Valley of Elah

Small valley near foot of Judean Hills, 8 Km. south of Beit Shemesh its origin probably from the large Terebinth (Elah) trees that grow there. Site of the battle between Israel and the Philistines in which David slew Goliath with a slingshot (Samuel 1, 17).

Valley of Jehoshafat (Kidron Valley)

Tombs of the Kidron Valley including Absalom's Pillar reputed to have been built by King David's rebellious son, but carved in the Hellenistic style of the 1st century BCE; the Tombs of Bene Hezir belonging to the priestly family of Hezir-from first Temple times; the Tomb of Zechariah the prophet, whose rock-cut monument probably dates from the 1st century BCE.

Via Dolorosa (Way of the Cross)

Christendom's most holy road, it follows the route taken by Jesus from the Antonia Fortress, where he was condemned to the Hill of Golgotha where he was crucified. 14 stations mark the Via Dolorosa, the last five being within the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

Viri Galilaei

The Latin for Men of Galilee - part of a group that also witnessed Jesus' ascension. Near the above-named Greek church (and closer to the Mount of Olives Road) is a Byzantine chapel commemorating archangel Gabriel's meeting with Mary to tell her that she was about to die.

Warren's Gate

Area that was once one of the major entrances to the Temple Mount. Today it is referred to as Warren's Gate, after 19th century British archaeologist Charles Warren, who conducted extensive explorations of the Wall in the mid 1860s. In past centuries, the gate housed a synagogue. Today it is completely sealed.

Warren's Shaft, City of David and Hezekiah's Tunnel

Southeast of the City, it was dug by King Hezekiah in 700 BC to link the Gihon Spring, outside the city walls, with the Pool of Siloan within. 'The Pool today waters the fields of Silwan, the nearby Arab village, which contains remains from Biblical and Second Temple times.

Wailing Wall, The Western Wall (HaKotel HaMa'aravi)

Holiest of all Jewish sites, a remnant of the outer wall of the Second Temple courtyard. Jews have come here for centuries to pray and mourn. Tucked into the crevices of the Wall are thousands of pieces of paper on which the faithful have written pleas and prayers. The Western Wall Tunnels, discovered in 1967 by engineers laying water pipes, are a complex network of caverns and passageways running parallel to the Western Wall. The site is especially visited on Sabbaths and Festivals and the 9th of Av - the anniversary of the destruction of both the 1st and 2nd Temples. The only extant remnant of the 2nd Temple, it served as the Western retaining wall of the Temple courtyard.

Way of the Cross (See also Via Dolorosa)

Starting from the Tower of Antonia near St. Stephen's Gate and divided into 14 stations, marking episodes on Jesus' route to Calvary. Nine stations lead to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, inside which is the last five. On the way is the Ecce Homo Arch, built by Hadrian and associated with this route (John 19:5). Pilgrims may join the Franciscan Fathers' procession every Friday at 3 p.m. starting from the Tower of Antonia.

Wohl Rose Park of Jerusalem

Fifteen acres containing a rich variety of rose species from all over the world. Israel produces roses all year round and the Wohl Rose Park between the Kenneset and the Supreme Court Building displays varieties of roses all year round. The "Garden of the Nations" contains contributions from Argentina, Holland, Germany, England, Spain, and Ontario.

Wilson's Arch

Looking to the north of the Kotel plaza (to the left of the open men's section) there is a covered prayer area, the entrance to which is formed by an arch. This is known as Wilson's Arch, named after Charles Wilson, the British engineer who first discovered it in the mid-19th century. Wilson's Arch is the first of a series of arches, which supported an aqueduct spanning the Tyropean valley to the west of Har Habayit and supplying water to the Temple cisterns that lay beneath Har Habayit. The present arch is probably a later restoration, which supported a bridge joining Har Habayit to the upper city in the west.

Yad Vashem

The Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Authority. Free guided tours in English on Sunday at 10:00a.m. & 2:00p.m. and on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday at 10:00a.m. Tour includes the History Museum, Hall of Remembrance and Children's Memorial. Meet at the information booth next to the bookshop. Hours: 9:00am - 5:00pm, Fridays open 9:00am - 2:00pm. Admission is Free. For more info call 02-6751611.

Yemin Moshe

First residential quarter built outside the city walls, now an artist Centre. The distinctive windmill is now a museum devoted to Moses Montefiore. Open Sun. to Thurs.9am-4pm, Fri. 9am-1pm

Yeshurun Synagogue

The Yeshurun Synagogue was built in 1936 as the central synagogue for West Jerusalem, and claims to be an example of the Bauhaus-inspired "International Style" of architecture.

Y.M.C.A. Museum

YMCA on Rehov David HaMelech includes antiquities collection, cultural and sports facilities and residential hostel. Observation tower open Mon. to Sat. 9 a.m.--2 pm, closed Sundays. Fee. Israel Experience and Holyland Experience audio-visual multiscreen show at YMCA. Fee.

Zachariah's Tomb

In the Kidron Valley (1st century BC) Around the time that the First Temple was built. Near Gihon Spring. A massive monument, it was carved out of a single piece of rock, and capped with a pyramid, with pillars on its sides. The name might refer either to the prophet Zechariah or to Zacharias, father of John the Baptist. It is thought to be a 1st-century CE tomb. The controversial scholar-archaeologist John Allegro, following information in one of the Dead Sea Scrolls, excavated around here in the early 1960s in search of Temple treasures hidden from the Romans. A tunnel leads up from here to the Bnei Hezir tombs.

Zedekiah's Cave (Solomon's Quarries)

Near Damascus Gate. Said to have been used as an escape route by King Zedekiah fleeing from the Babylonians, as well as the quarry from which the stones for Solomon's Temple were taken. Open daily (except Sat.). Fee.

Zion Gate

The western gate of the Old City, named after Mount Zion. In Arabic it is known as "the Prophet David's Gate", because one passes through King David's tomb on Mount Zion.

Zionist Confederation House Cultural Centre

Emile Botta St. (behind the King David Hotel). A historic building which has been restored to serve groups of Israelis and tourists. Programs consist of lectures, musical performances, poetry readings, etc. Coffee shop and restaurant.

What ever your choice, contact About Family Travel and let us design your vacation with your personal needs in mind.