Christian Quarter

The Christian Quarter occupies the north-western corner of Jerusalem's Old City, built up over the centuries around the holiest site in Christianity. Covering roughly a quarter of the walled town, it is a warren of churches, hospices, monasteries, rooftop chapels and markets serving pilgrims from every Christian tradition on earth.

At its centre stands the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Revered as the place of Jesus's crucifixion, burial and resurrection, the ancient basilica is shared, often uneasily, among Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Armenian and other denominations under a fragile centuries-old arrangement. Its dim, incense-filled interior, flickering lamps and the daily rituals of its rival custodians draw a constant, moving stream of the faithful.

The quarter grew to support that pilgrimage. Around the church spread the Muristan, a historic market and courtyard complex on the site of a medieval hospital, alongside dozens of religious houses, guesthouses and the shops of the souk selling icons, olive-wood carvings, candles and rosaries. Jaffa Gate, the main western entrance to the Old City, opens directly into the district and its lanes.

For visitors, it is the natural base for exploring sacred Jerusalem. Enter through Jaffa Gate, join the pilgrims at the Holy Sepulchre either early or late in the day to avoid the densest crowds, and wander the surrounding lanes between churches and market stalls. Dress modestly for the religious sites, expect steps, slopes and worn stone underfoot, and take time on a rooftop terrace, where several little-known vantage points open up unexpected views across the Old City's crowded skyline of domes and crosses. Small rooftop cafés near the Holy Sepulchre reward the climb with quiet tea and a rare overview of the packed quarter.