The Austrian Hospice, Jerusalem

On your next visit to the Old City of Jerusalem, do not miss the opportunity to ascend to the roof of the Austrian Hospice – one of the most beautiful and unique vantage points in the city. From this spot, you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Old City, combining historical buildings, sacred sites, and impressive landmarks.

From here, you can see the gleaming Dome of the Rock, the significant Church of the Holy Sepulchre, the fully restored Hurva Synagogue, and a wide variety of churches, mosques, and synagogues spread throughout the city. But the view is not limited to the famous buildings – a closer look reveals dense rooftops, hidden courtyards, small balconies with green plants, and winding alleys crossing the Old City. Every detail in this landscape tells a story – of peoples, religions, eras, and traditions that have existed here for thousands of years.

The clear air on the roof provides a momentary sense of detachment from the noise of the streets below, yet the sound of bells ringing in the distance, a call to prayer from one of the minarets, and the city’s murmurs remind you that life here never stops. Although the view includes houses that appear ordinary, in Jerusalem – especially in the Old City – nothing is truly ordinary. Every building, every balcony, every window tells a different story, and only from the heights of the roof can you see how all the small details come together into one unforgettable picture.