All across Jerusalem, museums, tour companies, and other cultural institutions offer captivating tours that cover various aspects of the Holy city...unfortunately the wealth of them are in Hebrew. The Tower of David Museum (Citadel) has acknowledged the demand for English-speaking residents and tourists alike to delve into Jerusalem's rich past and equally relevant present in a language they too can comprehend.
The TOD has conjured up a new monthly tour series offered entirely in English. The series will tackle everything that makes the city unique – from architecture to culture. Here's a sneak peek at the first series, "Jerusalem Rebuilt":
Game of Thrones Crusader Architecture of Art and Intrigue
Neta Bodner, an expert in the Crusader period and Crusader architecture, takes participants back in time to Jerusalem's Crusader period. From Mount Zion to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, participants will get the chance to explore the lives of royalty – from kings and queens to knights and bishops – as well as catch a glimpse of the everyday pilgrims and fighters of the Crusader city.
Apr 28, 10:00. NIS 90 (adults), NIS 80 (students/senior citizens). Meeting location to be given at time of booking.
The Sky's the Limit: Between Euphoria and Traditionalism 1967-1980
This tour is for those English-speaking lovers of architecture looking to get their fix. The guided tour traces the Six Days War's great influence on construction in Jerusalem – how destruction inspired euphoric reconstruction of the city. Participants will visit Safra Square, Hebrew Union College and other impressive structures built during that period.
May 26, 10:00. NIS 90 (adults), NIS 80 (students/senior citizens) - includes entry to the Old Yishuv Court Museum. Meeting location to be given at time of booking.
Jerusalem in Turquoise: Süleyman the Magnificent, Builder of Jerusalem
Süleyman the Magnificent ruled Jerusalem for close to half a century. Under his rule, Jerusalem's buildings were restored and constructed . Many have become iconic symbols of the Holy city, including: the Tower of David, Sultan's Pool, the Old City walls and the aqueduct. Moshe Igur's tour will explore those Ottoman buildings left by the Sultan, and will continue onto what was once the Ladino community that found refuge in the Ottoman Empire after their expulsion from Spain in 1492.
June 30, 10:00. NIS 100 (adults), NIS 90 (students/senior citizens) - includes entrance fee to the four synagogues. Meeting location to be given at time of booking.
© Ricky Rachman
For more information and ticket reservation, check out the Tower of David website