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 the is the historical site of thehome 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 with representatives or seminarians of the Armenian Patriarchate.

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