Christian Quarter

The basics

The second largest of the Old City’s four quarters, the Christian Quarter is revered by Christians worldwide, including Roman Catholics, Ethiopian Christians, and Eastern and Greek Orthodox. The quarter grew around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, first established on the site where Jesus is believed to have been crucified and resurrected.

The Old City is built for wandering—getting lost is inevitable, and also part of the pleasure of exploring this maze-like destination. But if you’ve got limited time or want more historical context, a private or small-group walking tour is your best bet. Options range from tours that cover only the most famous Old City religious landmarks—typically the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Western Wall—to itineraries also spanning Jerusalem’s new city.

Things to know before you go

• Wear comfortable footwear, as you’ll be doing a lot of walking on uneven surfaces, including stone steps.

• The Church of the Holy Sepulchre gets very crowded, and wait times to visit the interior tomb can be over an hour. Try to visit in the early morning or later in the evening. Admission is free.

• Bring layers to cover up if you plan on visiting churches or monasteries. Think light, loose-fitting clothing that conceals shoulders and knees. And men, hats off when you enter the church.

• Aftimos and Muristan markets are both in the Christian Quarter. The shuk is a great place to pick up religious artifacts or souvenirs. You can also get a glass of fresh-squeezed pomegranate or orange juice, plus shawarma and falafel.

How to get there

The quickest way to reach the Christian Quarter is through the off-the-beaten-track New Gate, next to Mamilla shopping center and a few minutes’ from the City Hall Light Rail station. You can also walk through Jaffa Gate, a more prominent entrance, then head left toward the Christian Quarter. Vehicles aren’t permitted in the Old City, so the only way to get around once you’re inside is on foot.

When to get there

Weather-wise, the best windows to visit are fall and spring. Though summers are sweltering, the Old City’s stone passageways provide blessed relief from the heat. Avoid visiting on Jerusalem Day, a national holiday in May or June that can lead to protests and disturbances within the Old City. If you’re planning on visiting all 14 Stations of the Cross along Via Dolorosa, put aside a couple of hours—more if you stop along the way.

Lutheran Church of the Redeemer

Only in a neighborhood packed with iconic monuments would this peaceful late 19th-century church not stand out. But it’s a hidden gem that you shouldn’t miss. Not only is it perfect for finding a moment of calm in the bustle of the Old City, but the tower offers one of the area’s most stunning views. For a small fee, you can see the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre from above.