Jerusalem's Old City: A Short Guide to Its Quarters and Landmarks
Less than one square kilometre in size, Jerusalem's Old City is one of the most significant places on earth for Muslims, Christians and Jews. For Palestinians it is also home, a living city of families, markets and schools, and the heart of their national identity.
The Old City, together with the rest of East Jerusalem, has been under Israeli occupation since 1967. UNESCO lists it as a World Heritage Site.
Walls and gates
The walls that surround the Old City today were built in the 1530s under the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent. Visitors enter through historic gates, the busiest being Damascus Gate, which opens onto the markets of the Muslim Quarter.
The four quarters
The Old City is traditionally divided into four quarters: Muslim, Christian, Armenian and Jewish. Narrow lanes connect them, lined with spice sellers, bakeries, workshops and centuries-old homes.
Al-Aqsa and the Holy Sepulchre
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, known to Muslims as al-Haram al-Sharif, includes the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the golden Dome of the Rock and is the third-holiest site in Islam. A short walk away, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre is revered by Christians as the site of the crucifixion and burial of Jesus.
Access for Palestinians is shaped by permits, checkpoints and restrictions, and tensions around the holy sites frequently make the news. Learning the city's history helps explain why Jerusalem is central to any lasting peace. Explore more in our guide to Palestinian symbols.
FAQ
+How many quarters does Jerusalem's Old City have?
Four: the Muslim, Christian, Armenian and Jewish quarters.
+Who built the walls of the Old City?
The current walls were built in the 1530s under the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent.
+Why is Al-Aqsa important?
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is the third-holiest site in Islam and a central symbol of Palestinian identity.
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