THE TOWER OF DAVID, CITADEL:
The Citadel, better known as the Tower
of David, sits on the Western hill of the city
next to the Jaffa Gate Both Pullers of
Jerusalem in second century BC and Herod the great in first century BC had fortified this
place as a strong hold.
The Muslim minor built by the Ottoman. Turks and the lower of the upper lever are one
of the well known land marks in Jerusalem. It got rich and varied history of the entire city.
THE JEWISH QUARTER:
It is in the South East part of the old city; and the recognised as center of Jewish spiritual
life for hundreds of years. After 6th day war in 1967, man excavations were done. The old
and new were wonderfully blend together makers all in a delightful fashion. Many synagogues
like Roman, Sephardic Hurva were famous one.
Scale model of the Jerusalem with its accompanying 3-D sound and light show Cardo
Museums the man thorough fare of the Roman Byzantine city. It may be of the most significant
places in the Holy Land.
WESTERN WALL OR WAILING WALL:
Since June 1967, it has been known as the Western wall and by many it was called Joy
wall. This retaining wall of the huge platform where both Solomon and Herod built their
temples stood nearest to the Sanctuary.
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THE MUSLIM QUARTER:
It lies in the North East part of old city. Adjacent to the temple mount and its holy Muslim
sites. It contains most of the markets and bazaars of the old city making a walk through the
vibrant streets an interesting tourist experience. Each shop has its own special smell and
unique atmosphere.
The wares include antiques, jewelry, perfume, embroideries, leather goods, meats, foods
with special sweets and oriental species.The streets of the Muslim quarter lead to the temple
mount on which stands the Dome of the rock and El Aqsa Mosque, the sacred shrines of the
Muslims.
Nain
At the Western base of the mount there is the Arab Village of Dabburiye which may be
the place of Youth Stricken with Epilepsy. Math 17:134-21. Jesus other disciples likely waited
here when their master ascended the mountain
into Peter James and John.
The Lord felt compassion for widow and
resurrected her son to the delight of all. All
the Northern base of Mount Tabor sets the
Bodowin village of Shibli Galilee Bodowin
Heritage Cellar is located here visitors enjoy
their coffee and hospitality also listen to the
stories they tell.
CAESAREA PHILIPPI
Augustus Caesar presented the town with
surrounding country to Herod the great, who build the temple there in honor of the emperor.
Herod’s son, Philip, the Tetrarch, enlarged the town and names it Caesarea.
Today it is called Banyas. It is historical site known as Panyas after Pan, the goddess of
Shepherdess flocks and forests. Here we see one of the three sources of the Jordan River.
Here peter altered his great profession and Christ spoke prophetically. Mathew 16:13-
18. North to Galilee sea coast, close to Hermon Mountain, we can see the flow of water from
South Jordon River platoe, The name of the water flows is Banias. Its Greek name is Perias.
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It is one of the Greek cities. It is under Herod. Then changed to Caeseria Philip. The flow of
Banias water is one site long and beautiful. Mathew 16: 13-17
“What do people say” Jesus asked Peter and Peter replies “You are the Messiah, the son
of the Living God. Then Jesus said,” Blessed are you” Oh, what a beautiful question with nice
answer from Jesus. It is a question for us also. In Mark 5: 24-34, a lady who suffered for 12
years belonged to this place. One tradition holds that Jesus transfiguration happened near by.
(Mathew 17:1-8) Its importance increased in the middle ages as a prosperous city on the road
to Damascus many important remains
can be found near the sources of the
springs.
MOUNT OF HERMON
Mount Hermon with its white
capped summit rises in the North of the
Holy land; above the Hula vally and the
Golan heights. It extends north east to
the regions of Lebanon and Syria.
Mount Hermon is referred to in the Old
Testament as a blessed mountain and has been regarded as “Tabor and Hermon joyously
praise your name. Psalm 89:12.
The meaning of Hermon is place of fellowship among the cebonon Mood Mountains
from east. It is the biggest in Palestine (2814 meters).
