Jerusalem in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories

Jerusalem

The Mount of OlivesThe Dominus Flevit Sanctuary, located on the Mount of Olives, is the work of Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi. © Wilfried Louvet

Jerusalem, the holy city of three monotheist religions is a real remnant of biblical history, but it is not only that, it is also a city under high tension. Why? Because "God's gift to mankind" is always being hit by new developments and while it continues to sway between war and peace, history continues to be written in Jerusalem. That history is written on its monuments of faith and on the incomparable sights that you in its streets. In the west is the Jewish town, in the east the Arab town (Muslim and Christian). The Old City, a complete walkway, is surrounded by bored ramparts of eight doors. These walls were erected around 1530 by Soliman the Magnificent, on the foundation of roman fortifications. The Old CIty is divided into four: Muslim in the n-e, Christian in n-w, Armenian in s-w and Jewish in s-e. Avoid the Jewish area during the Sabbath (it is forbidden to take pictures, light a cigarette...). Jerusalem west, with its Jewish neighbourhoods, rich or poor and its modern architecture looks like european cities. This western part (where there are still attack threats) is the most unsafe part of Jerusalem. Paradoxically, this is not the case with Arab neighbourhoods of the Old City and Jerusalem east where you should only avoid staying out late. To be informed on the political situation, check the Jerusalem Post.