Excursion «Jerusalem and the Dead Sea»

At this part of the city located  its main attractions are concentrated. In the Old City are the main shrines of three religions: Muslim, Jewish and Christian. There are also several quarters in which Jews, Arabs, Christians and Armenians live. Despite the fact that Armenians also are Christians, separate services are held for them in temples, and they live separately. In the Armenian quarter there are practically no tourist excursions. Everyone can see the stunning monuments of ancient architecture, just a walk through the Old Town. The Tower of David, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the preserved Roman shopping street, the Wailing Wall and many other sights of Jerusalem are open for tourists.

There are a lot pf names of  Dead Sea. It is often called the “bottom of the world,” because it is located at the lowest point on earth. And in the biblical stories this unusual reservoir is reflected. They say that in the mixture for bonding bricks during the construction of the Tower of Babel, a composition was prepared based on the components contained in the Dead Sea. Used them to strengthen Noah's ark. On the shores of the Dead Sea, an excellent resort area has been created: hotels, motels, health and beauty centers that conduct procedures using sea water and therapeutic mud.

There are  a lot of biblical events associated with this place. Jesus Christ preached on Mount of Olives.  Moreover, at that place he foresaw the future of Jerusalem and the destruction of the Temple, prayed in the olive grove of Gethsemane, was arrested due to the betrayal of one of his apostles - Judah. Also, in ancient times, the prophet Zechariah made a prediction about the end of the world. According to that predicition, Mount of Olives will split into two parts, and then the resurrection of the dead will begin. On the western slope of the mountain is a Jewish cemetery, where the son of King David Absalom was once buried, and now prominent statesmen of Israel are buried there.

Often mentioned in the Bible, the Kidron is a  valley wich stretches thirty-five kilometers from the Old City of Jerusalem. For people of various religions (Christianity, Islam, and Judaism), the valley is a revered holy place. It is commonly believed that in the valley of Kedronska (in translation - gloomy), one day the dead will appear before God's Court, who will be resurrected after hearing the trumpet of the archangel. Therefore, in this place for centuries  have been cemeteries of three religions. The mystical Kedron Valley attracts many believers, because here is the tomb of the Virgin, the tomb of Absalom (the third son of David), as well as the tomb of the brother of Christ - the Apostle James. In addition, it is believed that through this valley Jesus held his way to Jerusalem.

It is worth noting that here is the famous source of Gihon, which, at one time, supplied water to all of Jerusalem.

In the building where the tomb of King David is located, on the second floor located the Upper Room. There took place the Passover meal of Jesus and his apostles , after which Judas betrayed Christ. Seven weeks later, the Holy Spirit appeared in the Upper Room.  After that, the apostles of Christ spoke in many different languages and went around the world to preach the New Testament. The scene of the Last Supper is reflected in the works of famous artists and icon painters.

The Garden of Gethsemane is well knowen from biblical stories.  At that place  Jesus Christ prayed before one of his apostles, Judas, betrayed him.  It is a small fenced garden with olive trees, which, suggested to be dumb as a  witnesses of events unfolding on the night after the Last Supper. On the territory of the garden was built the Church of All Nations at the beginning of the 20th century.  When it began to be erected, the ruins of the Byzantine church and the chapel of the crusaders were found in that place. The church got its name for the reason that 12 Catholic communities from around the world donated money for its construction. His main shrine is the stone on which Jesus prayed that terrible night. There are no statues in the church, no daylight. But there are mosaics that depict the prayer of Christ, the kiss of Judas and the subsequent capture of Jesus.

The Western Wall or the Wailing Wall in Jerusalem is the wall preserved after the destruction of the First and Second Temples of the Jews. The Arabs, who saw how the Jews grieve over the destruction of the temple, called this place the Wailing Wall. Currently, there is a tradition: when you standing at the front of  Wailing Wall you can  make the most secret dreams. You can also put a note between the stones of the Wall with a cherished desire, which will certainly come true. When you are planning to visit the Wailing Wall, it should be remembered that this is possible only in modest clothing that covers the knees and shoulders.

Church of the Holy Sepulcher (Church of the Resurrection) - the main shrine and place of pilgrimage for all Christians around the world.  It is the place of the convergence of the Holy Fire, were Jesus Christ was crucified,  buried and resurrected. 

 Mount of Olives is the highest mountain in the district of the city of Jerusalem. On the top of that mount located  observation deck, which very popular for city guests. Many excursions in Jerusalem begining  with a visit to this particular place.
From a height of almost 800-hundred meters, the gaze offers a magnificent view of Jerusalem and its attractions, as well as Mount Zion.
At the top of Mount of Olives is a Russian convent, on the territory of which stands the famous bell tower - it can be seen from almost anywhere in Jerusalem (the height of the building is sixty-four meters).
On the observation deck you can take pictures (the pictures are simply amazing), as well as explore the city in more detail with binoculars. Visiting  the observation deck on Mount of Olives will bring a lot of pleasure and leave unforgettable emotions.

In Jerusalem there is the Church of the Holy Sepulcher revered by all Christians. The part  of that churrch is one of the most important shrines of the Christian world - Golgotha or Calvary ​​(the mountain on which Jesus was crucified).
To the right of the main entrance to the Temple there are steps - you can follow them to Calvary. This holy place is surrounded by candles and lamps. Under the altar of the Orthodox chapel, located on Calvary, there is a deepening marked by a silver circle. If you put down your hand, you can touch the place where  stood the cross, on which Jesus was crucified.
Believers from different countries come to Jerusalem to visit the most important attraction - the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and touch Golgotha.