Main Content
The Dome of the Rock, one of the Muslim world’s holiest shrines, marks the spot where Muhammad ascended to heaven.
Photograph by Annie Griffiths Belt
The Talmud teaches that “Ten measures of beauty descended on the world—nine were taken by Jerusalem, one by the rest of the world. There is no beauty like the beauty of Jerusalem.” Mark Twain, however, complained in The Innocents Abroad that, “The sights are too many. They swarm about you at every step; no single foot of ground in all Jerusalem or within its neighborhood seems to be without a stirring and important history of its own.” Since Twain’s visit to the Holy Land, more than a century of strife and division have imbued the ancient city, sacred to three major world religions, with contemporary drama and made it even more multicultural and significant than ever. Jerusalem today is a schizophrenic, volatile, and fascinating meeting of ancient and modern, Israeli and Arab, religious and secular, and political and spiritual.
Jerusalem Photos and Quiz
Related Features
-
Jerusalem Must-Dos
Our experts recommend the top attractions in and around Jerusalem—with advice on how to get the most out of your visit.
-
The Forgotten Faithful
Followers of Jesus for nearly 2,000 years, native Christians today are disappearing from the land where their faith was born.
-
Isn't She Lovely
From across the vast and parched Arabian Peninsula, camels converge on Abu Dhabi for an annual beauty contest. Here the traditional beast of burden becomes a pampered show animal.
-
Persia: Ancient Soul of Iran
A glorious past inspires a conflicted nation. Learn how ancient Persia evolved into the modern Islamic Republic of Iran.
This requires the latest version of Flash Player. Click here to download.Advertisement
Travel With Us
Travel Top 10
-
Hideaways & Inns
Find a destination that's great for anyone in need of a getaway.
Travel Blog
-
Intelligent Travel
Cultural, authentic, and sustainable: This is your brain on travel.
Special Ad Section
-
Audio Slideshow
Take a photographic journey through Montana and hear Annie Griffiths Belt's narrative.
-
Adventure Videos
Check out adventure videos and go "Behind the Lens."
