Yad Vashem fu istituito dal Parlamento israeliano nel 1953 come memoriale per quasi sei milioni di ebrei morti durante l'Olocausto. Tra le varie sezioni dello Yad Vashem ci sono il museo storico, che presenta una panoramica del periodo, e il museo d'arte, che espone opere che ritraggono la vita ebraica durante quei tempi difficili. Il Viale dei Giusti commemora coloro che hanno contribuito al salvataggio degli ebrei.
Il Museo d'Israele è uno dei più grandi musei archeologici e d'arte del Paese. La maggior parte degli oggetti rinvenuti durante gli scavi archeologici in tutto il Paese sono conservati e archiviati qui. Il museo ospita diverse sezioni come il Santuario del Libro, il Modello del Secondo Tempio, la sezione d'arte europea e israeliana e la sezione d'arte cerimoniale ebraica; tutte queste sezioni vi daranno una visione approfondita della cultura ebraica. In aggiunta il museo organizza programmi educativi, conferenze, eventi artistici e visite guidate che offrono una prospettiva più ampia della storia e della cultura ebraica.
Uno dei luoghi religiosi più importanti del mondo, la Città Vecchia di Gerusalemme è luogo sacro per diverse culture e fedi del mondo. Con una superficie di circa 90 ettari all'interno di quella che è l'attuale Gerusalemme, questo antico sito si trova all'interno di mura fortificate costruite nel XVI secolo dai governanti ottomani. Suddivisa in quattro quartieri distinti: Armeno, Cristiano, Ebraico e Musulmano, si ritiene che la Città Vecchia abbia sempre avuto mura di protezione intorno a sé fin dai tempi antichi. Queste mura non sono solo una testimonianza delle avanzate capacità architettoniche di quella generazione, ma evidenziano anche valori estetici che si riflettono nelle intricate opere d'arte e nei motivi che le caratterizzano. All'interno di queste mura leggendarie si trovano circa 200 monumenti storici tra cui il Muro Occidentale, la Chiesa del Santo Sepolcro, Cupola della Roccia, la Moschea di Al-Aqsa e il Monte del Tempio, tutti luoghi in cui è custodito un patrimonio che trascende il tempo e le culture.
For short-term travelers seeking a fascinating look at Israeli culture or long-term residents hoping to strike a bargain, this crowded, yet inviting market is a meaningful experience. Fresh, inexpensive produce is in abundance but the market's specialties include colorful spices, pre-made salads and spreads and newly baked pastries. Rumor has it that the bakery stall, 'Marzi-Pan,' makes the world's best ruggalah (rolled chocolate pastries). Finding the centrally located market is a breeze. Finding the best route out of its maze of lanes may require some keen navigation skills.
If you love to bird watch or are interested in birds and wildlife, then a trip to the Jerusalem Bird Observatory is what you need. Boasting of an active ringing station, the bird observatory sees all kinds of Israeli birds coming here to feed. Besides bird watching, one can also watch a few nature movies and learn more about bird migration and bird banding. Various workshop for beginners on sketching, photography and bird watching are also held here. Special guided tours for large groups, school children and corporates can also be organized by the staff. Not only are the admission prices reasonable but the Jerusalem Bird Observatory is also great place to bring along your children.
Built by Hezekiah in the 7th Century BCE, Hezekiah's Tunnels or Siloam Tunnel is beneath the City of David and is a wonderful tour for those who love history with a bit of adventure. The chronicles of this tunnel is mentioned in the Bible. The underpass was built to protect Jerusalem's water from the Assyrian raid and to bring the supply to the west of the City of David, thereby completely cutting off the water flow to the Assyrians. This ancient shaft was undiscovered for centuries and was only discovered in the 19th Century by Captain Charles Warren. It seems that there was a team of two digging teams at either ends of the tunnel. They carried out the digging by listening to the other's pickaxes and finally met at the middle. Marvel at this story as you explore this long passage while wading through the water. Narrow pathways, wet steps, ancient surroundings and stories that aren't just folklore, Hezekiah's Tunnels is indeed an interesting part of Jerusalem's history.
The first chapel here commemorated the early Christian martyr, Menas of Egypt. It was dedicated by Lady Bassa of Rome, who came to the Holy Land in 444 A.D. with the empress Eudokia. The present structure was built by Armenian Christians between 1142 and 1165. In the courtyard, notice the elaborately carved crosses. Inside, don't miss the tortoiseshell and mother-of-pearl inlaid doors to the chapels of St James (brother of Jesus and first bishop of Jerusalem), and the throne of the Armenian Orthodox Patriarch. The mid-afternoon vesper service at 3pm is often accompanied by the world-famous Armenian Patriarchate Choir.
Situated close to its precursor Gallery Anadiel, this new institution is geared towards local youth, providing a variety of workshops including drawing, photography and drama. The foundation has frequent exhibitions which reflect the workshop participants' learning experiences. These exhibitions are not aimed at the public, but those with an interest in art and education are welcome to visit the center. Such a visit provides an opportunity to discuss art with the participants and see vibrant works in progress by youngsters at the center.
Begin the 9 kilometere hike at Moshav Bar Giora and walk 100 metres beyond the entrance. This hike is chock-full of historical sites beginning with Ein Hod, a 40 metre tunnel and Bet Abtar, a crusader fortress atop a hill 678 metres above sea level. Two other large structures along the route include the 50 X 70metres Te'omim Cave and the Hirbet el-Omadan, a group of Byzantine buildings with mosaic floors and olive oil extraction posts. The hike ends at Moshav Zanoah with bus service to Jerusalem.
This colorful gallery has works on display by many of Israel's most celebrated Zionist artists. Permanent collections include works by Abel Pann, Ludwig Blum and Meir Alexrod. The works focus on portraits of ultra-Orthodox Jews and biblical scenes, as well as still life paintings. All the work is connected to Israel and Judaism in one form or another. Some oil paintings are for sale, transactions of which are arranged by appointment. Small prints are also for sale.
Constructed over a period of close to 2000 years, the caves of Maresha and Bet-Guvrin offer an insight into the cultural and historical influences that shaped the lives of those who resided within the ancient cities of Maresha and Beit Guvrin. Spread across the chalk hills of the Lower Judea, these man-made caves originated as a result of quarrying, and were later transformed into oil presses, underground water cisterns, stables, baths, tombs and were utilized for various other purposes. The caves can be divided in to distinct complexes, composed of numerous caves interlinked by passages carved into the rock. The caves have been recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage site, and is currently managed by the Israel Nature and Parks Authority as a part of the Beit Guvrin-Maresha National Park.
A public art installation, The Mifletzet has garnered attention from all quarters for its preposterous design. Designed by the French American artist Niki de Saint Phalle, The Mifletzet, meaning the monster, is officially known as The Golem. The black and white head comprises of eyes that are wide-open, horns and three tongues that roll out of the monster’s head to serve as slides. Though the structure was initially disapproved by the Jerusalem Parks Commission in 1972 for being too scary for kids, the Mifletzet, once approved, soon became quite a hit with children of all ages that visited the park. If you have some time to spare, certainly head to Rabinovich Park, and take a glimpse of this strange attraction.