Nea Church

Located at the southern end of the Jewish Quarter, the Nea Church is one of the largest Byzantine churches. It was built by the Emperor Justiniano (485-565 CE). Open: Thurs.-Sat. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

Nebi Samuel

The traditional tomb of the Prophet Samuel, near the Ramot neighborhood. Looks towards western Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives, Mount Scopus and Ramallah.

Neot Kedumin

On 625 acres of hills and valleys, nestled in the foothills of the Judean Mountains, lies a world apart...
HOURS & FEES Sunday - Thursday: 8:30 - sunset Friday and holiday eves: 8:30 - 1:00 Last entrance: 2 hours before closing Sunrise tours and evening events available by prior reservation. Closed Saturdays and Israel State holidays. Entrance Fees Adults: NIS 16 (New Israeli Shekels) Children (5-18), students, and seniors: NIS 12 Family rate (parents & children): NIS 65 We are located in the Judean lowlands, 10 minutes from Ben Gurion Airport, midway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem The area is called the Modi'in Region. Once a sparsely populated backwater, today it is rapidly becoming one of the fastest growing areas in Israel. Events in a Biblical Vein Birthday Parties for all ages: From 5 to 105, you and your guests can enjoy a tour and hands-on activities all year round. Anniversary Celebrations: Take your guests for a stroll in the Dale of the Song of Songs to see how the Scriptures depict love. A catered meal in the outdoor or indoor winter garden rounds out a perfect way to celebrate a special anniversary. Religious Services Our shaded overlooks (seating 30 to 100) and our woodland stages (seating 750 -1,250) offer inspiring settings for worship. These are available to any Interested group for prayer, meditation, or mass before, during or after a tour.
"...the mountains and the hills shall break out before you in singing and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands" (Isaiah 55:12).
Business Events: Give your employees, colleagues, or business associates a gift to remember. A half-day program at Neot Kedumim in English, French, German, Dutch, Russian or Hebrew will revitalize any group. Treat your guests to a biblical-style meal. Invite musicians to surprise them in the winepress or the threshing floor. For details contact Avraham Verkauf, Marketing Dept. Tel: 972-8-977-0778; Fax: 972-8-977-0766

New Gate

Opened in 1889 to facilitate access to the Old City's Christian Quarter.

Old Yishuv Court

Museum 6, Rehov Or HaHayyim, Jewish Quarter. A restored Old City house and courtyard of the Ashkenazi and Sephardi communities from the mid- 19th century till 1948. Open Sun. to Thurs. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fee.

"One Last Day" Museum

A visit to the Jewish Quarter today does not testify to the drama which took place there on May 28, 1948. The events of that day can be seen at an exhibition of the photographs of John Phillips, who accompanied the Jordanian Legionnaires. Tel: 02-6288142. Entrance fee.

Ophel Archaeological Garden (Yitzhak Ben Youssef Levy Garden)

Bordering the southern wall of the Old City. These archaeological excavations revealed the administrative complex erected on the Ophel Hill in the First Temple period. Visitors can view remains of structures dating all the way back to King Solomon: the remains of a monumental public building from the First Temple period, paved streets from the Second Temple period, Jewish ritual baths, sections of "Robinson's Arch'' from the Second Temple period, and partially-restored Byzantine houses with mosaic floors.

PARK MINI ISRAEL - KIBBUTZ NACHSHON

In Israel's new miniature city, visitors from around the world will have a close look at an exact replica (on a scale of 1:25) of hundreds of the most famous historical, religious, biblical and archeological sites of the Land of the Bible. A tour in Mini Israel will give tourists an opportunity to see, in great detail, the sights they are familiar with, to "visit" the sites they might have missed on their tour of Israel, or to plan their next trip to the Holy Land.
Our visitor's center has the following services and facilities:
A self-service restaurant
A full service restaurant on a terrace overlooking the site for special events and farewell dinners
A gift shop with specialty site gifts and memorabilia
A multi functional hall for lectures, presentations, groups briefings upon arrival and special events
An Educational Center with multimedia stations and presentation of all aspects of the Holy Land.
A Workshop where visitors can watch our specialists build and maintain models Activity centers and playgrounds for children
The park will be open every day from morning until late into the night!
D.N. SHIMSHON 99760, ISRAEL - TEL: 972-8-9207458 FAX: 972-8-9207459

Pontifical Biblical Institute

3 Rehov Paul Emile Botta. Archaeological collection including Egyptian mummy. Also library. Visit Mon., Wed., Fri. from 9 a.m. to noon or by appointment. Admissions free.

