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  City Center
  Downtown Jerusalem is the heart of the modern metropolis, with nightlife, dining and culture to rival any major city. The area is made up of several neighborhoods, including the colorful Mahane Yehuda Market, charming Nahalat Shiva, bustling Ben Yehuda and Yafo Streets. Each has its own unique personality and atmosphere that you won’t want to miss out on.
  
  South
  South Jerusalem is an up-and-coming area that has seen the development of numerous attractions in recent years, including the state-of-the-art Jerusalem Payis Arena, which hosts some of the biggest international musical acts and sporting events. It joins places like Emek Refaim Street, Malha Mall, the Biblical Zoo, Teddy Stadium, Gazelle Valley and Ramat Rachel tourism complex in making up an area that is particularly popular with families.
  
  West Jerusalem
  West Jerusalem includes some of Jerusalem’s most charming neighborhoods and interesting attractions. Head to the picturesque Ein Karem at the foot of the Jerusalem Hills for a day of nature, quaint shops and elegant dining with a view. And for an unbeatable cultural experience, check out the Museum District, home to the world-class Israel Museum, the Bible Lands Museum, Science Museum and much more.
  
  Old City
  The Old City of Jerusalem has been a center of culture, religion and history for thousands of years, from the time of the Judean kings and the Roman era through the times of the Islamic Empire to the modern State of Israel. Every brick and stone is teeming with history. No trip to the Middle East is complete without wandering through alleys of the bazaar, walking the ramparts and exploring the Old City’s rich history at the Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa) or Tower of David Museum.
  
  NEAR OLD CITY
  Not far from the Old City, you can find some of Jerusalem’s most vibrant entertainment and shopping centers. Mamilla Mall is just a few steps from Jaffa Gate and counts as one of the most luxurious shopping centers in the city, replete with high-end shops, Mamilla Hotel’s Akasha Spa and a collection of restaurants with amazing views. And if you follow Hebron Road, you’ll find the First Station cultural complex and the Yes Planet movie theater and entertainment center.
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Home > Attractions > The Miriam Arch

The Miriam Arch

This arch is decorated with a “pillow” decoration, located in the Christian Quarter Road, at the heart of the Christian Quarter. The arch is known as “Miriam Arch”, named after Miriam, mother of Jesus, and, during the crusader era, it bordered a western entrance to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

From this opening, one can walk directly to the Rotunda of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, the round building with the dome around the grave of Jesus. The Church of the Holy Sepulcher is located behind the shops in the Christian Quarter Road.

The “pillow” decoration is characteristic of the crusader era, the arch being built of small chiseled pillow-like stones placed upon each other. “Pillow” arches can be seen also on the impressive entrance gates of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher. The other side of the arch is located within the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, in the part that is in the hands of the Catholics.

In front of the arch lays the Greek Monastery Street, and on both sides of this street lay the plots of the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate. Above the Christian Quarter Road there are arches, which connect the patriarchate with the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and enable the patriarchate direct access from its plot to the boundaries of the Church of the Holy Sepulcher.