Ramban Synagogue, Jerusalem
When the Spanish rabbi and scholar Moses Ben Nahman (Nahmanides) sought refuge in Jerusalem in 1267, he was dismayed to find only two Jewish families remaining. The Crusaders had slaughtered the city's Jews in 1099 and barred others from returning. Determined to revive the community's life, Nahmanides acquired land near King David鈥檚 Tomb on Mount Zion and established a synagogue, which eventually became a hub for Talmudic study, attracting scholars from far and wide.
Upon the rabbi's passing around 1400, the synagogue was rebuilt at the new location, albeit below ground level, so as to comply with regulations that forbade structures taller than mosques. It quickly emerged as the focal point of Jewish life in Mamluk Jerusalem, marking a significant return of Jews to this part of the Old City since their expulsion in AD 135.
The structure underwent reconstruction in 1523 after its collapse, becoming perhaps the sole Jewish place of worship in Ottoman-controlled Jerusalem. However, in 1587, Jewish worship was banned by authorities, and the building was repurposed as a workshop. It wasn't until 1967, when Israel reclaimed the Old City from Jordan, that Ramban was restored for worship, seven centuries after its original renovation, becoming the oldest standing synagogue in the city.
To enter, pass through the stone gateway and descend the steps. Remember to dress modestly (no tank tops or revealing attire) and cover your head if you're a man; also, refrain from photography or cell phone use on Shabbat. Entry is free!
Upon the rabbi's passing around 1400, the synagogue was rebuilt at the new location, albeit below ground level, so as to comply with regulations that forbade structures taller than mosques. It quickly emerged as the focal point of Jewish life in Mamluk Jerusalem, marking a significant return of Jews to this part of the Old City since their expulsion in AD 135.
The structure underwent reconstruction in 1523 after its collapse, becoming perhaps the sole Jewish place of worship in Ottoman-controlled Jerusalem. However, in 1587, Jewish worship was banned by authorities, and the building was repurposed as a workshop. It wasn't until 1967, when Israel reclaimed the Old City from Jordan, that Ramban was restored for worship, seven centuries after its original renovation, becoming the oldest standing synagogue in the city.
To enter, pass through the stone gateway and descend the steps. Remember to dress modestly (no tank tops or revealing attire) and cover your head if you're a man; also, refrain from photography or cell phone use on Shabbat. Entry is free!
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Jerusalem. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: 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.
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Ramban Synagogue on Map
Sight Name: Ramban Synagogue
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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.
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, 鈥� Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian 鈥� 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
Muslim Quarter & Temple Mount Tour
The largest, most populous and perhaps most chaotic of all Jerusalem鈥檚 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鈥檚 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鈥檚 most interesting city gates (Damascus and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Mount Zion Walking Tour
For those interested in religion and history, Mount Zion offers several unique sights that are situated in close proximity to each other. An important place for Christians, Jews as well as Muslims, it holds important constructions dating from the 20th century as well as a compound built by the Crusaders that marks the spot of both King David鈥檚 tomb and the Room of the Last Supper. How... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.0 Km or 0.6 Miles
Mount Scopus Walking Tour
Dotted with many sightseeing places, Mount Scopus 鈥� translating as the 鈥淥bservation Mount鈥� from Greek 鈥� is a great place to get views over the whole Old City of Jerusalem on a nice day. The mount has been of major strategic importance since Roman times, with forces setting up camp here prior to laying the siege that culminated in the final Roman victory over Jerusalem around 70 AD.... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 Miles
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.3 Km or 1.4 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鈥� life including ascending to Heaven and teaching his disciples the Lord鈥檚 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
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
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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...