These details are in Mat.17:1-5. Mount Tabor with its beautiful and peculiar dome or
cone hap rises majestically in Galilee. It is green throughout the year keeping special beauty.
Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera here. (Jud 4:14-16). Because the height and location of
Mount Tabor made it.
The Primacy of St. Peter (Tegba):
In the Ministry of Jesus the Sea of Galilee is very important place. In Tabga, on the North
western shore of the sea stands sanctuary of the primacy of peter. It was built by Franciscans
in 1933 on the water front next to ancient steps leading down the sea.
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Here tradition holds Jesus appeared to his disciples following the resurrection and restored
Smooth his place of authority in the church after his denials. A flat rock, known as the Mensa
Christi or Christ’s table marks the site where the disciples ate that day. The rock was
incorporated into the ancient churches that stood here as well as the more recent church.
This is a place of strategic military importance. Gideon slew Zebalu and Zalmunna Midianite
Kings, here Judge 8:18-21). Heathen worship took place on the mountain. (Hos.: 5:1). The
traditional spot of Jesus transfiguration. (Mathew 17:1-13)
JERUSALEM CITY
This is a Holy city. City of prophets, city of peace. Jerusalem the blessed city with a
hundred names is the only considered. The triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem was
called Psalm Sunday. Read Mark 11:1-11, John: 12:13. Hosanna. Blessed is the one who
comes in the name of the Lord.
The King of Israel.
DOMINUS FLEVIT
As Jesus approached
Jerusalem from Mount of Olives,
he wept over it. On the descent
from the mount of Olives, towards
Jerusalem stands a Franciscan
church of unique architectural
form. Its dome is shaped like a
tear. The altar faces Jerusalem as
Jesus would have seen when he
first drew near to the city and
wept over it. Dominus Flevit, the
Lord wept. Luke 19:41-44. In 7th
century Byzantine, style building
was found, and next to it was a
large ancient cemetery was
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uncovered in the time of second temple period.
Stone boxes and stone coffins with human bones and pottery were found. There were 43
insriptions bearing the names such as Simian Maria, Joshua. Some were engraved with a
small across next to its name. It might
be burial ground for Jewish Christians.
HADASSAH HOSPITAL
Hadassah Hospital is the famous
place. It is a centre where many British
soldiers were buried.
In 1949 cease fire, mount Scopus
became an Israel enclave in Jordanian
territory. It regimented the rest of the city
in 1967.
RUSSIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH
It is one of the most important sites around Jerusalem. It played a central role on the life
of Jesus. He came here often. He prophesied to his disciples that the temple would one day
fall. Luke 19:41-44.
He went to pray. Mark 14:26-42. Judah arrived with company of officials and soldiers to
arrest. John 18:1-12. The name Mount of Olives derives from Olive groves that cover the hill
east of old city of Jerusalem across the Kidron vally.
THE CHAPEL OF ASCENSION
The peak of the Mount of Olives is considered the site of the ascension, since 4th
century AD several churches have been erected, In 387, Matron poet menia founded the
church of the Ascension on this site, it was destroyed by Persians in 614.
The crusaders built a small holy building surrounded by arched columns. These supported
an open dome and sheltered a rock with celebrated foot primates of Christ. After the crusaders
were defeated by Muslims in 12th century the building was burnt and turned to Mosque. But
the original still stands today.
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Russian Church of Ascension. It has the tallest spire in the area of Land marks of Mount
of Olives. It honours John the Baptist Lutheran Church of the Ascension.
TOMBS OF PROPHET
Burial places of prophets like Haggai and Malachi were found grottos convict for the
important places.
GATHSEMANE (OIL PRESS)
The garden is maintained by
Franciscans. Olive tress were there in
Jesus time. Titus cut down all the trees in
70 AD Duhem, he destroyed Jerusalem.
The Church of all nations is named after
16 countries, who helped to build it.
