Emerging from the past, Jerusalem, the Holy City of gold and light

It is hard to explain the intense emotion that touches each person upon arriving for the first time in Jerusalem. A very particular atmosphere seizes you in this exceptional place encompassing the three main monotheist religions. This is where King Salomon built his temple, 25 centuries ago. There remains a vestige in front of which Jews from around the world come bend down to pray, 300 meters away one finds the Via Dolorosa. This steep small street is said to have been borrowed by Jesus during his last journey towards the crucifixion. By following it, you will end up at the Holy Sepulchre, the church where one finds his tomb, guarded by priests from different Christian cults, and visited by pilgrims.

Emerging from the past, the city of Jerusalem radiates on the world 

Finally, overlooking the « Wailing Wall », that has become the « Western Wall », one discovers the Mosque esplanade with the Dome of the Rock and its gold-tipped cupola, as well as the Al Aqsa Mosque, third holy landmark of Islam. Almost adjacent, Ir David, the City of David, is a way to become familiar with several biblical episodes by visiting a network of underground tunnels with your feet in the water. As for Mount of Olives and Mount Herzl, they dominate the entire Holy City that is built in cut stone.

Every evening, the Tower of David is featured during a show retracing its historic past. © DR

For all the Christians in the world, the church of the Holy Sepulchre is a pilgramage landmark. © DR

At the Museum of Israel, the Book Sanctuary shelters the Manuscripts of the Dead Sea. © DR

A mix of souks and business areas 

While visting the souks, the place to go in order to buy souvenirs, a business area has taken shape, the Jaffa Gate, at the heart of a pedestrian area where leading fashion brands and art of living shops are omnipresent. In the evening, when the last rays of sunshine shine on the thousand year old ramparts, the spectacle is overwhelming. This is when we wish to Jerusalem a radiant future filled with peace...

Address book

• Museum of Israel www.imjnet.org.il : to admire the very rare Manuscripts of the Dead Sea, under a huge white dome.
• Ma'hané Yéhouda : cosmopolitan, colorful, bustling, over the years this food market sheltering cafés and restaurants has become one of the hottest spots of the Israeli capital.
• Rooftop of the Hotel Mamilla mamillahotel.com : This 5 star inside-track venue offering a stunning panoramic view on the fortifications of the Holy City is the ideal place to sip a cocktail.
• Arcadia arcadiarest.com : The former oilery of the Sisters of Sion Convent is the gourmet enclave of Ezra Kedem, considered as one of the leading Israeli chefs.
• Eucalyptus www.the-eucalyptus.com : Moshé Basson, who has worked with several French top chefs, is putting biblical menus back in the spotlight with forsaken plants and vegetables.
• Darna www.darna.co.il : Ilan Siboni has made his restaurant a fairy tale come true, in the purest royal Moroccan tradition, where he serves tajines, pastillas, briouats, couscous and mint tea in keeping with all the established customs.
• Getting there : Air France, EL AL, Arkia, Transavia and Easyjet offer several daily flights from Roissy CDG.
• Staying there : at the King David Hotel. fr.danhotels.com - This historical monument, built in 1920, part of the country's story with its spectacular view on the ramparts of the old city, welcomes dignitaires, heads of state and crowned heads.
• Infos : Tourism office of Jerusalem on www.gojerusalem.com and www.jda.gov.il.

In Jerusalem, sacredness does not preclude a sense of humor in the streets. © DR

Between two celebrities, kings or presidents, the only place to stay in Jerusalem is the King David Hotel. © DR