Old City of Jerusalem Guide: History, Quarters and Key Religious Sites
By ANL | UPDATED:
The Old City of Jerusalem is one of the world’s most significant cultural and religious landscapes, shaped by thousands of years of history and shared heritage. This Old City of Jerusalem guide explores the Western Wall, Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, Via Dolorosa, and the four historic quarters within its ancient walls.
Each quarter reflects a different layer of the city’s identity, from Jewish traditions at the Western Wall to Islamic heritage on the Temple Mount and Christian pilgrimage routes along Via Dolorosa. The Old City is compact yet rich in history, making it possible to experience many of its key sites in a single visit when planned carefully. For a broader approach to meaningful travel planning, see our cultural travel method guide.
- 🧱 Old City Walls – Ottoman-era fortifications with iconic gates such as Jaffa and Damascus Gate
- ✡️ Western Wall – the most sacred Jewish prayer site in Jerusalem
- 🕌 Temple Mount – home to the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque
- ✝️ Via Dolorosa – historic Christian pilgrimage route through the Old City
- 🏘️ Four Quarters – Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian districts within one compact city
- 🛍️ Old City Markets – narrow alleys filled with spices, souvenirs, and local street life
- 🌄 Mount of Olives Views – panoramic outlook over Jerusalem’s ancient skyline
What to see in the Old City of Jerusalem?
Jerusalem is the focal point of three main religions: Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. The main attractions in Jerusalem are the Western Wall (Wailing Wall) and the Temple Mount for the Jews, the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque for the Muslims, and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Via Dolorosa for the Christians.
The Temple Mount (Moriah) is a hill in the ancient Jerusalem with Islamic, Jewish, and Christian structures, including the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. These are two impressive landmarks in Jerusalem, and a visit to the sites is a trip through a centuries-old city gates system, cultural heritage, and history. Moreover, the Old City of Jerusalem consists of four quarters: the Jewish Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, the Christian Quarter, and the Armenian Quarter.
Where to Stay in Jerusalem
1. History of Jerusalem and the City Gates
The landscape surrounding Jerusalem | Photo: Travel In Culture
The altitude of Jerusalem is about 750 metres, high enough to be covered in snow in winter – and yet a pleasantly warm climate in summer!
Jerusalem city walls.
The city walls of Jerusalem date back to the Ottoman Empire (1535-1542), under the rule of Suleiman the Magnificent. The Old City, located above the City of David (believed to be the original settlement in ancient times), is surrounded by ancient walls and gates, including the Golden Gate, Zion Gate, Jaffa Gate, Dung Gate, Herod’s Gate, Lion’s Gate, Damascus Gate, as well as the New Gate, as entry points. The triple-arched and double-arched gates in the southern wall, the Huldah Gates, have been sealed long ago and are no longer access points to the Old City.
The Jaffa Gate | Photo: Travel In Culture
The Jaffa Gate is one of the four primary gates of the Old City, the only gate on the western side of the Old City, and the main entry point of vehicles. Next to the Jaffa Gate is the Tower of David Museum, where you can get an insight into the history of Jerusalem. The Tower of David was where the Muslims found protection during the Crusaders’ conquest of Jerusalem around 1100.
The Damascus gate on the northern side of the Old City is one of the other main gates to this part of ancient Jerusalem. As the largest and perhaps most impressive gate in Jerusalem, it leads visitors directly into the Muslim Quarter.
The third famous gate is the Zion Gate, facing south towards Mount Zion. It was constructed by Suleiman the Magnificent in 1540 and leads directly into the Jewish Quarter.
Entrance to the Old City | Photo: Travel In Culture
The narrowest gate is the Dung Gate, which only allows pedestrians to pass. It is the closest entrance to the Wailing Wall.
Surprisingly, the walled Old City is relatively small – only about a kilometre wide – and this is the heart and epitome of ancient Jerusalem! It is incredible how close some of the most important religious sites for the three religions are. The history is concentrated within one square kilometre in the city centre of Jerusalem. That makes it easy to include the most significant historic landmarks in a day trip / shorter visit to Jerusalem.
The Old City of Jerusalem | Photo: Travel In Culture
2. Jewish Quarter and the Western Wall
The Temple Mount once housed both Jewish and Muslim shrines.
Jerusalem – The Western Wall with the Dome of the Rock as a backdrop.
The Western Wall is one of the most religiously significant sites for the Jewish people in Jerusalem (and the world) and an important symbol of Jewish history. Anyone can enter the space next to the Wailing Wall and approach it to touch it. There are separate sections for men and women, and men are required to cover their heads (paper kippahs are available for visitors).
The Western Wall Old City Jerusalem | Photo: Travel In Culture
The Western Wall is today the remaining part of what was once a Jewish Temple, and it is considered the holiest site in the world for the Jewish people. It was here that Abraham was close to sacrificing Isaac in the ancient Bible story. The Western Wall is one of two ancient Jewish temples at this location – one built by King Solomon and later destroyed by the Babylonians, and the other one probably destroyed by the Romans.
The Jewish residents of Jerusalem gather along the Western Wall, where they take their time to pray. It is customary to write prayers on a piece of paper and look for a crack in the wall to insert it.
