MarkeTour - A Walk Thru Time in Jerusalem’s Markets
How much would it have cost to buy a cucumber in the 2nd Temple Market, and what’s the price for a trendy shirt at the Machaneh Yehudah Market, now?
by Orit Shayovitz, Professional Tour Guide
Our tour will start across from the archeological park of Jerusalem, near the Temple Mount.
We will explore and experience market life next to the Temple and observe its reflections in the Jewish Midrash (ancient commentaries on Jewish scripture). The sounds and smells of the open market will certainly stand out.
On our next stop, we will find ourselv
es in a Roman Byzantine setting, with the two Cardos roads that were the heart of city at that time (between the 3rd and the 5th centuries). You will hear the amazing story of its discovery, and learn what the Jews have to say about Roman lifestyle and developments.
From there, we will continue into the Crusader’s market that transverses the Old City from north to south. We will find that each alley has its own unique, professional workshops, and see what we can buy there today.
Moving on, we will skip directly to the 19th century, to the market in the center of the Christian Quarter - the “Muristan”. There we can learn about Christian pilgrims’ marches and hear the story of old Mrs. Berman and how she started what later became the current Berman’s Bakery, one of the largest bakeries in Jerusalem.We will walk through the Christian Quarter’s market, that used to be a major center for textile trade, then up to the Jaffa gate, and on to the Mammilla neighborhood . The old Mammilla neighborhood that was burnt and damaged at the beginning of the War of Independence in 1947, is today, a fancy, upscale mall.
Walking through the center of town we will finally find ourselves in the most colorful and lively market in Jerusalem, the “Machane Yehuda market”. We will learn how it was established as a part of the process of expanding the city outside of the walls, and see all its hidden corners and new trendy boutiques, cafes and restaurants.
Walk and experience colorful markets - the beating heart of the city from the 2nd Temple period, through the generations in the Old City and up to the “Modern” market of Machane Yehudah.
Orit Shayovitz is a licensed tour guide, specializing in the unique and often hidden sites of Jerusalem. If you wish to contact Orit, please send us a message and we’ll be happy to pass it along.