Pools of Bethesda

see Church of St. Anne

Pool of Siloam

In the Kidron valley. Fed by waters from Gihon Spring. Revered by Christians as site where Jesus cured blind man. Ruins nearby of Byzantine church and Herodian bathhouse. Free.

President's Residence

3 Rehov Hanassi, Talbieh. Official residence of President of lsrael, handsomely ornamented and decorated by leading artists. Open to the public only on special occasions or by previous arrangement.

Promenade on the Old City Walls

Walking on the ramparts Sun. to Thurs. & Sat. 9 am-4 pm, Fri. 9 am--2 pm, The Jaffa Gate -Damascus Gate section includes a visit to the ancient Roman Gate, excavated under the Damascus Gate. The Zion Gate - Dung Gate section (entrance from Zion Gate only) includes a guided tour of the Ophel Garden excavations near the Dung Gate.

Rambam Synagogue

Established in 1267 by Spanish rabbi Moshe ben Nahman (known as the Ramban) who remodeled an existing (marble-pillared) Crusader structure. When the Ramban arrived in Jerusalem he found only two Jews in the city: the ill-wind of the Inquisition blew more and more Jews to Jerusalem and the Ramban synagogue was at one time used by both Sephardim and Ashkenazim. Late in the 16th century, the synagogue was turned into a mosque. The present structure was built later by the Ashkenazi community and adjoins the old site. Renovated after 1967 it is now used for daily prayers.

Rachel's Tomb

3 miles south of Jerusalem. Where Rachel is said to have been buried (Gem 35'. 19). A much visited holy site, especially for women, you see the dome of Rachel, the sepulcher of Jacob's beloved spouse who died giving birth to their son Benjamin. The tomb of Rachel has been renowned throughout the ages. The tomb was probably a natural cave. Open Sun. to Thurs. 8:00 am-5: 00 pm, Fri. and Jewish Holidays 8:00 am-12: 30 pm Closed Saturdays.

Ramparts Walk

This series of massive fortifications, designed for watchmen and city defenders, is now open to the public. There is hardly a better way to view the Old City.

Ramat Rachel

Kibbutz on the southeast edge of Jerusalem. Strategically placed during the War of Independence, it affords a panoramic view of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Recreation Centre and close swimming pool.

Rockefeller Museum

Part of Israel Museum. Huge collection of Middle Eastern antiquities. Sun-Thurs. 10am-5pm; Fri., Sat., holiday eves. 10am-2pm. 02-6282251. Entrance Fee.

Robinson Arch

Looking south of Barclay's gate we see the beginnings of an arch protruding from the southern end of the Western Wall. This is known as Robinson's Arch, named after the American orientalist Edward Robinson who first identified this arch in the later part of the19th century.

Rose Park of Jerusalem

See Wohl Rose Park of Jerusalem

Russian Compound

Off Rehov Yafo, built in the 19th century for Russian pilgrims. In addition to its Orthodox Cathedral, the site also holds the Israeli Law Courts, the Jerusalem Police Station and Herod's Pillar - thought to have been intended for the 2nd Temple. Also in the compound is the Hall of Heroism, formerly Jerusalem's Central Prison, displaying cells and execution chamber used against the Jewish Underground during the period of the Mandate. Open daily in the mornings, except Saturday Fee.

Sanhadrin (Sanhedriyya) Tomb

Tombs of the supreme Rabbinical Court of Israel in the days of the 2nd Temple. The park, in which the tombs are located, is open daily to sunset.

