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Western Wall -

Also known as the Wailing Wall and in Islam as the Buraq Wall, this is Judaism's holiest prayer site. However, it's open to members of all faiths.

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Western Wall -

As the holiest place where Jews are permitted to pray, the Wall's 2000-year-old stone supports the outer section of Temple Mount. Here, worshippers recite scriptures, and kiss the sacred limestone. 

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Western Wall Tunnel -

Delve underground to explore this hidden wonder, which snakes under the Old City's Muslim Quarter. In some sections the walkway is little more than a narrow passage.

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Jaffa Gate -

One of Jerusalem's six original gates built in 1538 by order of Suleiman the Magnificent, Jaffa Gate is a stone portal in the historic walls of the Old City. These days a costumed harpist greets visitors to the site. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

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Old City ramparts -

For inspiring views of the city, walk the Old City ramparts, built nearly 490 years ago. Two stretches are accessible, from Jaffa Gate south to Dung Gate, and from Jaffa Gate north and west to Lions' Gate. Beware: there is no shade anywhere, and the hot summer sun is merciless.

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Via Dolorosa -

The processional route leading from Lions' Gate into the heart of the Old City is marked by nine 'stations of the cross.' Pictured is the ninth station.

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Yad Vashem -

One of the most poignant experiences of any visit to Jerusalem is pausing in the vast Hall of Names in the Yad Vashem Holocaust Memorial Site. Yad Vashem is Israel's official memorial to the victims of Nazism.

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City of David -

The oldest part of Jerusalem, the City of David is one of the city's most active archaeological sites—and controversial. Many observers consider the site to be on Palestinian lands.

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Tower of David -

The ancient citadel known as the Tower of David was once the palace of Herod the Great. Today, it's home to the impressive Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem.

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Tower of David Museum of the History of Jerusalem -

For a rewarding and insightful introduction to Jerusalem, spend time in this engaging museum, which chronicles the city's history in a series of exhibits and interactive displays.

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Church of the Holy Sepulchre -

Located in the city's Christian Quarter, the church contains, according to tradition, the two holiest sites in Christianity: the site where Jesus was crucified; and where he is said to have been buried and resurrected.

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Church of the Holy Sepulchre -

For 16 centuries a pilgrimage site for Christians the world over, the church's interior "must-sees" include the Altar of the Crucifixion and the Stone of Anointing, where Jesus' body is said to have been anointed before burial.

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Israel Museum -

Established in 1965, the Israel Museum holds the world's most comprehensive collections of the archaeology of the Holy Land, as well as displaying Jewish art. Exhibits include a series of ancient coffins from Canaan. (Photo: Flickr/CC BY-NC 2.0)

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Israel Museum -

A stand-alone cultural wing, the museum's Shrine of the Book houses the Dead Sea Scrolls, the oldest Biblical manuscripts in the world.

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Holyland Model of Jerusalem -

To get an idea of what Jerusalem looked like during the late Second Temple period, cast your eyes over the incredible 1:50 scale model of the city, located within the grounds of the Israel Museum.

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Temple Mount/Al Haram Ash Sharif -

To Muslims, it's known as Al Haram Ash Sharif ("The Noble Sanctuary"); to Jews, HaBayit ("Temple Mount"). Few other other sites are as holy—or disputed—as this one.

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Dome of the Rock -

The ground is home to two of Islam's most sacred buildings: the Dome of the Rock (pictured) and Al Aqsa Mosque.

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Church and Monastery of the Dormition -

One of Jerusalem's most recognized landmarks, the church occupies the site traditionally believed to be where the Virgin Mary died.

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Damascus Gate -

Completed in 1537, this is another one of the main entrances to the Old City. Set in the Muslim Quarter against the northern wall, the gate's triangular crenellations lend it the appearance of a crown.

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Mahane Yehuda Market -

Mingle with the locals as you browse the market's over 250 vendors selling anything from fresh fruits and vegetables to baked goods, fish, meat, cheeses, spices, wine, and liquors.

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Mount of Olives -

The mountain ridge looming over East Jerusalem is no longer covered by olive groves, but it does remain a place of worship. A Jewish cemetery has stood here for over 3,000 years, and holds around 150,000 graves.

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Church of All Nations -

This church sited on the Mount of Olives enshrines a section of bedrock where Jesus is said to have prayed before his arrest. The facade of the church is supported by a row of Corinthian columns, each surmounted by statues of the Four Evangelists.

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Church of Mary Magdalene -

The onion-domed Church of Mary Magdalene, located on Mount of Olives, was built in 1886 by Tsar Alexander III. The remains of Princess Alice of Battenberg, mother of the Duke of Edinburgh, are interned in the crypt.

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Garden Tomb -

Unearthed in 1867, this tomb is believed by some Christians to be the site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus, rather than the aforementioned Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It stands today as a popular pilgrimage destination.

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Pool of Bethesda -

Known from the New Testament story about Jesus miraculously healing a paralyzed man, the ruins of the pool of Bethesda lie near St Anne's Church over an archaeological site that's also revealed a Roman temple and a Byzantine basilica.

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Zedekiah's Cave -

Also known as Solomon's Quarries, this underground limestone quarry runs under the Muslim Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. It dates back to Herod the Great, and is best explored as part of a guided tour. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY 3.0)

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Chagall's Windows -

Hadassah Hospital's synagogue is decorated with colorful stained glass windows depicting the tribes of Israel. It was designed by Russian-French artist Marc Chagall (1887–1985).

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Valley of Jehoshaphat -

Mentioned in the Bible, this valley is where it is said the events of Judgement Day will take place (John 3:12). At the southern end of this narrow strip of land, a series of tombs dating back to the Second Temple period can be admired.

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Church of the Pater Noster -

The outstanding feature of this church, part of a Carmelite monastery, is the tiled panels bearing the Lord's Prayer set over the walls of the cloister and written in over 100 different languages and dialects.

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Armenian Quarter -

One of the four quarters of the walled Old City of Jerusalem, the Armenian Quarter reflects a presence that dates back to the 4th century CE. Look out for the stone carving art on the wall in the courtyard of the Cathedral of Saint James.

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Artists' colony -

Hutzot HaYotzer (as it is known in Hebrew) is a charming studio-lined lane at the foot of the Old City walls. The colorful artists' studios, workshops, and galleries make for ideal browsing and souvenir hunting.

See also: Incredible holiday destinations in the Middle East.

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