1.Jesus agonised in this place. Mathew
26:36-46. Jesus was betrayed by Judas
and arrested by Soldiers. Math: 26: 47-56,
Luke 22: 47-53, Mathew: 26: 30-46. At the foot of the Mount of Olives just above the Kidron
Valley stood the garden of Gethsemane filled with Olive trees.Jesus spent his last hours in
solitude here. Shortly after he was captured by the Romans. Today in Gethsemane visitors
come to the Garden the Gethsemane. Basilica a Franciscan church which is one of the most
beautiful in Jerusalem.
CHURCH on the TOMB OF VIRGIN MARY
Situated at the foot of the Mount of Olives in the Kidron Valley, the Church contains the
traditional tomb of the Virgin Mary.
In 4th century AD, the church was built when the tomb of virgin many was surrounding
rock the complex was surrendered by a wall which looks like a castle. In the center of the
lower level is the Holy tomb of the Virgin Mary.
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Kidron Valley
It is also called the Valley of Jahoshaphat. The valley runs 2-3/4 miles along the east wall
of Jerusalem. During the reforms by Israel’s Kings, Idols and other Pagan items used in
worship were disposed of in the Valley 1 to 5 pts.
The traditional site of the last supper and the house of Caiphas the high priest who
examined Jesus before his crucifixion. In his coming and young men where there going to the
temple to Gethsemane and to Bethleham. Jesus crossed over Kidron valley many times.
The church of St. Peter in Galli Cantu
This church is dedicated to Peter’s denial, so the word Galli Canter refers to the crowing
of the cock. Many churches by Byzantine
monastery were discovered on the
grounds of the church. They were built
on the ruins of the second temple period
structure.
It contains underground rooms which
may have been used as guard houses and
a prison. The discovered steps into the
hill which leads to a path to the city of
David, the Kidron valley and Gethsemane.
This is the path that Jesus looks on his
way from upper room to Gethsemane and
his way back from Gethsemane to
Ciapha’s house. The Armenian Church of
Caiphas' is close to the Zion gate. Few found dwellings from the second temple period some
of those have underground rooms and cellars. Armenian Patriarchs were buried in the cemetery
next to the church.
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Hinnom Valley:
Hinnom Valley lies South West of Mt
Zion. Bible says that child sacrifice took
place in this area. (Jeri. 7:31-32). That was
used as a cemetery for Pilgrims to
Jerusalem. The Chief Priests purchased this
property with 30 pies of silver returned by
Judas and used it as a place to bury
foreigners (Math 27:3-10).
TOMB OF DAVID
The tomb of David is the traditional burial place of King David. It includes a large stone
covered with silver crown and Torah Scrolls. During Muslim rule the tomb was taken over
and turned into Mosque. The original shape has therefore been adopted for that purpose.
CITY OF DAVID
David city is matrix of the city of Jerusalem has been inhabited continuously. Since the
time of King David. In connection with Melchizedec King of Salem “Priest of the Most
High” who blessed Abraham assured him of Victory over his adversaries and received from
him a tenth of every thing Gen. 14:18-20.
According to Isa. 5:8-10. Over 3000 years ago David defended the city’s inhabitants, the
Jebusites and occupied the ancient Jerusalem. David brought to Jerusalem the Ark of the
Covenant, a Symbol of Unity of tribes and the covenant between the people of God.
Abraham built an altar where the story of sacrifice of Isaac on the mountains of the land
of Moriah. The remains of the city of David are South of the present wall of the old city. Neh
2:11-
OLD CITY OF JERUSALEM
The old city of Jerusalem may be likened to a thick book with each page another chapter
in its history. In each period different people and rulers stamped their particular mark on the
face of the city. Due to those changes now it is a classic city.
The walls were built by Ottoman during Turkish sovereign in 16th century by sultan
Suleman who is magnificent.
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Now we can enter into 7 gates. The eight gates, the golden gate in eastern wall of the
temple mount was sealed by the Muslims many years ago. The gates lead to different quarters
of the old city.
