Kennedy Memorial: at the southwestern outskirts of Jerusalem, the
monument is dedicated to the memory of the assassinated President. Fifty
pillars (one for each of the states) separated by long, thin glass windows
sweep upwards in the shape of a circular trunk that doesn't climb very high
when the enormity of its diameter is taken into account. It resembles a
truncated tree and symbolizes a life cut short it's also there to remind one of
the late Senator Robert Kennedy. An eternal flame burns at the very centre.
(Bus to Moshav Aminadav. Also coach tours)
Kidron Valley: also known as the Valley of Jehoshaphat, sits below the
southern Walls between the City of David and the Mount of Olives. From one or
two points in the valley, Jerusalem appears as a city rising from an abyss, a
mound of houses precariously balanced on a slope. According to the Moslems, the
Judgement Day line separating good from evil will stretch over this valley.
Most famous sites here are: Tombs of Absalom, Beni Hezir, Zechariah, and the
Gihon Spring.
(Bus No. 1)
Knesset (Parliament): Rehov Eliezer Kaplan, opposite Israel Museum.
Opened 1966. Giant Menorah (seven-branched candelabrum) outside, depicting
events of Jewish history, sculpted by Benno Elkan and gift of British Parliament.
Entrance gates by late Jerusalemite, David Palombo. Reception hall tapestries
by Marc Chagall. Government buildings nearby. Guided tours Sun. and Thurs.
(when no sittings) 8.30 a.m. - 2.30 p.m. Passport or other form of identity
requested.
(Bus Nos. 9, 24)
L.A. Mayer Memorial Museum for Islamic Art: 2 Rehov Hapalmach. A very
attractive museum comprising about 3,000 items representing the art of Islamic
countries through the ages. There is also a collection of European watches and
clocks and an archive and research library. Open: Sun, Mon, Wed, Thurs. 10
a.m.-5 p.m., Tues. 4-8 p.m., Fri, Sat. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Entrance fee. T
(Bus No. 15, Walk No. 2)
*The Latin Patriarchate: On the road of the same name, between Jaffa
Gate and New Gate. Established in the 11th century, its activities were
suspended when the Crusaders were banished and the Patriarch went into exile.
St. Saviour's Convent was built in the mid-16th century following the expulsion
of the Franciscans from Mt. Zion. It is a self-contained unit comprising
printing press, bakery, wine cellar and so on.
Liberty Bell Garden: Rehov Jabotinsky, across the road from the
Montefiore Windmill. Established on the 200th anniversary of U.S. independence,
it includes a replica of the Liberty Bell, a puppet theatre, roller-skating
rink, and sports facilities.
(Bus Nos. 4, 5, 7, 14, 15, 18, 21)
*Lions' Gate: named after lions carved in relief on both sides. Built
1538-39. Tradition says Suleiman the Magnificent ordered lions sculpted
following his dream that he would be eaten by lions unless he built the Old
City walls. Israeli troops first entered Old City through here in Six Day War.
Also called St. Stephen's Gate as he is said to have been martyred nearby.
(Walk No. 3. Bus Nos. 1 and 42 or 43 from Damascus Gate)
*Lithostrotos: An enclosed part of a Roman road within the Ecce Homo
Convent of the Sisters of Zion. Where Jesus was tried publicly and mocked by
Roman soldiers.
(Walk No. 3)