Jerusalem, Israel.
Travel & Tour
Pictures, Photos, & Information.

Audrey DeLange
November 1999.

The tomb of King David is located in Jerusalem, which is a very unique city. Tradition is such that Jerusalem is where King Solomon built the great temple, Jesus was crucified, and Muhammad visited during his Night Journey. They typical tour of Jerusalem takes the tourist to the Mount of Olives, from which the tourist can view the stunning views of the city below. Then a guide leads you on a walk of the Old City to view the Western Wall, the remnants of the Second Temple, the Davidson Center, where exhibits, include a reconstruction of the Herodian Temple Mount. Then you are taken through the restored Cardo, the old Roman Road, the ancient Via Dolorosa with the Stations of the Cross, the Christian Quarter, Church of the Holy Sepulcher, and then to Mount Zion to view King David's Tomb and the Room of the Last Supper. It is said that the tomb of King David is located in Jerusalem. Even though the Bible says that David was buried in the City of David (several hundred yards away from the location). Jews have been praying at this site located in Har Zion ever since the Middle Ages, during the 12th century. The actual building was built later on during the Crusader period. The Bible states that King David was buried in Ir David, or the City of David. (1 Kings 2:10) Samuel 2 (5:7, 5:9). According to the book of Joshua in the Bible, the ancient city was divided into two parts; the eastern part which was called "Metsudat Zion" and later then later on "Ir David". Then there was the higher part in the west which was controlled by the Jebusites. The higher part was called Har Hamoriah. So it appears that Zion and Ir David are the same place, i.e., the low valley (which is now called Silwan). If that is true, then the present tomb upon Mount Zion (being in the higher, western portion of the city) cannot be that of King David. King David's traditional tomb, or stone cenotaph, which was placed in the same building as the Cenacle, by the Crusaders, lies draped in velvet cloth before a niche blackened by pilgrim's candles. The cloth - covered cenotaph honors King David (who was actually buried in the nearby City of David: I Kings 2:10). It is thought that King David's tomb was mistakenly located here during the Byzantine period, when the Christians celebrated King David and James, the Hebrew and Christian founders of Jerusalem, on Mount Zion. The present day building was erected in 1335 by the Franciscans. However, the floor dates back to the second century, when it may have been known as the "little church of God" mentioned by Epiphanius of Salamis. Evidence suggests that this traditional tomb was placed in a synagogue built by Judeo-Christians, rather than by traditional Jews. Several fragments of plaster scattered on the earliest floor of the synagogue bear Christian graffiti, from the building's original walls. Although the readings are controversial, one graffiti has Greek initials for words that have been translated to mean, "conquer, savior, mercy-" Another, controversial, graffiti has letters that say, "O Jesus, that I may live, O Lord of the autocrat." Another piece of evidence is the orientation of the synagogue's niche to the Temple Mount. If the structure had been a traditional Jewish synagogue, its niche should have been oriented toward the Temple Mount, where the Temple had stood until its destruction in A.D. 70. Although the builders had a clear view of the Temple Mount, they oriented the synagogue niche slightly East of North, on a direct line to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is the traditional site of Jesus' crucifixion and burial. History also identifies the synagogue as Judeo-Christian in origin. It seems to have been built in the late first century, after the Romans had destroyed Jerusalem. This is during a time period when traditional Jews were not building synagogues in Jerusalem. Not during the time of David! King David's Tomb in Jerusalem lies just outside the Dormition Abbey behind the Franciscan house on Zion or Sion. The whole area has been transformed by religious Jews into various Yeshivas (Schools of the Torah) especially due to the devotion for the Tomb of King David (pbuh) which is believed to be located beneath the Upper Room, called the Room of the Last Supper, or Coenaculum. You enter a door at the southwest corner of the building which leads to a hall that was the lower part of the 12th-century Crusader church. There are two square doorways on the east wall which lead into a second antechamber, which has a mihrab (c.1452) and three small windows on the east wall. A screen wall, pierced by three square-framed doors and windows, separates the second antechamber from the cenotaph of David. The openings are blocked with iron bars and the cenotaph room itself cannot be entered. The cenotaph of David (the tomb) is large and draped with a red cloth embroidered in Hebrew with the star of David on it. It is surmonted by twenty-two crowns of the Torah in solid silver; they represent the sovereigns who, after David (pbuh), succeeded each other on the throne of Israel.. It probably dates at about the 16th century. Behind the cenotaph is a niche dated at about the 4th century that could be part of an original synagogue or Byzantine church. Burn marks are on the wall, due to fire during the raid upon the church by the Persians in 614 A.D. or possibly by the Muslims in 965 A.D. . The wall has been blackened by centuries of smoke from candles. The cenotaph of King David, is with the Western Wall, one of the two places most visited and venerated by the people of the Jewish faith.

The easy way to get to Jerusalem, is to fly into the Ben Gurion International Airport. The airport is close to Jerusalem, which is about 5 miles away. The Ben Gurion International Airport, (IATA: TLV, ICAO: LLBG), also referred to by its Hebrew acronym Natbag, is the largest and busiest international airport in Israel. It was named the best airport in the Middle East by the ACI organisation.[ The airport is located near the city of Lod, 15 km (9 mi) southeast of Tel Aviv. It is operated by the Israel Airports Authority, a government-owned corporation that manages all public airports and border crossings in the State of Israel. The Ben Gurion International Airport is considered one of the world's most secure airports, with a security force that includes both police officers and IDF soldiers. There are several hotels in or near Jerusalem. There are several Guided Tour Agencies offering standard city, and historical tours of Jerusalem, Israel and the surrounding areas. After arranging your flight we would suggest getting your hotel and then letting them arrange tours of the area for you. If you call the hotels Concierge Services ahead of your arrival, all of this can be pre-arranged for you. I do this all the time. It is safe and it works!!! I have never experienced a problem doing it this way! I have links to Priceline.Com on our page so that you can arrange your flight and hotel in the Jerusalem, Israel area. Special Note - To Arrange Tours: A New Way To Arrange Your Tours Has Become Popular. It makes the process of getting a tour easy, and timesaving for you. It also is almost always less expensive. In most cases when you are at an attraction, you will be escourted to the front of the line, and be given special treatment. It is viator.com. They can do all of the work for you and get you into some awesome tours of the various attractions. There are links to viator.com on this page where you can arrange many special tours in Israel. When you click on the links, you will find inexpensive tours of the "must see or do," sites in Israel. From my own experience, these are far less expensive, than what I have paid, in the past, to see the same sites!

Jerusalem / Al-Quds Citadel. Tower Of David.	Jerusalem / Al-Quds Citadel. Tower Of David.
King Davids Tomb. Behind Left Door.	"Upper Room", Or "Cenacle". Or "Coenaculum" Behind. These Two Windows.
Sign Above Door Into King Davids Tomb.	Cenotaph Of King David's Tomb.
Cenotaph Of King Davids Tomb.	Cenotaph Of King Davids Tomb.
Cenotaph Of King Davids Tomb.	Cenotaph Of King Davids Tomb.
Cenotaph Of King Davids Tomb.	Cenotaph Of King Davids Tomb.
Upper Room. Coenaculum Or Cenacle.	Upper Room. Coenaculum Or Cenacle.

Here Are Some Links To viator.com Which Offers Local Tours & Travel Guides In Israel and the surrounding areas.
Have Private Tours. Avoid The Crowds! To Learn More! Click The Links Below. No Obligation, Of Course!

