David Citadel Hotel, Jerusalem

Advantages: Ancient and vibrant, a city that lives simultaneously in and beyond time
Disadvantages: Prone to acts of war and other forms of madness

...hopefully for a way to achieve peace. Since King David seized "Salem" from the Jebusites around 1000 B.C.E., it has been destroyed, occupied, and rebuilt many times over. Imperial dominance has been exerted over Jerusalem by the Babylonians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Turks, Christian Crusaders, and most recently the British. The spectacular walls of the Old City, constructed by the Ottomans in the 16th century C.E./A.D., are but the latest in a long series of defensive barriers built to protect ancient Jerusalem against would-be conquerors--unless, of course, you count the barbed wire that divided the city between 1948 and 1967. The Israeli military cemetery on Mount Herzl and pre-1967 Jordanian implacements on Ammunition Hill bring the city's saga of defense and conquest right down to the present. Jerusalemites often maintain firmly that... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: History, Scenery, Religion, The Old City
Disadvantages: Its the city they all want

...Well I’ve just returned from Jerusalem, Israel after spending a year out studying ancient Hebrew texts, law and philosophy, most of which have been written around 1700 years ago. That’s the beauty of Jerusalem, the history, you can’t get away from it, it’s the place to remove your ‘self’ away from the materialistic life of western life and delve into something more spiritual and un-worldly, possibly even heavenly. Don’t get me wrong the city and Israel is very sophisticated, easily the most technologically advanced county in the Middle East and probably most of Eastern Europe. That’s Israel greatest export - brainpower. All buildings in Jerusalem are made from Jerusalem stone, the same type of stone as the Western Wall, the last remnant of the 2nd Jewish Temple destroyed in 70AD by the Romans, but behind each apartment or complex you... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Loads of interesting sights
Disadvantages: Expensive.

...Jerusalem is fascinating, but which Jerusalem? Do you mean the Old City? That is the site of all the New Testament references to Jerusalem, where Jesus spent the final period of his life. But there is also the fascinating City of David, a short way from the Old City. There you can walk through Hezekiah’s tunnel, with water up to your knees, for about 30-40 minutes. You have to carry a candle (on sale there) or a torch. There is also East Jerusalem, that is the Arabic part of the city. I found that prices in the Palestinian neighbourhoods were quite a bit cheaper than the rest of Jerusalem. I found the Israel Musem very interesting, too. Again expensive at 38 shekels, so make sure you spend enough time there to justify the expense. The Bible Lands Museum is also right next to it, if you’re interesting in archeology, history... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful