Armenian Quarter Walking Tour (Self Guided), Jerusalem

Smaller and quieter than the Old City's other three quarters, the Armenian quarter contains a series of winding cobblestoned streets and alleyways teeming with people, shops, coffee stands, ceramic workshops and hookah bars. A city in miniature with distinct language, alphabet and culture, it has been in place since the 4th century, when Armenia adopted Christianity as a national religion.

Accessible through the Jaffa and Zion gates, its star attractions include the Tower of David – one of the city’s most interesting historic sights, home to a spectacular sound and light show in the evening; the captivating St. James Cathedral and its amazing choir; and what is considered to be the first church after Jesus’s resurrection – St Mark’s. At the quarter’s southern end, the Zion Gate, built by Suleiman the Magnificent’s engineers, provides access to neighboring Mount Zion.

In between these sights, make sure to stop by the open Arabic bazaar at David Street, the elegant Neo-Gothic Christ Church (oldest Protestant building in the Middle East!), and the Armenian Museum, whose most powerful exhibit depicts the nation’s genocide in Turkey during World War I.

As with the other quarters, a visit to the Armenian quarter is a must, so take this self-guided tour to walk your way through!