2-Day Israel Tour from Jerusalem: Caesarea, Acre, Haifa and Nazareth - $310.00 Blend holy sights with centuries of history on a 2-day tour of Israel from Jerusalem, led by a local guide! The experience includes walking tours of must-visit ancient cities such as Caesarea, Acre, Nazareth and Capernaum as well as an overnight stay in a traditional Israeli kibbutz (family-run guesthouse). Visits to the UNESCO-listed Baha'i Gardens in Haifa, underground grottos of Rosh Hanikra and the baptismal site of Yarendit are also part of this exciting 2-day tour.

8-Night Israel Tour from Tel Aviv: Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Northern Israel and Petra - $1,685.00 Witness the best of Israel and Petra on this 8-night tour from Tel Aviv, including coach transport and your choice of hotel accommodation. With an expert guide, explore the religious sites of Old Jerusalem, view the Dead Sea Scrolls at the Israel Museum, and visit Nazareth and Bethlehem. Ride a cable car to Masada, float in the Dead Sea, and spend two days exploring northern Israel's highlights including Golan Heights, the Sea of Galilee, Haifa, Caesarea, Acre and more. Finish with return flights to Eilat to discover UNESCO-listed Petra.

7-Night Israel Highlights and Biblical Tour: Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Nazareth, Galilee and Optional Dead Sea Day Trip - $1,151.00 Journey through Israel's holy and historical highlights on this 7-night tour from Jerusalem, with accommodation, transport and select meals included. Explore the spiritual sites of Old and New Jerusalem, follow the miracle trail around the Sea of Galilee, visit holy Bethlehem and Nazareth, and explore the Golan Heights, Haifa and ancient ruins at Caesarea and Beit She'an. Finish with a free day in Tel Aviv or an optional day trip to the Dead Sea to float in its waters. Airport pickup and drop-offs are included either side of your tour.

5-Day Best of Israel Tour from Tel Aviv: Jerusalem, Dead Sea, Nazareth, and Masada - $786.00 Discover Israel's holy highlights on an action-packed 5-day tour from Tel Aviv, with hotel and 'kibbutz' (family-run guesthouse) accommodation included. Led by an expert local guide, the experience is packed with walking tours and excursions that offer perfect introductions to Israel's top attractions. Explore Jerusalem's Old City and the City of David on walking tours; ride to the hill-top fortress of Masada by cable car; float in the desolate Dead Sea; tour Nazareth and the villages around the Sea of Galilee; visit the ancient ruins of Caesarea and more!

5-Day Israel Tour from Jerusalem: Dead Sea, Nazareth and Masada - $786.00 This action-packed 5-day tour from Jerusalem offers a perfect introduction to Israel's holy highlights and top attractions. With your expert local guide, explore Jerusalem's Old City and the City of David; take a cable car ride to the hill-top fortress of Masada; relax by floating in the Dead Sea; tour Nazareth and the villages around the Sea of Galilee; visit the ancient ruins of Caesarea and more. Your experience includes guided walking tours, free time to spend at your leisure, and overnight accommodation in 3-star hotels and a family-run guesthouse."

Here Are Some More Links To The Best viator.com Private Tours Of Israel and the surrounding areas.
We Highly Recommend These Tours.
You Will Have Private Tours, and Avoid The Long Waits & Lines!
To Learn More!
Click The Links Below. No Obligation, Of Course!

2-Day Israel Tour from Tel Aviv: Acre, Caesarea, Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee - $310.00 Explore some of Israel's finest ancient cities and religious sites on a 2-day tour of Israel, led by a local guide! After visiting King Herod's old stomping ground at the coastal town of Caesarea, stroll around the UNESCO-listed Baha'i Gardens in Haifa, and then discover the delights of the underground caves at Rosh Hanikra. Enjoy an overnight stay in a traditional Israeli kibbutz (family-run guesthouse) in Mizra and then spend the final day visiting sites in and around the Sea of Galilee, such as Nazareth, Capernaum and Yarendit.

