Palestine and Syria: Handbook for Travelers
The Valley of the Kidron, now called Wâdi Sitti Maryam, or valley of St. Mary, bounds Jerusalem on the E. side. The floor of the valley deepens somewhat rapidly. The upper part is broad and planted with olive and almond trees, while the lower part is narrower.
Palestine and Syria: Handbook for Travelers
The Valley of Hinnom is bounded on the S. (left) by the Jebel Abu Tor, a hill also called the Hill of the Tombs, the Hill of the Field of Blood, and most usually by the Franks the Mount of Evil Counsel. It is most easily ascended from the Bethlehem road (p. 117). It derives the last of these names from a legend of the 14th cent., to the effect that Caiaphas possessed a country-house here, where he consulted with the Jews how he might kill Jesus.
Palestine and Syria: Handbook for Travelers
The view of the valley of the Jordan is finest in the evening, but Jerusalem (from the Mount of Olives) is best seen in the light of the rising sun. The hill should therefore certainly be visited twice, especially as an interesting walk to the S. as well as to the N. can be taken.
Palestine and Syria: Handbook for Travelers
Carriage-road as far as the Tombs of the Kings. It is necessary to take a light when visiting the different caverns. — The key to the Cotton Grotto must he procured (through the landlord of the hotel) from the Serai, whence a guide will also he sent (fee 6-9 pi., or more in proportion for a party).
Palestine and Syria: Handbook for Travelers
The space in front of the Jaffa Gate is generally enlivened hy processions of arriving and departing pilgrims. The muleteers and horse-owners, Arab saddlers and farriers are generally posted outside the Jaffa Gate, and European shops have been built along each side of the road. On Friday and Sunday, the scene is especially lively, the Jaffa road being the favourite promenade of the natives.
Palestine and Syria: Handbook for Travelers
From the point where the Christian Street joins the David Street (see above), we follow the latter westwards, towards the Jaffa Gate. To the right is the New Bazaar (PI. 4), a large stone building with shops fitted up on the European plan. A road along the E. side of the bazaar leads past the Greek Hospital, on the left (PI. 47), to the Casa Nuova.