DOME OF THE ROCK
The Octagonally shaped mosque with brilliant blue Persian tiles erected over the site of
the Jewish temple. The mosque was built in seventh century over the immense rough rock
about 40 feet by 52 feet which rises 7 feet about the level of the temple area. If formed the
base of the Jewish altar where burnt offerings were offered. The grooves and hole in the
middle of the rock were there.
THE CHRISTIAN QUARTER,
Armenian quarter,Jewish quarter,
And Muslim quarter. The temple mount
Moriah, comprises about 35 acres the story
of Jesus begins at temple mount. As
Zechariahs, the father of John the Baptist,
served the Lord in the temple, an angel
appeared (Luke 5:5-20) John would be the fore
runner of the Messiah as the prophecies
declared.
In Jesus day, the second temple stood proudly on the crest of the mountain for all to see.
It was built originally in the 6th century BC. The temple Jesus entered has been renovated and
enlarged by Herod the great in the 1st century BC. Jesus visited temple mount many times
during his life. Forty days after his birth Luke 2:27. When Jesus the was lost and found. He
asked the parents Luke 2:29.
“Why were you searching for me? Did you not know that I must be in my father’s
house?”. During Jesus temptation experience Devil brought Jesus to the temple to test him.
Luke 4: 9 to 12).
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Jesus temple triumphal entry in Jerusalem, out religious officials he accused of defiling
the temple. Mark 11:15-18. Jesus said “My house shall be called the house of prayer for all the
nations but you have made it a den of robbers.
But the final days of the temple would be disastrous as Jesus warned in his prophecies. It
is written in Luke 21:5-6.
HISTORY OF THE TEMPLE MOUNT
In the Biblical story of the temple mount, appears first as one of the mountains of the land
of Moriah, the place where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son Isaac and built an alter...
Kind David purchased the area from Araunah the Jebusites and erected there an alter to
God. 2 Sam 24:16-25. Solomon built the first temple. 2 Chor. 3:1, Second temple was built on
the topic. According to Jewish tradition, the Summit serves as the center of the world, the
foundation of the universe.
David’s son, King Solomon erected the first temple here and dedicated it in the tenth
century BC. Countless sheep and Oxen were slaughtered there to mark the dedication.1
Kings. 8:62
Construction of the temple lasted for seven years. The palace complex was built
immediately to the south over a thirteen years period. During the renovation 586 BC Babylonians
totally destroyed.
Heraclius reign: Again Jerusalem was in the hands of Muslim Arabs. The Caliph Amar
identified that Muhammad ascended into heaven, so the first Mosque was built on the mount.
Now the attraction of many visitors is dome of the rock and El Aqsa Mosque, it is called
Mosque of Omar. The rock is one of the most beautiful Shrines in Islamic world and one of
the most exquisite land marks in Jerusalem.
EL AQSA MOSQUE
On the southern end of the mount, was built the dome of the Rock. It was apparently,
begun by Abdul Malik and completed by his son Walid - I.
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The columns, ceiling, carpets and stained glass windows dominate the mosques interior,
while the dome of the rock has presented its original plan and decoration. The El Aqsa Mosque
is entirely different from what it was originally in the eighth century.
South of the temple Archaeological garden Ophel displays historical levels of Jerusalem
for 3000 years of the past. North of the temple mount west wall tunnels revealed entire length
of western wall (approx. 500m. 1650 feet) church enclosed the Herodian temple mount. The
pool of Bethesda (Beth-Zatha) John 5:2-9.
During Byzantine lime the crusaders Christians built large churches in honour of healing
the paralysed. At the same churches commemorates Mary’s birth place, traditionally located
in the era. Today church of St. Anne stands next to the poor. It helped the water supply
system. I was built by the crusaders around 1130 and dedicated to St. Anne Mary’s Mother.
It is one of the beautiful crusader churches in the Holy land. After the defeat of the
crusaders Saladin turned the church into school to foster Islamic faith. In 1886, following the
Crimean war. The Ottomans Turk presented the site to Franking gratitude for their support
during the war.