2-Day Northern Israel Tour from Jerusalem: Golan Heights, Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee - $310.00 Marvel at the wonders of northern Israel on a 2-day tour of Golan Heights and the Sea of Galilee from Jerusalem! This exciting experience includes visits to all the top Golan Heights attractions such as the Hammat Gader border, the Talmudic village of Katzrin and Mount Bental, a dormant volcano. After an overnight stay in a traditional Israeli 'kibbutz' (family-run guesthouse), head south to the Sea of Galilee, enjoying a tour of Nazareth plus visits to the ancient fishing village of Capernaum, Yarendit baptismal site and more.

2-Day Best of Israel Tour from Tel Aviv: Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada & the Dead Sea - $310.00 Indulge both body and soul on the 2-Day Best of Israel Tour from Tel Aviv. After an action-packed day exploring the ancient biblical cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, spend your second day relaxing and taking in the sights at Masada before a spot of Dead Sea pampering.

2-Day Best of Israel Tour: Old Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada & the Dead Sea - $310.00 Indulge both body and soul on the 2-Day Best of Israel Tour. After an action-packed day exploring the ancient biblical cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, spend your second day relaxing and taking in the sights at Masada before a spot of Dead Sea pampering.

2-Day Northern Israel Tour from Tel Aviv: Golan Heights, Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee - $310.00 Explore Golan Heights and the area surrounding the Sea of Galilee on a 2-day tour of northern Israel from Tel Aviv! With overnight accommodation in a traditional Israeli 'kibbutz' (family-run guesthouse) included, this must-do tour introduces you to local culture as well as northern Israel's top sites. Visit the Hammat Gader border and the Talmudic village of Katzrin in the rugged Golan Heights region, and then head south to the Sea of Galilee to discover the delights of Nazareth, Capernaum, Yarendit baptismal site and more.

Highlights of Israel Day Trip from Tel Aviv: Jerusalem and the Dead Sea - $131.00 See the highlights of Israel in one day on an evocative sightseeing trip from Tel Aviv. You will discover the ancient city of Jerusalem, a holy site for many different religions, before enjoying a therapeutic spa visit to the Dead Sea. Few places in the world mean so much to so many people as these do, so if you only have a day to spare, make sure you see the best that Israel has to offer!

Highlights of Israel Day Trip: Jerusalem and the Dead Sea - $104.00 See the highlights of Israel in one day on an evocative sightseeing trip from Jerusalem. You will discover the ancient city of Jerusalem, a holy site for many different religions, before enjoying a therapeutic spa visit to the Dead Sea. Few places in the world mean so much to so many people as these do, so if you only have a day to spare, make sure you see the best that Israel has to offer!

Private Tour: Highlights of Israel Day Trip from Tel Aviv Including Old Jerusalem, Western Wall and the Dead Sea - $95.14 Take a day out to discover the iconic religious sites of Jerusalem and visit the Dead Sea on this private day trip from Tel Aviv. With a private driver-guide, visit Old Jerusalem to see landmarks including the Western Wall, Via Dolorosa and Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and absorb the city views from the Mount of Olives. Then, cross the Judean Desert to float in the Dead Sea and enjoy a revitalizing, mineral-rich mud bath before your return to Tel Aviv. Enjoy in-depth attention from a guide on this private tour.

Private Tour: Highlights of Israel Day Trip from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv Including Old Jerusalem, Western Wall and the Dead Sea - $92.14 Discover Old Jerusalem's top sights and float in the Dead Sea on this private day trip from Jerusalem or Tel Aviv. With a private driver-guide, visit the Mount of Olives to admire glorious views over Jerusalem's old city. Then, head inside the city walls to see the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and Western Wall, and walk the Via Dolorosa, Jesus' path to his crucifixion. Finish at the Dead Sea, with free time to swim in its waters and enjoy a mud bath. Receive the full attention from a guide on this private tour.

We Are Proud Of Our SafeSurf Rating!

Here Are Some Links To The Very Best & Most Popular Items Sold On Amazon.Com
To Learn More! Click The Links Below. No Obligation, Of Course!

Back To Israel Tours Main Page

Back To DeLange Home Page