Biblical sights around Jerusalem

Jerusalem - a word that stirs up a myriad number of meanings for mankind.  As a city, it's the capital of Israel.  As a destination, it is the centre of faith for thousands of pilgrims down the centuries seeking rest for their weary souls. As a religious symbol, it has been a prize long claimed and fought over by three major faiths: Judaism, Christianity and Islam.  As an ideal, Jerusalem is the promise of heaven that we all hold in our hearts.

The Garden of Gethsemane contains ancient olive trees and is situated at the bottom of the Mount of Olives and opposite the Temple Mount.  "Gethsemane" also means "olive press", an appropriate name for the place where Jesus was so hard pressed as He prayed and sweated great drops of blood.  This is also where He was betrayed and arrested. (Mark 14)

 Joanna at the Pool of Siloam (Bethesda)

 The Pool of Siloam or Bethesda (House of Mercy) was where a large number of infirmed people waited to be cured by the waters which were believed to have healing properties.  It was here that Jesus healed a paralytic of 38 years (John 5: 1-15)

 Joanna at the Dome of the Rock, Temple Mount, Jerusalem

The Temple Mount is one of the most controversial and hotly-contested sites in the world. Located in the Old City of Jerusalem, it has special significance to the Jews as it was the site of the First and Second Temples.  Many Jews also believe that the Temple Mount is the site of the third and final Temple, to be built in the time of the Messiah.  The Temple Mount also has great significance to the Muslims.  The Dome of the Rock, is believed to be the spot from which the prophet Muhammad ascended through the heavens to God accompanied by angel Gabriel.  The Temple Mount was built on Mount Moriah, where Abraham was prepared to sacrifice Isaac (Genesis 22).  It was also where Jesus was presented in the Temple by his earthly parents, Joseph and Mary and later stayed behind to debate with the teachers (Luke 2:  22-50).

The Upper Room is believed to be where Jesus shared His last Passover meal and first Holy Communion with his disciples before his death (Luke 22: 7-38).  Located on Mount Zion just outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, the Upper Room was rebuilt by the Crusaders.  On the floor below the Upper Room is the traditional burial place of King David, known as King David's tomb.

The Western Wall is part of the retaining wall from the time of the Second Temple and is the most sacred structure in Judaism.  Jews have been praying at the Western Wall for centuries believing it is the holiest site on earth after the Holy of the Holies.

Located outside the walls of Jerusalem, the Garden Tomb is believed to be the tomb and site of Christ's resurrection.  It was discovered by General Charles Gordon in 1884 when he identified a prominent rocky crag, which looked like a skull, as Golgotha (the place of the Skull).  In the midst of the garden lies a tomb whose interior meets all the requirements for the seating of two angels who spoke to Mary of Magdala (John 20: 10-18)

Note:  Some of the descriptions of the sites were taken from the Go Israel travel guide provided by Omega Tours and Travel