Paulushaus Guesthouse

Paulus-Haus belongs to the German foundation Verein vom Heiligen Land, and this makes it special. Whenever I am in Jerusalem I try to visit it. I got to know this hospice for pilgrims on my first trip to Jerusalem. I had been given a room with a view. From my window I could see Damascus Gate. Since it was Friday evening, I could watch all the people going to and fro. There were families, merchants, Orthodox Jews with fur hats who were hurrying to the Western wall, tourists... Opposite my window lay the Dome of the Rock and I couldn't believe it. Paulus-Haus also has a roof terrace ideal for groups with a magnificent view. The house is led by very friendly sisters. The atmosphere is one of peace and humanism. The house is pure and spacious. It is not far away from the Jerusalem bus station. Shops and restaurants are nearby. You reach the Garden Tomb within three minutes. You cross Nablus Road and stand in front of Damascus Gate, through which you access the Arab market of the old city. The sisters sold products made by hand by Palestinian women when I was there, e.g. embroidery.

This place is very close to the Arab quarter of the old city of Jerusalem. You just have to cross a road and then you are where at the centre of Arab city life. The place itself offers spacious rooms, friendly personell and great breakfasts. In the evening no choice of meals but what was offered was delicious. What we most enjoyed were evenings on one of the roof terraces with wonderful views of sunsets over Jerusalem or the city at night.