Israel is a country situated in the Middle East with global historical, cultural and religious importance. The little state and its capital Jerusalem have immense magnitude for all Jewish, Christian and Muslim denominations. There are situated most of the sacred places of these three religions.

Jewish Sacred Sites

The most famous and important religious sigh for the Jewish people in Jerusalem is the Western Wall. It is the only remaining part of the temple of Herod from 20 BC. It is supposed to have been part of the Second Temple. The temple was destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD as a punishment for a Jewish rebellion. Ever since the 16^th century this remnant has turned into the most popular pilgrimage destination for Jews.

The Western Wall is also known as the Wailing Wall because of the thousands of believers that flock to the Western Wall Plaza to grieve for the loss of their temple.

Other very important Jewish sites that can be seen are the Hurva Square in the heart of the Jewish District, the Israel Museum, Bible Lands Museum, Herzel Museum, and the Hebrew University in West Jerusalem.

Christian Sacred Sites

Among the Christian sacred sites one of the most important one is the Chapel of Ascension. It is a temple holy for both Christians and Muslims where it is believed that Jesus ascended after his resurrection. The footprints of Christ are imprinted in a stone in the floor of this chapel/mosque. The building was constructed by the Crusaders around 1150. Later, in the 12^th century, a stone dome and a mihrab were added turning into a Muslim site because the ascension of Jesus is also recognized by the Muslims. Nowadays, the Chapel of Ascension together with its adjacent mosque and minaret are part of the Muslim part of Jerusalem.

Other important Christian sites in Jerusalem are the Church of All Nations, Church of Dominus Flevit, Church of John the Baptist, Church of Mary Magdalene, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Tomb of Lazarus and many others.

Muslim Sacred Sites

The Dome of the Rock is the most famous Islamic site in Jerusalem and the third most important in general for all Muslims. The other two are- first the Grand Mosque in Mecca, and second the Mosque of the Prophet in Medina. The Dome of the Rock is on the Temple Mount and can be seen from all over Jerusalem. It is a shrine rather than a mosque that is built over a sacred stone where it is believed that the Prophet Mohammad ascended into heaven. The shrine was built between 688 and 691 AD and is the oldest Muslim religious relic standing today. It was built on top of the place where Jews believe that Abraham was about to sacrifice his son Isaac to God. It is also considered that it stands over the Holy of the Holies of the Solomon’s Temple and the Herod’s Temple.

Other famous Islam sites in the city are the Al-Aqsa Mosque, Dome of the Chain, El-Kas Fountain, Islamic Museum, Mosque of Omar, Tomb of David and others.

If you are considering visiting this holy place you might choose to rent a car. Trusted car rental companies in Israel are Sixt, Avis, Budget Cars, Auto Europe and Hertz.

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