1. Jerusalem's Christian Quarter
The center of Christianity in Jerusalem, the Old City's Christian Quarter contains a small number of houses and a large number of churches, educational institutions, monasteries and tourist sites. All in all, there are 40 holy sites to visit here.
2. Church of the Holy Sepulchre
The location of the crucifixion and Jesus' burial, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is the highlight of a trip to the Christian Quarter. Originally built by Constantine, destroyed, rebuilt and renovated over the years, the church is an impressive architectural structure, designed to evoke images of the last hours of Jesus' life. The chapel is shared by the Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Armenian Apostolic denominations.
3. Stations of the Cross along the Via Dolorosa
Follow the very route that Jesus took, carrying the cross, on his way to the crucifixion. This path takes you through the Old City of Jerusalem, from Antonia Fortress to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Stop at each of the outdoor path's nine Stations of the Cross, and visit the last five inside the church itself.
4. Church of St. John the Baptist
Originally built in the fifth century and virtually unchanged since then, this church was the headquarters of the Knights Hospitallers, where injured Crusader knights were cared for during the siege of Jerusalem in 1099. Some of these knights remained in Jerusalem and dedicated themselves to the military defense of the city and the welcoming of pilgrims.
5. Church of All Nations
Situated atop the Mount of Olives, this church is dedicated to the bedrock where Jesus prayed before his arrest. Various nations have contributed to the construction of the church, and they are honored in mosaics and glass ceiling decorations. Don't miss the remains of the fourth century and Crusader churches which preceded the current structure.
6. Garden of Gethsemane
This garden has been the site of Christian pilgrimage since the fourth century, because it was a place where Jesus and his disciples often prayed – and believed by many to be the location of the last prayer before his arrest. According to Eastern Orthodox tradition, it is the burial place of Mary. The garden contains some of the oldest olive trees known to science.
7. Dormition Abbey
Local tradition marks this spot as the place where Mary died, so a church was first built here by Kaiser Wilhelm II. Located on Mount Zion, directly outside the walls of the Old City, the abbey is home to a Benedictine monastery.
8. Mary's Tomb
Eastern Christian tradition places Mary's burial place at the foot of the Mount of Olives. The church which currently stands here was built in 1757, over the remains of a fifth century chapel. It is beautifully decorated with colorful depictions of Mary's life and death. An ancient cemetery, which may date as far back as the first century, is situated adjacent to the church.
9. Garden Tomb
Some Christians believe that this site, outside the Old City walls, is the true site of the burial and resurrection of Jesus, instead of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. A number of tombs have been found in the area, and an ancient wine press and cistern indicate there may have been a garden here in the first century.
10. Chapel of the Ascension
Tradition holds that this was the place where Jesus ascended to heaven 40 days after his resurrection. A slab of stone inside the chapel may contain one of his footprints.
