Jerusalem Self-Guided (GPS) Audio Walking Tour, Israel - History of Christianity, Holy Churches, Tombs & Historic Gems
Places: 14 POIsDistance: 1.56 miDuration: 59m
Tour #1825
About this English self-guided 59m walking tour in Jerusalem
Welcome to one of the most influential cities in all of the Christian religion!
My name is Dave, and I will be happy to be your co-pilot today, as we take a walk through important parts of the city.
We will also head out of the city's gates and make our way up to the peak of the Mount of Olives.
One of the most special Jerusalem walking tours you can find.
We will have stops along the way to learn about the history of Christianity as it pertains to the city of Jerusalem.
There is so much to learn while we are here, but please know that many of these fantastic stops are through the hills of the Mount of Olives.
The mileage of this tour is not far, but for a part of it we will be walking uphill.
In any case, remember that you can always pause or even stop the tour, rest as long as you need to, then, easily continue the tour using our "Starting Point" feature, located in the tour screen.
I hope this satisfies your travel bug, and we can begin our walking shortly!
Well let's get started, here in beautiful Jerusalem!
We are currently standing in between the Christian Information Center and the Tower of David.
The Information Center's goal is to provide as much information as possible on the Christian religion and all of the holy sites, shrines, and churches, as well as the many aspects of the religious life and activities here in the Holy Land of Jerusalem.
There are many employees here that can happily answer any of your questions, big or small.
They should be open Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm, but you should search the internet for opening hours if you're planning on consulting with them.
On your left is the Tower of David, Jerusalem's citadel. The Tower of David is Jerusalem's museum that lives within the ancient walls of the citadel that once protected the city many centuries ago.
The museum teaches us about the history of Jerusalem and its ties to all major religions located here-Christianity, Judaism, and Islam. Hundreds of thousands visit this museum every year to not only tour the fantastic museum, but to also participate in educational programs such as workshops, lectures, and cultural events.
If you are interested in touring the museum you will get the chance to witness many different exhibitions such as contemporary art and design, an archaeological garden with artifacts from over 2,800 years ago and so much more.
Let's continue our journey through Jerusalem, highlighting some of the most important and influential sites for Christianity.
Please follow the directions as we will make our way to an incredible church.
Welcome to one of the most sacred places in all of Christianity:
the Church of the Holy Sepulchre,
also known as the Church of the Resurrection
According to tradition,
this is the very site where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected.
Near the entrance of the church there is a large slab of stone to commemorate the location where Jesus' body was prepared for burial.
This stone goes by the name of the Stone of Anointing, and Pilgrims often touch or kiss it as a sign of devotion and respect.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a significant pilgrimage destination for Christians, thousands of pilgrims visit every year to treasure this church as well as walk the Via Dolorosa, something we will also be doing later in this tour.
Its humble exterior almost blends into its surroundings. What you see is a wooden door within a stone facade, yet it is one of the most influential Christian sites ever.
It was originally built in the 4th century by the Roman Emperor Constantine the Great, who legalized Christianity. His mother, Saint Helena, is said to have discovered the True Cross at this very spot, during her pilgrimage to Jerusalem.
The church is now under shared custody with many Christian denominations. The custodians are the Greek Orthodox, Roman Catholic, Armenian Apostolic, Coptic Orthodox, Ethiopian Orthodox, and Syriac Orthodox Churches. With this in mind, the church operates under the agreement of the "Status Quo". This means that any changes or modifications to the church must be agreed upon by every one of those custodians.
Inside, you’ll find several holy sites under one roof. One of them bein the Aedicule.
This is a small shrine where the marble tomb of Jesus Christ is believed to have been buried and resurrected. You may visit the Aedicule to pray and pay your respects to the Holy Sepulchre.
There is also the Calvary, or Golgotha, where it is said to be the location of Jesus' crucifixion.
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre is a sacred space for all that is holy in the Christian religion.
Here you can learn, as well as witness the traditions that began here and continue to thrive to this day.
Crowded, complex, and deeply moving,
this church reflects two thousand years of faith, conflict, and devotion, making it one of the most powerful spiritual landmarks in the world.
Feel free to wander around.
When you're ready, you can continue in the direction we were heading in,
just follow the map.
Tour itinerary stops | Additional places you'll see on this self-guided tour
Place 1Christian Quarter Road
Place 2Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Place 3Jesus Holyland/Via Dolorosa Church
Place 4Via Dolorosa Street
Place 5Church of the Condemnation/Church of Flagellation
Place 6St. Anne's Church
Place 7Tomb of the Virgin
Place 8Garden of Gethsemane
Place 9The Church of All Nations
Place 10Church of Mary Magdalene
Place 11Dominus Flevit Church
Place 12Chapel of the Ascension
Place 13Pater Noster Church
Place 14Mount of Olives
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Download the app (Android or iOS), purchase the tour (either here on the website, or from within the app).
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When you want to start the tour, find the tour in the app (via a quick in-app search or by clicking the tour link received in your confirmation email) and click "Start Tour" (headphones recommended for best experience.)
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How does the tour work?
UCPlaces acts as your personal tour guide, providing self-guided audio tours fully navigated within our app using GPS-based navigation. You won't need to switch between external navigation apps.
Whenever you approach a point of interest (POI) on the tour, our app will automatically play the relevant audio story at the right time and place.
If you start the tour before reaching the first POI, the app will navigate you to the starting point and then begin the tour.
How is this more convenient than a traditional tour?
UCPlaces offers an innovative and flexible way to explore exciting destinations on your terms.
Here are some key advantages over traditional tours:
No need to commit upfront or purchase in advance; buy a tour only when you're ready to go.
Walk at your own pace.
No waiting for groups; go on your schedule.
Take the tour in your preferred language.
Start, stop and continue the tour whenever you want.
Returning to the same destination? Take the tour again, and again, and again... And bring a friend!
Enjoy preferred prices.
What's included?
A self-guided audio tour taken via the UCPlaces app [Android / iOS (iPhone) / Apple CarPlay].
Tour route map and in-app GPS navigation (via the UCPlaces app).
Audio stories for places visited during the tour.
Apple CarPlay connection (for iOS users); for a seamless driving tour experience.
What's NOT included?
Earphones (highly recommended).
Smartphone.
Any kind of transportation (including tickets and passes).
