Jerusalem’s Old City reveals its hidden beauty on Open Houses tours

Architect Tzafi Shelef leads 'God of Small Details' walking tours of Jerusalem's Old City on October 15 and 22 as part of the Open Houses festival. The tours reveal hidden architectural details, stonework, and historical symbols in the Christian Quarter, starting at 3 p.m. from the New Gate.

Architect Tzafi Shelef is leading 'God of Small Details' walking tours of Jerusalem's Old City on October 15 and 22 as part of the Open Houses festival. The tours start at 3 p.m. from the New Gate and focus on hidden architectural details, stonework, and historical symbols, primarily in the Christian Quarter. Shelef, the Jerusalem district manager of the Council for Conservation of Heritage Sites in Israel, points out ornamental features including crosses, coats of arms, and the Jerusalem cross symbol. The festival, curated by Omri Zilka and Or Haklay and managed by Aviva Levinson, offers 171 tours across Jerusalem over two weekends. The article also references the work of late architectural historian David Kroyanker.