YMCA Three Arches Hotel, Jerusalem
On King David Street, a face-off unfolds between two of West Jerusalem's most impressive buildings: the regal King David Hotel and the illustrious YMCA Three Arches Hotel. Designed by the same visionary architect behind New York's Empire State Building, the latter stands tall with its imposing tower and majestic cupolas—a veritable icon of Jerusalem.
However impressive the exterior may be, it hardly prepares visitors for the intricate interior decor. Inside, design motifs from three distinct cultures intertwine with symbols from the three primary monotheistic religions. Within the concert hall, the dome's 12 windows symbolize the 12 Tribes of Israel, the 12 Disciples of Christ, and the 12 Followers of Muhammad. Meanwhile, on the chandelier are representations of the Cross, Crescent, and Star of David. The entire aesthetic blends Art Deco with traditional Middle Eastern motifs, yet beneath its eclectic design lies a profound ethos of peace and tolerance among diverse faiths and cultures. And the forty pillars? They represent the years of exile endured by the people before their long-awaited return to the Promised Land.
Tip:
For a small fee, adventurous souls can ascend the 90-meter bell tower that offers a great vantage point over the the city. However, due to a past incident, solo climbs are prohibited—safety first!
However impressive the exterior may be, it hardly prepares visitors for the intricate interior decor. Inside, design motifs from three distinct cultures intertwine with symbols from the three primary monotheistic religions. Within the concert hall, the dome's 12 windows symbolize the 12 Tribes of Israel, the 12 Disciples of Christ, and the 12 Followers of Muhammad. Meanwhile, on the chandelier are representations of the Cross, Crescent, and Star of David. The entire aesthetic blends Art Deco with traditional Middle Eastern motifs, yet beneath its eclectic design lies a profound ethos of peace and tolerance among diverse faiths and cultures. And the forty pillars? They represent the years of exile endured by the people before their long-awaited return to the Promised Land.
Tip:
For a small fee, adventurous souls can ascend the 90-meter bell tower that offers a great vantage point over the the city. However, due to a past incident, solo climbs are prohibited—safety first!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Jerusalem. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
YMCA Three Arches Hotel on Map
Sight Name: YMCA Three Arches Hotel
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Walking Tours in Jerusalem, Israel
Create Your Own Walk in Jerusalem
Creating your own self-guided walk in Jerusalem is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Christian Quarter Walking Tour
One of the epicenters of worldwide Christianity, the Christian Quarter is the 2nd-largest of Jerusalem’s four ancient quarters. A fascinating place to stroll through, it covers the Old City’s northwestern part, just beyond Jaffa Gate – the traditional pilgrim’s entrance to Jerusalem and a prime destination for most visitors.
With its tangle of broad streets and winding, narrow alleys,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
With its tangle of broad streets and winding, narrow alleys,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Muslim Quarter & Temple Mount Tour
The largest, most populous and perhaps most chaotic of all Jerusalem’s quarters, the Muslim Quarter is worth exploring for its unique atmosphere. Spending a day here may take you back to a simpler time, but be prepared for many sights and sounds as you pass many vendors, stores and restaurants on your way from site to site.
Some of the city’s most interesting city gates (Damascus and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Some of the city’s most interesting city gates (Damascus and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Jerusalem Old City Walking Tour
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, the Old City of Jerusalem is best explored on foot, since its narrow streets and alleys make it almost an entirely vehicle-free zone. In addition to hosting four ethnic quarters, – Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian – it is packed with major historical and religious sites, which all make a trip here unique, unforgettable and not to be missed.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Mount of Olives Walking Tour
Aside from affording great views over the Old City, the Mount of Olives is home to half a dozen major sites of the Christian faith along with the oldest Jewish burial ground in the world. Considered a holy spot by many, it is associated with numerous events in Jesus’ life including ascending to Heaven and teaching his disciples the Lord’s Prayer.
The following self-guided walking tour will... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The following self-guided walking tour will... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
Entirely rebuilt in the 1980s after having been largely destroyed during the 1948 War, the Jewish Quarter is quite distinct from the rest of the Old City. Good signposting, spacious passageways, art galleries and a somewhat less buzzing atmosphere make the area a relaxing place to spend some time.
With its rebuilt residential buildings, some almost consider this area the "New... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
With its rebuilt residential buildings, some almost consider this area the "New... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Jerusalem City Gates Walking Tour
Historians believe that the Old City of Jerusalem probably came into being more than 4,500 years ago. The defensive wall around it features a number of gates built on the order of the Ottoman sultan Suleyman the Magnificent in the first half of the 16th century, each of which is an attraction in its own right. Until as recently as 1870, they were all closed from sunset to sunrise; nowadays, just... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.7 Km or 2.3 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
16 Uniquely Israel Things to Buy in Jerusalem
Modern day Jerusalem is a mosaic of neighborhoods, reflecting different historical periods, cultures, and religions. The influx of repatriates in recent years has made the cultural and artisanal scene of the city even more colourful and diverse. To find your way through Jerusalem's intricate...