Hello guys! Israel has been on the radar of a lot of people lately, but mainly of the ones who loves trips through history and has strong bonds with religiosity. The epicenter of faith in Israel is in Jerusalem’s Old City, 70 kilometers from bustling Tel Aviv, where people often enter the country.

Jerusalem is quoted as one of the oldest cities in the world and is now the capital of Israel. It is surrounded by historical disputes, after all, it is sacred to both Jews and Christians and Islamists. But a trip to the Holy Land transcends these misunderstandings. It is, in fact, a dip in religiosity. There’s a force in the air that’s hard to explain. Only by reworking the footsteps of Christ on the Via Dolorosa, listening to the prayer call in the mosques or encountering the Jews’ faith in front of the Wailing Wall to feel the shiver that runs on the skin.

A good private guide helps to understand the four inner-city neighborhoods – Armenians, Jews, Muslims and Christians – and to locate among the alley-like lanes. However, the Old City is only one square kilometer.

If you stay at the Mamilla Hotel (which I totally recommend for the luxury of being right next to the wall and being close to the Jaffa Gate) just walk a few steps to get into the Old City. Visit the Cardo, ancient roman road that has been recently restored, go to the Wailing Wall and if possible visit the underground of the wall, retrace the Via Dolorosa that leads to the Holy Sepulcher, go to the Dome of the Rock and the Mosque of al-Aqsaa, drink lots of pomegranate juice with orange, get lost in the Arab markets, visit the sad Holocaust Museum, King David’s Tomb, Holy Communion Hall. It is impressive how in such a small place there are so many things gathered, so many layers of history and faith.

Outside the walls, do not forget to go to the Mount of Olives to have a beautiful view of the walled city, besides being a very sacred place.

To eat well in Jerusalem, I recommend the Adom restaurant which is in the old train station The First Station, Machane Yehuda, Mona or Chackra.

I have brought this destiny today because Passover is right around the corner and Jerusalem is a true materialization of the faith, be it in the Wailing Wall, in the mosques, or in the Via Dolorosa that shows the steps of Christ until crucifixion, which refers to the hope of a better world full of love. And that’s what’s most valuable in this life.

I wish you all a beautiful Easter!

XoXo

Claudia Liechavicius