An Old World given new life
The Old City of Jerusalem was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1981. Nonetheless, modern Jerusalem has grown far beyond the Old City’s boundaries.
Today, there’s plenty to see and do in this ancient city apart from going on a pilgrimage to hunt for sites of religious meaning and importance.
The Israel Museum remains a key attraction in Jerusalem, drawing nearly 1 million visitors annually. In fact, it accounts for approximately one-third of tourists. The complex spans across 20-acres and comprises several buildings featuring extensive collections including Judaica, archaeological finds and Israeli and European art.
A must-see would be the famous Dead Sea Scrolls, discovered in the mid-20th Century in the Qumran Caves near the Dead Sea. The Dead Sea Scrolls include the second-oldest surviving manuscripts of Jewish scripture or some books of the bible.
Another must-visit site to soak in Jerusalem’s modern culture is Mahane Yehuda Market, where a colourful array of local produce, snacks and handicrafts are peddled. Often called “The Shuk” or “Machne”, this market is also a popular spot for locals and tourists to enjoy a grill or shashlik (shish kebab).
By Pamela Chow & Eu Shuqi
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