When traveling to Israel, there are many places that you can visit to see your Christian heritage in all of its beauty and also experience the culture of the area. Christians typically have some places that they absolutely want to see when they are on one of the Christian tours to Israel. This is because specific areas of Israel relate directly to the history of Christianity and the men and women of the Bible. Understanding the culture of Israel makes Christianity and the Bible even more real to Christians.
1) Old Jerusalem – When visiting Israel, it’s absolutely imperative for Christians to visit the ancient section of Jerusalem. Jerusalem is the origin of faith for both the Jews and Christians. Due to the temples that were built here, as well as the many men and women of God in this area, Christians look forward to visiting the area. They also particularly look forward to seeing the places where Jesus mingled with people, did miracles and finally was crucified. Walking the streets of the Old City is like taking a walk back in time. The sounds and smells here are typical of Jewish life centuries ago.
2) Wailing Wall – Within the city of Old Jerusalem, one will also find the Western or Wailing Wall. The last remnant of the Jewish temples, it was built more than 2,000 years ago. It also serves as a boundary between the Jewish Quarter and the Temple Mount of the Muslim Quarter. Christians visit here to pray and leave their requests in the cracks within the wall.
3) The Citadel – This fortress that is located in the Armenian Quarter of Old Jerusalem is inside the city wall near the Jaffa Gate. Believed to date back to King Herod’s time, the fortress has served as a protection for centuries. Nearby is the St. James Cathedral, one of the most beautiful of all churches in Jerusalem. Services are held here, which would be of great interest to Christians of all beliefs.
4) The Church of the Holy Sepulchre – Considered the holiest site in the world by many religions, this church is located in the Old City, within the Christian Quarter of Old Jerusalem. Some believe that the church was built over the site of Jesus’ cross at the hill of Golgotha. Others believe that the true site of crucifixion was at the Garden Tomb.
5) The Garden Tomb – According to various religions, it is the Garden Tomb where Jesus was crucified and resurrected from the dead. For centuries, it was assumed that the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was the site of Jesus’ death and resurrection. In the 1800s, however, questions began to be raised about this, based on verses within the biblical account of Jesus’ death. Most Christian biblical scholars believe that the Garden Tomb was where the events occurred. However, both sites are worth the time and effort to visit. There are many Israel tours that view both sites.
There are hundreds of places for Christians to visit in Israel. Many Christians find their faith renewed after a visit to Israel. They also find great joy and satisfaction in walking the same roads of the patriots of old.