Sha'ar HaGay

Nehemiah mentions that he began his trip to the city from Sha'ar HaGay. The name refers to a site on the way to Jerusalem. The Hebrew name Sha'ar HaGay is a translation of the Arabic Bab el Wad, the Valley Gate, which leads to Jerusalem. Sha'ar HaGay (Hagay Gate) 11 miles west of Jerusalem, where convoys, bringing relief to beleaguered Jerusalem during the War of Independence, were attacked. The vehicles were preserved near the roadside as a permanent memorial.

Sheep Pools

The entire complex lies on the site of a water reservoir from the Second Temple period - the Pool of Bethesda or the Sheep Pool. This pool is mentioned in one of the stories of the miracles performed by Jesus: "Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Beth-esda. Where lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed... and they waited for the waters to be moved" (John 5:2-3). According to the story, Jesus healed a paralyzed man by the power of faith and not by the power of the water. In the Byzantine period, a large church was built on the wall dividing the reservoir's two pools.

Shim'on HaZaddiq (Simon the Just)

Tomb of Simon the Just, a High Priest in the 2nd Temple. Situated in Sheikh Jarrah and visited especially on Lag Ba'Omer.

Shrine of the Book

(See Israel Museum)

Siebenberg House

6 Hagitit St., Jewish Quarter. Display of archaeological remains dating back 3,000 years, which were found under the recently built home of Theo Siebenberg. Mikves (ritual baths), royal burial vaults, a huge cistern, jars, mosaics, coins and so on were excavated here. Open: Sun.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Fri. 9 a.m.1 p.m. Guided tours in English at noon. Entrance fee.

Silwan Pool (Siloan)

A pool in the Tyropoean Valley, just outside the south wall of Jerusalem, where Jesus Christ gave sight to the man born blind (John, ix, 1-7).

Silwan Village

Southeast of the City of David. An Arab village across Hashiloah Rd. from the Pool of Siloam. Also known as the Mount of Offense, this is where Solomon built temples to the pagan gods venerated by his many wives. First Temple period rock-hewn tombs are strewn around the village.

Skirball Museum of Biblical Archaeology of Hebrew Union College

Houses discoveries from the excavations of the biblical sites of Dan, Gezer and Aroer including the famous "House of David'' inscription. 13 King David St. Open: Sun.-Thurs. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free.

Solomon's Quarries

(see Zedekiah's Cave)

Solomon's Pool

2 miles south of Bethlehem, 3 water reservoirs from the time of the 2nd Temple, now a much visited beauty spot.

Soreq Cave - Avshalom Reserve

The story of this magnificent cave staffs with an explosion, one of many, at the Har-Tuv quarry which supplied gravel to the construction industry. But this explosion was different: It exposed a magnificent stalactite cave. Nine years passed until the cave was made accessible to the public. The preparatory works demanded great caution due to the danger presented to its formations by the visiting public. Although the stalactite cave covers a relatively small area, hardly more than one acre, it does not fall short of world's largest caves in magic and splendor. Wherever the eye looks, it will discover stalagmites and stalactites in every imaginable shape. Scientists believe that the cave was created 8 to 25 million years ago as a result of the dissolution of limestone by rainwater diluted with carbon dioxide. When a hollow space was formed, the process was reversed: Though the water that penetrated the cave dissolved the limestone on its way, the drops now deposited sediments of limestone, either on the floor of the cave or on its ceilings. In course of time the stalactites on the ceiling and the stalagmites on the floor grew until they assumed their present breathtaking shapes.

Souk

The Arab Market is filled with hundreds of stalls lining the narrow streets and alleyways of the Old City. The streets are almost always crowded. Bargain hard, but politely, for the countless Middle Eastern goods on sale. Many stalls are closed on Fridays, when Moslems observe their Sabbath. Many stalls owned by Christians are closed Sundays.

