Jerusalem Holiday

Jerusalem stands as both the birthplace of history and a thriving modern metropolis, while placed at the centre point of the three Abrahamic faiths.

It represents the ideal visiting place not just for those interested in religion and history, but for those wanting to experience a unique and vibrant culture.

There truly is nowhere on earth like Jerusalem, which is why it has been fought over by various groups throughout its 3,000-year history.

It is seen as a holy place to all three of the world's monotheistic religions – Judaism, Christianity and Islam, which is why throngs visit it to make their pilgrimage and follow in the footsteps of the founders of their different faiths.

But you don't have to be religious to sample the various cultural and historical delights that the city has on offer.

Jerusalem is the capital of the State of Israel and visitors can fly in to Ben Gurion International Airport, which lies halfway between the city and Tel Aviv.

The city itself is split up into four distinct areas – the Old City, New Jerusalem, East Jerusalem and Ein Kerem.

The Old City is resplendent with its 16th century Ottoman city walls and with its further divisions, represents the cultural and religious diversity that exists throughout the whole of the city.

It is split up into four quarters – the Jewish, Armenian, Christian and Muslim. Although its quarters represent four distinct religious communities, the Old City is not a quiet and contemplative place of worship, but is vibrant and bustling.

With street vendors lining the narrow, dusty streets, urging you to sample their wares such as falafel and shwarma (barbecued meat skewers), the district is far from quiet. You can pick up coffee, sit in a bar or even get a pizza like you would in any other modern city.

But unlike any other places in the world, once you enter the Old City through one of its seven gates, you could be walking in the footsteps of some of the most famous names in history.

The Via Dolorosa, for example, is the pilgrim's walk in which Jesus is alleged to have walked on the way to his crucifixion.

Whether you're religious or not, the Western Wall, which is sometimes referred to as the "Wailing Wall" is one of the holiest sites in Judaism and arguably the world. Judaeo-Christian history locates this as the place in which Abraham demonstrated his devotion to God and is a place of prayer for people of all faiths.

Although the Old City is the most famous district, West Jerusalem is the commercial epicentre of the city and has a host of museums and galleries that can be visited. This district is also the home of the two main thoroughfares in Jerusalem and is also the place to go shopping.

For something a little different, head to Ein Kerem, which is a secluded village suburb on the outskirts of the west of the city.

The village marks a departure from the hustle and bustle of the rest of the city as it is surrounded by picturesque hills, olive tress and cypress trees.

Jerusalem is one of the must-see cities in the world as it represents some of the most important aspects of the world's religious and cultural history, but aside from these historical niceties, it is also a city that anyone looking for a unique experience must visit.