The Jerusalem Old City’s Roof Top Walk is definite must. We will be mesmerised by the unique views of the sites and buildings in the Old City of Jerusalem. Don’t forget your camera! See our Rooftop Album. In our opinion, this is one of the essential places to visit in Jerusalem.
We will climb up the stairs to the highest point of the Old City’s rooftops, where all four quarters of the Jerusalem Old city meets – Jewish, Christian, Muslim & Armenian. The division into quarters is typical of many Roman cities. The main road – the Cardo Maximus – goes from north to south, i.e. from the Damascus Gate to Zion Gate and perpendicular to the Triple Gate at the entrance to the Temple Mount.
It is quite easy to spot the differences between the various quarters. To the southwest is the Armenian Quarter with its 2,300 inhabitants. Only a small part of the quarter is actually visible since most of the Arminian quarter is enclosed with high walls.
To the west, above the Decomanus, with the Moslem ‘Shuk’ (market) directly below us, The David Citadel rises up near the Jaffa Gate, and to the northwest – the Christian quarter and its 5,000-or-so inhabitants with the grey dome of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher at its center.
The red color of the roof tiles dominates this quarter, reminiscent of Europe of the Middle Ages. To the northeast is the Moslem Quarter with 22,000 residents. It is characterized by round domes and many, many antennas.
Southeast is the Jewish quarter, with over 3,500 residents, and lots of white, since this quarter was renovated and rebuilt after the 1967 Six Day War.
In total, some 33,000 people live in the Old City.