Cultural sightseeing in Israel. What to visit - museums, temples, castles and palaces

Israel is a Middle Eastern country with a rich history. Half of the territory washed by the Mediterranean and Red Seas is desert, while the other is characterized by a variety of natural landscapes and architectural monuments. Most attractions and places of cultural significance are of great value to believing Israelis. The main part of such attractions is concentrated in the Capital of the Country, Jerusalem. There are many religious buildings in the city including the world’s oldest temples and mosques.

A vivid example is the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. According to legend, this ancient complex was erected on the spot where the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ took place. It contains some significant relics. Being the sacred place of the six directions of Christianity, it is the main place of pilgrimage visits of Christians from all over the world. An indestructible ladder standing on the ledge of the Greek Orthodox Church and leaning against the window opening of the Armenian Apostolic Church, symbolizes interdenominational unity. On the day of the celebration of the Nativity of Christ, the Holy Fire appears in the temple’s hall. Another religious landmark of Israel is the Wailing Wall. It is a section of the wall preserved from the ancient temple. Today, it is a general Judaic shrine, a place of pilgrimage visits and prayers. Notes containing the wishes of tourists from all over the world are left in the cracks of the Wall.

One of the most ancient Jerusalem settlements is the old town of Jaffa. Being a part of modern Tel Aviv, it retained the status of an autonomous cultural center. The City has a large number of museums, art galleries and other tourism facilities. In old Jerusalem, lies the street Via Dolorosa along which Jesus was led to the place of His execution carrying the cross. On the street, you will find nine stands of the Way of the Cross. There is a tower ensemble in Tel Aviv – the Azrieli Center. It includes three towers – Round, Triangular and Square. Each of them was built based on an individual architectural design. Together however, they represent a single complex. The highest is the Round Tower, which is 182 meters in height. It has an observation platform from which a wonderful view of the city can be appreciated. Copyright www.orangesmile.com

One of the most pretentious buildings in Tel Aviv is the Pagoda House. It is a combination of references to Chinese architecture with elements of other styles. This unusual building is a historical and architectural monument of Israel. It is about one hundred years old. In the Judaean Desert, there is another ancient structure, the Masada Fortress, located on top of a high cliff. Since ancient times, this fortress not only served a protective function, but also served as a home for the ruler and his family. There were ancient buildings in the ruins of the fortress valuable for their historical past. The oldest mosque in the world, Al-Aqsa is located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. The building of the mosque was constructed in the 7th century and has since been rebuilt more than once. On the inside are contained seven majestic galleries whose walls are decorated with marble and mosaic.

On the same hill is located the striking mosque Dome of the Rock, at the base of which lies the holy of holies – the legendary Foundation Stone. The construction is distinguished by a huge golden dome and rich decor. In the city of Nazareth, it is worth paying attention to the Catholic Church, the Basilica of the Annunciation. Today, it is a relatively new building erected on the territory of an ancient City. According to legend, it was here that the angel brought Mary good news. On the birthplace of Jesus Christ in Bethlehem is located one of the two central temples of the Holy Land “the Basilica of the Nativity of Christ”. The first services were conducted here in the 4th century.

The landmark of the city of Haifa, the Baha’i World Center, is located on the slope of Mount Carmel. It is the Administrative and Spiritual Center of all followers of the Baha’i faith. On its territory, surrounded by picturesque Persian gardens is built a temple. Near the hill of Gravit-Ram, in the west of Jerusalem, stands the Shrine of the book which contains the oldest manuscripts. It has the form of a white stupa temple with a white dome, opposite to which stretches a black wall constructed from basalt. The combination of colors symbolizes the eternal confrontation of light and darkness. The external design and interior of the temple is reproduced according to the conditions of the scrolls.