Israel is a small country. It can be driven from end to end in just a few hours. It's easy to see the sunrise in Jerusalem, dine in Tel Aviv and dine in Akko. At the same time, Israel is a contradictory mixture of nations, cultures and religions. Muslims, Christians, Jews, and worshipers of Kabbalah live here and aspire here. Here, in an incomprehensible way for a European, there are the reverent and convinced religiosity of the monuments of faith, the modern carelessness of beach resorts and the pragmatic efficiency of centers of business and scientific thought.
Jerusalem - Biblical Sites
Jerusalem
Much has been written and said about Jerusalem. It is difficult to add something new to this array of information. From myself I can say the following: Believe me, this city makes you think about the meaning of life even atheists! Jerusalem is permeated with spirituality and mysticism. Here, at a defiantly close distance from each other, are the most important shrines of the three world religions. So compact that it is quite possible to see them in one day, although local guides, as one, assure that this is impossible!
A stunning view of the city opens from the Mount of Olives, which protects the city from the east from the pernicious heat of the Judean Desert. It is better to come here even after dark to meet the dawn on the observation deck, located on the top through which Christ entered the city. Among the city buildings, you will immediately find the golden roof of the Dome of the Rock - one of the most recognizable examples of world Islamic architecture.
As you descend the slope of the Mount of Olives, stop at the Dominus Flevit Church (the Lord cried). According to legend, it was built on the site where Jesus Christ predicted the fall of Jerusalem and mourned its fate. Italian architect Antonio Berlucci designed the temple in the shape of a tear.
At the foot of the Mount of Olives is the Garden of Gethsemane, where Christ prayed before his captivity.
Then it is worth exploring the Old City - the most amazing place in Jerusalem. From the Mount of Olives, you can get to its territory through the Lion's Gate (St. Stephen's Gate). Jesus walked through the Golden Gate, which has been laid down for today. The Muslim quarter begins just outside the Lion Gate. Just wander the streets lined with oriental bazaars, sip pomegranate juice and take a look at the finest cashmere textiles.
To the right of the gate will be the Church of St. Anne. According to legend, it was built on the birthplace of the Virgin Mary. Near the gate are the first two stations of the Way of the Cross leading to Calvary. The last five stations are located in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
Another holy place in Jerusalem is the Wailing Wall. This is a preserved fragment of the wall that formed the courtyard of the Second Temple, destroyed by the Romans. Nearby is the Temple Mount with the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock - the third most important shrine of Muslims around the world after Mecca and Medina.
In the evening, after stepping out of a bar or restaurant in the Nahalat Shiva area right in the center of Jerusalem, where according to locals are the most wonderful dining spots, stop and gaze at the sky. The same eternal stars shine over the eternal city that Jesus Christ may have seen, and this is wonderful!
Mysterious Safed
Safed
From Jerusalem there is a direct regular bus to the north of the country - to the high-mountainous city of Safed, founded, according to legend, by the son of Noah himself, the builder of the Ark. The city remembers the crusaders who turned Safed into a perfectly fortified citadel, from which, unfortunately, nothing remained. He did not forget the Teutonic knights, who ruled for only a couple of decades, and the Mamelukes, who made the city the administrative center of the province.
The city suffered severely due to strong earthquakes. In addition, the city was seriously damaged by a strong earthquake. Nevertheless, many historical monuments have survived to this day.
Thousands of people dream of getting to this city, which is considered the spiritual center of the mystical teachings of Kabbalah. The history of local synagogues, the most famous of which are called Abuhav, Ari and Karo, is closely connected with the life and deeds of famous mystic rabbis. These synagogues are located in the Old City, along Yerushalayim Street.
Safed is the most Jewish city in Israel. If you want to see Orthodox Jews in traditional costumes, to witness their daily life, then there is no better place in Israel for this!
Akko - the city of the crusaders
Acre
North of Haifa, on the shores of the Mediterranean Sea, is the ancient city of Akko, whose history begins during the reign of Thutmose III.
As local legends tell, the city survived during the Flood: water entered the walls of the city and flowed back. The name of the city, which is translated from Hebrew as "until now", is also connected with this legend.
The heyday of Akko began in 1104, when the crusaders came here, eventually turning the city into a beautifully fortified fortress. For a time Akko was the main city of the Kingdom of Jerusalem. The Akko of that era is almost completely hidden underground.
Interesting archaeological finds often occur in the city: when digging wells or repairing sewers, workers stumble upon underground galleries, halls, secret passages built by the crusaders. For example, in 1994, a tunnel of the medieval knights of the Templar order was accidentally discovered, where tourists are already allowed today.
The Crusader fortress, which we see now, dates back to the 12-13th century. The castle, which stood in the sea, where the treasury of the Crusaders was located, is now in ruins. Its remains can be seen from the observation deck in the lighthouse area.
Modern Tel Aviv
Tel Aviv
Most tourists begin their acquaintance with Israel from Tel Aviv, since it is near this city that the country's main international airport is located. Tel Aviv is considered the financial capital of Israel.
Many immediately leave for further - to Jerusalem, to the Dead Sea or to other resorts. But it is worth staying in Tel Aviv for at least one day to be convinced of its uniqueness.
The modern neighborhoods with Bauhaus houses are impressive. This city is not overloaded with architectural masterpieces, which can sometimes make your head spin. The city has many green parks, a long beach on the Mediterranean coast, the old port of Jaffa, according to legend, founded by another son of Noah Yafet, as well as numerous cafes and restaurants where you can have a great time with friends and relax after a busy day.
Fans of mysticism should not miss the Bridge of Desires in Jaffa. They say that if you touch the image of your zodiac sign and think about your cherished desire, then it will certainly come true. People interested in history should definitely see the place where the house of Simon the tanner used to be, in which the Apostle Peter himself lived for some time.
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In just one trip to Israel, you can touch the secrets of the crusaders, remember the Flood, walk along the world's most famous Via Dolorosa street, learn about the basics of Kabbalah, buy a painting by a famous Israeli artist, find new friends and be sure to plan to come back here!
