Birds-eye Views of Jerusalem

I've always thought seeing places from the vantage point of a flying bird would be an amazing experience. Recently, we've had occasion to accompany guests around Jerusalem, and we've visited several places which enabled us to get a bit more of a birds-eye view of the city. Here are some photos from those places.

Our friends took us to the Austrian Hospice, which is noted for its apple strudel and other goodies. From their rooftop one has some superb views of the city. Looking west, there's a good view of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, top right. From the ground, the entrance to the church is under impressive, but from the top, you can see the various domes.

Looking southeast, one sees the Armenian church in the foreground, and the gleaming golden Dome
of the Rock on the left.

While our partners, Sten and Terje, were working, Marianne and I decided to check out the view from the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer bell tower. The church itself is very plain, and the climb to the top of the bell tower was more significant than we expected.

One climbs a rather narrow circular staircase of 178 steps up 40 meters. Passing someone going the other direction requires squeezing tightly against the wall.

There are several landings along the way, which give a chance for a break.

Here are the bells.

And finally panoramic views from the top, looking west towards the temple mount with the Dome of the Rock and the Mount of Olives behind it. The tower on the Mount of Olives is the Church of the Ascension.

Looking south, one can see the Dormition Abby on the horizon in the right third of the photo

Looking northwest, the domes of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher are close up.

And finally, looking north, one can see Mt. Scopus on the horizon on the right third of the photo.

After descending the bell tower, we headed for Jaffa Gate to hike the Ramparts Walk on the Northern Wall of the Old City. In ancient times, sentries would walk where we did, guarding the city from attack. Everywhere today, guard rails protect you from falling off the walkway, but in the past, I can imagine the walkways being quite treacherous.

From the ramparts, one can see the rooftops of residences and business nearby. Some are well-maintained; others not so much.

Looking towards the west and the new part of modern Jerusalem.

The tower of the Italian Hospital building (now used as the Ministry of Education and Culture looks just like the tower on Palazzo Vecchio in Florence.

These air spaces built above the wall are formed of terra cotta pots and allow for air flow, yet security.

Looking out towards the entrance plaza to the Damascus Gate.

The ticket for the Ramparts Walk lasts for two days, allowing visits to both the northern and southern sides of the wall. Sten joined me to walk the Southern Wall.

Looking west, you can see the famous King David Hotel with the YMCA tower in the background.

The Dormition Abby, just outside the southern wall.

As we approached the end of the southern section, we encountered a large group of Palestinian schoolgirls, practicing rappelling on this section of the wall. They seemed to be having a great time.

Some German friends took us to the Paulus Haus, a pilgrim hospice under the care of the German Association of the Holy Land on a recent evening. The night views from the roof of the building of the Damascus Gate and the city wall were pretty special.

I wish you all peace, salam, and shalom.