Physical Settings Students Explore Jerusalem’s Old City on First Field Study

Jerusalem University College students in the Physical Settings course began their fall 2026 field studies with an orientation to the history and layout of Jerusalem’s Old City. The walk, described by M.A. student Jenny Freestone, took place on Sunday afternoon during orientation weekend.

The group began at the Crusader-era Cenacle, traditionally associated with the Last Supper, where Dr. Elaine Phillips and instructors in training discussed New Testament passages and architectural features of the site.

In the Jewish Quarter, students explored the Roman cardo and the remains known as the Broad Wall, considering the archaeological evidence associated with King Hezekiah’s fortifications. They also visited the shop of Moshe and Dov, longtime JUC friends whose shop fosters interfaith dialogue.

The route continued to the Western Wall plaza and through the Muslim Quarter. At the Ecce Homo arch, the group discussed Roman-period architecture and questions of historical geography related to Passion Week.

After passing through the Lions’ Gate area, students viewed the Mount of Olives and Kidron Valley before returning through Damascus Gate, along the Via Dolorosa, past the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and through the Armenian Quarter.

The walk introduced students to the layers of history and geography they would continue to study throughout the semester.