State Archives

Prime Minister's Office building, Hakirya. Original scroll of Declaration of Independence and other historic documents. Open: weekdays 9 a.m.- 1 p.m. Admission free.

St. Anne's Church - Catholic

White Fathers Church, Inside St. Stephen's gate one of the best-preserved Crusader buildings in the country. Adjacent to the pool of Bethesda, regarded as the home of Mary's parents, St. Anne and Joachim, and where Jesus is said to have healed the sick man of palsy (John 5:2-16). Visiting hours: Monday-Saturday 8:00-12:00; 14:00-17:00 (Sunday closed)

St. George's Cathedral

American Colony. Nablus Road. Anglican Church consecrated in 1898.

St. Peter in Gallicantu Catholic - Assumptionist Order

Located on the eastern slopes of Mount Zion where Caiaphas is said to have lived and where Peter denied Jesus at cockcrow (Gallicantu means cockcrow). Erected in 1931 to commemorate Peter's triple rejection of Jesus and his subsequent remorse, the church is an amazing blend of contemporary lines, primitive art, and antiquity. Visiting hours: Monday-Saturday 8:30-12:00; 14:00-17:00 (Sunday closed) Entrance fee

St. Stephen's Basilica

(St. Etienne not to be confused with St. Stephen's Church, below): situated on Nablus Rd. between St. George's Cathedral and the Garden Tomb. A 19th-century building over ruins of the first church built by the Empress Eudoxia (5th century), pulled down by the Persians (7th century), rebuilt by the Crusaders (11th century), only to be pulled down again by Saladin (12th century). The Dominican Institute of Bible and Archaeology is situated here. In the courtyard are two large burial caves from the First Temple period. Closed to the public.

St. Stephen's Church

Jericho Rd., diagonally across from the Basilica of the Agony. The first Christian martyr, Stephen, was killed close by, on the steps cut in the rock leading from the Temple Mount to the Kidron Roman Bridge.

St. Stephen's Gate

(see Lion's Gate)

Sultan's Pool

Site of outdoor performances and special events.

Supreme Court Building

near the Knesset. A superb example of modern architecture, the building was opened in 1993 and has already become a major attraction. Open Sun.-Thurs. 8.30 a.m.-2.30 p.m.

The Four Rabban Yohanan Ben Zakai Sephardi Synagogues

Kahal Kadosh Gadol (Great Congregation) Rabban Yohanan Ben Zakai Built at the beginning of the 17th century and is the center of the four synagogues. The inauguration ceremony of the Rishon LeZion the Haham Bashi (who stood at the head of the community and was recognized by the authorities as the representative of the whole Jewish settlement), was performed here from the year 5653 (1893) Meetings, assemblies and other important general events took place in the synagogue, including the reception given to the Austrian Emperor Franz Joseph, in 1870.

The Emtzai (middle) Synagogue Also known as "Kahal Zion" (Zion Congregation), it was in the courtyard separation the other three synagogues, which is the reason for its name. The synagogue was established in the middle of the eighteenth century, the area probably having been previously used as the courtyard and women's section of the Rabban Yohanan Ben Zakai synagogue.

Istambuli Synagogue - When Turkish Sephardic Jews began immigrating to Jerusalem, they constructed their own synagogue. This synagogue, completed in 1764, was the largest of all the prayer houses in Jerusalem. All the European Sephardim would congregate here on Saturday afternoon to hear the rabbi's sermon. It was delivered in Ladino, the language of the European Sephardi. This was also the location of the Geniza (storage of torn holy texts) for the holy books, which were carried, in mass procession for burial on Mount Zion. Prayers are held on all the festivals, and on selected Shabbat mornings. Services on Shabbat and Haggim are held in the Istambuli Synagogue at 8 AM

The Synagogue of Elijah the Prophet (Eliahu Hanavi), around a cave supposedly frequented by Elijah, was used as a shelter for goats and other livestock by the Jordanians. Built in the 16th century by exiles from Spain, the synagogue were restored to simple elegance and reopened in 1972. Open: Sun.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Fri 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

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