian, Jewish and Muslim. Each quarter sort of blends into the other quarters around the edges. We started in the Christian Quarter
Here is where it all happens for Christians. Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It is run by 4 religious groups who can not agree and was the scene of the religious punch up that took place within the church a year or so ago. Inside the Church is allegedly the tomb of Jesus, the site of his crucifixion plus the area where his cross was found. It is a massive church and very interesting.
Site of Jesus crucifixion.
The slab of stone Jesus was laid on after his crucifixion but before is burial.
The tomb of Jesus where the stone was rolled back from and the Angel appeared. It is inside this structure and you have to line up to go in. We did not have the time.
The Armenian Alter within the Armenian Church within the Holy Sepulchre.
Crosses cut into the wall of the entrance of the Armenian Church by Pilgrims
The Temple Mount. Site of the Al Asqa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. Both structure are Muslim and I am not going to write the entire story here. In short it is the site where two Jewish Temples once stood and have now been destroyed. All religions believe the end of the world is when the third temple is rebuilt. All religions believe Jesus will return and go thru one of the gates Known as the Golden Gate and the scales will be placed on the Temple Mount to weigh each soul.
No one is allowed into the Al Asqu Mosque unless you are Muslim. Opposite the Mosque but still on the Temple Mount is The Dome of the Rock. It is very impressive.
Just outside the walls of the old city is a huge cemetery called Mount of the Olives.
We moved to the Room of the Last Supper
Our tour was finished and I have shortened it dramatically to keep you from leaving. I specifically wanted to go to the Valley of Hennon. It is just outside the walls of the old city.
You will notice that there are no houses built in the valley. I took a walk along the floor of the Valley. All three religions, Jewish, Muslim and Christian believe this Valley is the spot where the gates of Hell will open from.
For my last night in Jerusalem I have moved into the old city and staying at a little hotel within the walls.
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