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THE JORDAN RIVER
Jordan is the Baptismal site for Jesus. Jordan River runs from the Northern Region of the
Holy Land through the Sea of Galilee on its way south to the Dead Sea originating at the “Foot
of Mount Hermon. The river collects three streams for its water (1) The Dan, Snir (Hatz
Bani) and Hermon (Banias). The Syrian African Lift the deepest land rest in the world.
Jordan River got its own meaning “Go down” Feel adventurous people used to sky and
play there with small boats. It flows to 65 miles some it seems flow seems to be wild and
some times very soft and ends, in Dead Sea above that we can see, it as a huge snake moving
with man turish flow high.
THE MOUNT OF BEATITUDES:
From this we can learn the lesson on the values of Christianity.
Many historical places and the message of salvation and valuable ocean of Gospel of
Jesus is seen here: (1) Charity, (2) Justice, (3) Prudence, (4) Hope, (5) Faith, (6) Fortitude,
(7) Temperance, (8) Virtues eight valuable messages are included in the message.
In 1911 Antonico Barluzzia famous artist
showed his talents in the decorations of the
churches some instructions to the pilgrims
must follow: 1.Honour the nature, 2.Be
Silent, 3.Dress in Modesty, 4.Keep the
premises clean.
From this beautiful spot north of the sea
of Galilee above springs of Tabgha, Jesus
gave his most famous address.
Sermon on the mount. The church was
built in surrounded by well aimed gardens.
The church was built on 1936-8. It was
designed by Barlezzi who took special pride
its architecture. The Building is Octagonal to
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represent eight beatitudes from the
Sermon on the mount. On the mount there
is an incredible vantage pound over looking
the sea of Galilee and see the ruins of the
ancient church dedicated to the sermon
on the mount. In side the church of
beatitudes, golden plated lid for alter part
eight beautiful decorated windows were
placed.This is the place where Jesus
taught to His disciples before the trial.
MOUNT ARBEL:
1.In 1187 an important and famous battle took place here between crusaders and
Muslims. In that clash Saladin defeated. Crusaders Kingdom of Jerusalem.
2.On one stop of the mountain guests can visit a site Holy to the Druze called in Arabic
Nebi Shuayb.It is said to contain the tomb of the prophet. Jethro father in law of Moses.
In Exo.18 chapter Jethrow advised Moses.
3.It is known as Mount Nithai. In the caves of Arbel attack them King Herod’s soldiers
reached the caves by throwing rupees from above found a synagogue with several strata to
dating from Roman and Byzantine periods.
SOLOMON POOLS:
South to Bethlehem there are three famous
pods as they belong to ancient times called
Solomon pools. All the water from hills will be
accumulated King Herod built it. We cross
the road from Bethlehem to Jerusalem. In
olden days they remembered way to Egypt
only because of Moses Exodus 20:4.
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BETHSAIDA AND CHORAZIN
Mathew 11:21-23,Luke 10:13-15, Mathew: 15:21. Baptism of John Luke 1:8. Mary and
Joseph traveled (Math 2:13, 18).Jesus traveled north to these cities located on the Coast of
Modern Lebanon. Jesus pronounced “Woe” against Chorazin and Bethsaida, because they
refused to follow his teaching Tyre and Sodom will fare better also. We can see the seat of
Moses herein Chorazin.
In Korazin National Park: North of Capernaum, one can see the remains of the ancient
Jewish town of Chorazin. The excavations of Bethsaida are located in, Bert Saida Reserve
(The Plain of Bethsaida) on the North East shore of the Sea of Galilee. The Streams that
flow from Golan Heights to the Sea of Galilee show down here and create an urge and
multibranched delta with a large variety of flora and fauna.
Tabga
The fertile Tebgha spreads along the North Western shore of the Sea of Galilee. It’s
name comes from the Greek Heptapeg on which means seven springs; but has been corrupted
into the Arabic name Tabgha. The Multiplication of the Loaves and fish (Mathew 14:19-21).
