- Address: Old Town,, Jerusalem, Israel;
- Area: 116,000 m²;
- Sightseeing: Batei Mahse complex, Hurva synagogue, Wailing Wall, Wola Archaeological Museum, Jerusalem archaeological park.
Jerusalem ( Israel ) is divided into two parts - Old and New City. It is in the Old part of the main attractions that can be studied for a very long time. There are four quarters here: Jewish, Armenian , Christian and Muslim. The Jewish Quarter (Jerusalem), occupying an area of 116,000 m², is located in the southeast of the Old Town.
Jewish Quarter - history and description
Since the 8th century BC. e., the Jews immediately settled in the territory where the Jewish Quarter currently resides, so he has a rich history. In 1918 he was surrounded by Arab troops, which destroyed the ancient synagogues. The Jewish quarter was under the rule of Joradnia until the Six-Day War (1967). Since then, the territory has been conquered, rebuilt and populated.
The center of the Jewish Quarter is Hurva Square , where shops and cafes are located. During the restoration works, archaeological excavations were conducted here under the guidance of the scientist Nakhman Awigad. All found items are presented in parks and museums. The main find can be considered a picture of a temple menorah cut out on a plastered wall 2200 years ago, as well as "Burned House" - a building destroyed during the Great Jewish uprising against Ancient Rome.
The restoration work showed to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and tourists beautiful houses where the nobility lived, the remains of the Byzantine church, the Jerusalem Cardo - a road 21 m wide. Even the remains of the city fortifications dating to the Iron Age were excavated.
The Jewish quarter originates from the Zion gate in the south, further the border passes in the west with the Armenian quarter and goes along the Chain to the north. The border ends of the quarter of the Western Wall and the Temple Mount in the east. You can get to the Jewish Quarter through the Dung Gate (Garbage). Of all four quarters, it is the oldest.
Jewish Quarter - Sights
Going to one of the ancient parts of the Old Town, tourists are recommended to visit:
- complex Batei Mahse, built in 1857 ;
- the synagogue "Hurva" ;
- The Wailing Wall ;
- Archaeological Museum Will ;
- Jerusalem archaeological park .
Synagogue "Hurva" has a name, which in translation means "ruins". It was built in the 18th century by orthodox Jewish settlers. But even before the end of the construction work the building was burned, because the Jewish community did not have enough money to pay off the creditor Arabs, those in revenge and burned the synagogue.
The new building appeared only 150 years later in 1857, but the synagogue was opened only in 1864. Once again, the building was destroyed during the War of Independence. The date of the opening of the modern synagogue is March 15, 2010.
The Cardo Road was the main street of the Old City, on which there was a lively trade. Here there is a special atmosphere that distinguishes the district from all the others. Despite the fact that the neighborhood is lively and crowded, it is not as pied and tiring as the Muslim one. Here you can sit in a cozy cafe and eat a juicy shawarma or falafelya. The main asset of the Jewish Quarter is the opportunity to absorb hope and faith in the future because of the prevailing atmosphere of tranquility.
The final stage of visiting the area is the Wailing Wall and underground tunnels beneath it. Only here you can feel the most powerful energy and leave a note with a request.
How to get there?
To get to the Jewish quarter tourists can through the Jaffa Gates and the Armenian Quarter . You can reach by public transport - buses 1 and 2 stop on the Western Wall Square. If there is a car, then you can come to the Jewish Quarter through the Jaffa, Garbage and Zion Gate.