Jerusalem is a place to witness thousands of years of fascinating history. Some sites are hidden underground, like the Western Wall tunnels.

Most of us are familiar with images of Jerusalem dominated by a golden dome and surrounded by ancient walls. Sometimes we see images of bad news, scenes of war or conflict, collisions between religious or political groups. But Jerusalem is way beyond that.

Living so close to this magnificent city, I have had the privilege of experiencing Jerusalem year-round and this experience is beyond words.

So here are 20 photos that will show you a different perspective of Jerusalem, as you have never seen it before.

1. The first view that you see from the very entrance to the city – The Jerusalem Hills.

Views of the Jerusalem Hills

2. Another view usually not associated with Jerusalem, is this serene setting of the city’s Biblical Zoo.

The setting of Jerusalem’s Biblical Zoo

3. When seasons change and winter comes, the city takes on the look and feel of a European capital.

Jaffa Street on a wet winter evening

4. Everything holy wears a beautiful white blanket.

The Russian Holy Trinity Church

5. The usually crowded Western Wall is left only to the most dedicated of worshipers.

Lone worshiper at the snowy Western Wall

6. When the storm is over, the city’s sheer beauty is revealed again.

Entrance to the Old City

7. Hidden gems can be found when entering deep into the Jewish Quarter, in the heart of the Old City.

Welcome to the Jewish Quarter

8. Beauty of all colors can be enjoyed while walking through the Mahane Yehuda food market.

Colorful spices at the Mahne Yehuda market

9. The Old City Market also offers some extraordinarily colorful pieces.

Old City Market merchandise

10. Jerusalem is a place to witness thousands of years of fascinating history. Some sites are hidden underground, like the Western Wall tunnels.

The fascinating Western Wall Tunnels

11. Other sites are carved in rock, like the ancient tombs at the Kidron Valley, dating back to the Second Temple period.

Ancient tombs carved in rock, Kidron Valley

12. Jerusalem is not all ancient though. Even the Israeli Parliament is an example of its more modern sites.

Israeli House of Parliament, the Knesset

13. Jerusalem is an innovative city, one that fuses ancient walls with modern art, as does the Festival of Light each year.

Damascus Gate, as seen only once a year

14. The Festival is the best time to witness the balance between old and new, ancient and modern.

Old Vs. New, bird-eye view of Jerusalem’s Old City

15. Jerusalem is a city of the past, always respecting its origins.

The Ten Commandments at Mount Zion

16. A city that remembers, at the world renowned Holocaust Memorial Museum, Yad Vashem.

Yad Vashem, Holocaust Memorial Museum

17. A city of the present, with picturesque lively neighborhoods.

The Jewish neighborhood of Yemin Moshe

18. And a city of the future, with ever growing contemporary spaces.

Mamilla shopping center

19. Jerusalem will always be the center for all religions, living side by side.

Side by side, fusion of religions in Jerusalem

20. A city that is a feast for the eyes, Jerusalem will surely spark a celebration in your heart.

Fireworks over the Tower of David

—

For more of Jerusalem and Israel’s amazing landscapes, visit my website, or join me on my Facebook page.