In Tabgha the North Western shore of the Sea of Galilee within a beautiful Garden stands
the Catholic church of the foist feeding of the Multitudes. It contains most beautiful mosaic
flooring. The Mosaic with two fish and five conves indicate. The miracle Jesus did at that
place. In 614 A.D. The Church was destroyed in the Persian invasion. Mark 8:10.
This is the combination of 3 places. Jesus asked Peter to feed his sheep, if he could love
Him. Jesus questened him three times. A big
statue with black polished stones was seen
here is beautiful.
This is a place where Jesus did a miracle
of five loaves of bread and two fishes to feed
5000 thousand men. The mount of beatitude
is adjacent to that other places. This is North
West to the sea of Galilee. If came from great
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word Hetapegon means seven springs the Aramaic name is Tebgha. The place got importance
for healing a chiefs son’s sickness in capernaum. Actually the church of Tegba belonged to
5th Century but renovated again. They saved the same mosaic stones to use in modern
constructions. The stones used for it is called Oasald in the church. They called it chapel of
primacy. It is built in 1933.
C C A
AESAREANAMEDINHONOUROFAESARUGUSTUS
It is located on the Medilerranean Coast and was originally a phoenician trading post
called strations lower. In 25 BC Herod the great built on artificial horbor and a large city. It
was designed to like Decapoles with Rome. After Heewads death Caesarea became the
seat of the Roman by Government of India and Pilate resided here. Famous for theater,
hippodrom of our ared aqueducts.
Hamath in Tibirias: Hamath means for stress Apostles Mark, Luke wrote about Jesus
and His Ministry including Healings Mark 2:1 Luke 5;6.It is close to see of Galilee many
came to get healings here. The temperature is very high 60C (140F). Traditional Jews left 12
land marks of special figures.
Today the sight is for burial place of some
famous Jewish rabbis.One of the crusaders
church was dedicated to St.Peter here.
SHRINE OF THE BOOK
Part of the Israel Museum building was
constructed especially to house the Dead Sea
scrolls.These scrolls were found in caves
near the dead sea at Qumran.They were
written in Hebrew. They were found in Judean
desert. The building with while dome
resembles the did of the earthen ware jars in
which the scrolls were hidden. Shrine of the
blood is the house of the dead sea scrolls which
were discovered in Qumran in 1947.
YAD VASHAM:
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The Yad Vasham honours the victims of Holocaust. It is a memorial to the destroyed
community of the children’s memorial.
It means Martyrs and Heroes remembrance authority a permanent exhibit presenting the
event of Holocaust and authentic objects from the ghettoes and concentration camps. A
memorial was erected in memory of the
six million Jews who were scattered in
world war-II Baunt in 1967, the name was
taken from the prophecy 56:5, connected
with the memorial there is an institute
building containing photo graphic filmed
material:
TIBERIAS:
Today it is a nice tourist center. The anicient city western boundary was marked by
Mount Berenice which give beautiful view of sea of Galilee.
Some churches are found regarding Roman period.In
1033 liberians destroyed due to earth quake. In Southern sectors
of Tiberia hot springs attract visitors for recreational center.
Several Synagogue were found in 4 to 8 centuries.
Some increptions were famous containing a wheel with
signs of Zodiac with Jewish Symbol of Torah ark and Renorha.
(John 6:1, 28, 21:1)
Tiberias is located on the West shore of see of Galilee, 10
miles south of Capernaum. It was built by Herod. Antipas in 20
A.D. on his new capital and named for than ruling emperor of
Rome, Tiberias. It is having Therapeutic hot springs. It is nick
names to the lake it boarders John 6:1, 21:1
EMMAUS LUKE 24:13-31
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Several churches have been built to dedicate the occasion when Jesus appeared to Cleopas
and his companion. The anicient Emmaus is linked with Ayalon Valley known as Emmaus in
the 3rd Century A.D. and was granted the status of a city and named NICOPOLIS.
Many churches are established. Aylon vally is famous with historical back ground.