Bakery in the Old City of Jerusalem | Photo: Travel In Culture
Jewish traditional bread | Photo: Travel In Culture
The Jewish Quarter is still a lively section of the Old City with private homes in the narrow alleyways where Orthodox Jewish families live and traditionally bake bread – and where there are schools for Torah study (Yeshivas).
Photo: Travel In Culture
During Jewish festivals, the area is very crowded, and, particularly the intricate pattern of alleyways and tunnels, can be a real maze to get through.
The Mount of Olives.
On the other side of the valley bordering the Old City of Jerusalem, the Mount of Olives rises. The Jewish Cemetery can be found across the valley on the gently sloping hillside of the Mount of Olives.
The Jewish Cemetery.
3. Muslim Quarter and Temple Mount
Right above the Western Wall, on the Temple Mount, you will find the golden-topped Dome of the Rock from 690 AD, today a characteristic landmark of Jerusalem! It is a Muslim pilgrimage route where the prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. Only Muslims are allowed to enter the building itself.
The golden-topped Dome of the Rock.
Nevertheless, a visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque can easily be included in your Jerusalem itinerary and trip since the mosque does allow visitors. It is gigantic, the third most important mosque in the world, and covers 144,000 square metres! The entire complex serves as a house of worship and a community centre in Jerusalem, preserving the Islamic culture and history. Al-Aqsa means both the ‘furthest’ (from Mecca) and ‘the supreme’. It is sacred to all Abrahamic faiths.
Jerusalem – the Temple Mount with the Al-Aqsa Mosque | Photo: Travel In Culture
The Muslim Quarter is a busy section of the Old City of Jerusalem with many vendors selling a wide range of products, for instance, in the unique Shuk (Mahane Yehuda Market). There is both a covered and an open-air market street, and the ambience, flavours, and enticing aromas create a perfect blend of ancient and new. In the market, you will find fruits and vegetables, dairy products, fish and meat, clothes, and food specialities such as baklava, shawarma, falafel, spices etc. It is an authentic and popular place for visitors and locals alike.
The Old City of Jerusalem is an intricate pattern of tunnels, pilgrimage sites, and market streets.
Photo: Travel In Culture
If you are planning more travel in the region, you can explore our broader Ancient cities of Israel travel guide for additional destinations and context.
4. Christian Quarter and Via Dolorosa
The Christian Quarter is located in the northwestern corner of Old Jerusalem – stretching from the Jaffa Gate along the Western Wall to the New Gate in the north.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre | Photo: Travel In Culture
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre | Photo: Travel In Culture
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre contains the site (Golgotha) where the Christians believe that Jesus was crucified and buried. However, recent research indicates that the crucifixion site is 20 metres away from the official site.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre | Photo: Travel In Culture
The Via Dolorosa, the ‘Way of Suffering’ is a 600-metre route through the Old City of Jerusalem, following the path that Jesus walked before being crucified. It ends at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. The route is marked by fourteen Stations of the Cross, nine along the streets, and five inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. From around 1350, Franciscan friars made it a pilgrimage route. The itinerary started at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and ended at the House of Pilate. Later, it was reversed. The stations commemorate significant events during Jesus’ walk, e.g. where he fell for the first, second, and subsequent times.
V Station along the Via Dolorosa | Photo: Travel In Culture
Today, the path is a pilgrimage route with weekly processions. Every Friday, a procession led by Franciscan friars takes place. It stops at the fourteen stations along the busy market streets. However, it is not very likely that this was the accurate path walked by Jesus.
VII Station along the Via Dolorosa.
5. Armenian Quarter
The Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem, the smallest of the four quarters in the Old City, can be accessed through both the Zion Gate and the Jaffa Gate. This section dates from the 4th century AD when Armenia adopted the Christian religion and monks came to Jerusalem to settle around the St James Monastery. Throughout the centuries, the Armenians have considered their part of the Old City as an integral part of the Christian Quarter.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Old City of Jerusalem
How old is the Old City of Jerusalem?
It dates back thousands of years, with the current city walls mainly built during the Ottoman period in the 16th century.
What are the main quarters of the Old City?
The Old City is divided into four quarters: Jewish, Muslim, Christian, and Armenian, each with distinct cultural and religious significance.
What is the Western Wall in Jerusalem?
The Western Wall is a sacred Jewish prayer site and the last remaining part of the Second Temple complex.
Can you visit the Temple Mount?
Yes, but access is restricted and depends on security conditions, opening hours, and religious guidelines.
What is Via Dolorosa?
Via Dolorosa is a traditional pilgrimage route believed to follow the path of Jesus on his way to crucifixion.
Is the Old City of Jerusalem walkable?
Yes, the Old City is compact and best explored on foot due to narrow streets and limited vehicle access.
What is the best time to visit the Old City of Jerusalem?
Spring and autumn generally offer the most comfortable weather for walking and sightseeing.
Is the Old City of Jerusalem safe for tourists?
It is generally visited by tourists throughout the year, but travellers should always check current local conditions before visiting.
If you have time to explore more history and visit more places in Israel / Jerusalem on your trip, you may find more inspiration here.
Read next: Outstanding Mosaics in Paphos Archaeological Park, Cyprus. For more travel inspiration and regional context, you may also find our Cyprus travel guide useful when planning a wider Eastern Mediterranean itinerary.
Images courtesy of Travel In Culture. Selected images from Pixabay.