Want to really experience the essence of Jerusalem?

Join Travelujah this Tuesday evening, April 26 at 7 pm. We've planned a very unique night walking tour of the Old City. Visitors and residents of all denominations will enjoy this stroll through the ancient streets of the Christian Quarter including visits to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, Jewish Quarter and more on April 26 at 7 pm. With one of our experienced licensed tour guides, you'll have an opportunity to learn about the history of Jerusalem andto experience the historic alleyways and special atmosphere that is found only at night.

Participants will get an inside look at the Christian and Jewish community of the Old City including, among other sites, a visit to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre at night. Participants will also enjoy  a ‘behind the scenes' look at the new Wujoud cultural center and small museum  situated within a historic 650 year old building owned by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate with a lovely terrace overlooking the heart of the Old City and the major street of the shuk, David Street. Founder Nora Kort will provide a tour of the museum as well as a brief lecture on the Christian community of the Holy Land. Tea will be served.

The group will be meeting just inside the Jaffa Gate at 7 pm and the tour will also conclude at the same spot.

Register in advance by clicking here or call 052-744-4033.

Space is limited. Cost 100 shekel.

Inside the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

The Armenian Quarter of the Old City is one of the most fascinating and often overlooked areas of the Old ity. Nestled between the Moslem quarter and the Jewish Quarter, the Armenian quarter is in fact a mini city onto itself and includes a vast compound of schools, stores, restaurants, seminaries, churches and monastaries, and residences all of which are located around the  and offices of the Armenian Patriarchate. Much of the area was once covered by the palace of Herod the Great. Travelujah had the great pleasure of touring the Armenian Quarter for the last 11 years.

Armenia has a long and very rich history in the Holy Land. It was the first nation to adopt Christianity as its official religion and  the 4^th Century and Armenian pilgrims have been coming to visit Jerusalem since the 5^th Century. Armenia has a long history of dispersion, persecution and exile but nevertheless, the community, with its own distinct culture and language, has survived and remained united. Two great saints, Isaac and Mesrob, are credited with creating an Armenian national identity. The focal point of the community is the Crusadar-era Cathedral of St James, dedicated to St James the Great, son of Zebedee who was executed by King Herod Agrippa 1. His head was severed and buried in the church. The church is generally open for visitation on Monday through Friday from 6-7 a.m., 3 - 3:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 6 - 9:30 a.m. However, during the summer months, the afternoon services take place at the Church of the Archangels.

Within the Patriarchate compound lies three historical sites,  the Crusader-era St. James Cathedral  which commemorates the name of two Christian saints who died for their faith. One was the brother of Jesus and first bishop of Jerusalem; the other was the apostle James the Greater (the brother of the apostle John). He was killed by Herod Antipas and his head was severed and buried in the church.The second historical site is the Church of the Holy Arch Angels - which is the site of the home of the High Priest Annais who tried Jesus. Nearby there is an ancient olive tree within the courtyard that is believed to enable barren women to become fertile by swallowing an olive from this tree. The third site is by the Zion Gate, St. Saviors Monastary and it is the historical site of the  home of the high priest Caipphus and the burial place of patriarchs.

If you are interested in learning more about the Armenian community, Travelujah is pleased to arrange special meetings and tours for our groups with representatives or seminarians of the Armenian Patriarchate. To contact the Armenian Patriarchate -please call 972-02-6282331  

Other worthwhile stops within the Armenian quarter include:

Sandrouni Workshop -Armenian Pottery - Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate Road

Bulghourji Armenian Restaurant and Garden- Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate Road

C. Mardigan Museum

Convent of the Olive Tree

Christchurch Guest House

Calouste Gulberkia Library

St. Thomas

St Mark

St James the Cut Up