Travel
Diary of Mrs. R.P. Eaton:
Europe,
Egypt, and Palestine, ca. 1857
On entering the Jaffa gate, and passing through the massive walls it was a thrilling thought that I was in the City of the Great King, and on Mount Zion! On the night was the Tower of David – the Heippicus of Josephus – an ancient building resemble-
ing a castle, and is one of the few relics of the former city.
I lost no time in ascending to the roof, for a view of the city and its surroundings. “Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together.” It occupies a high broad eminence, and is surrounded on all sides, but the north west by deep valleys. The west ern part of the city is considerably higher than the eastern. The wall enclosing the city is lofty, and of an imposing appearance, its entire circuit being about two miles and a half. The four sides, though not regular, are easily made out, and nearly face the cardinal points. Mount Zion, much the barges elevation in the city, embraces its southwestern portion. East of this, across a depression called the Tyropean valley, is Moriah, the seat of Solomon’s temple, now occupied by the mosque of Omar, whose lofty and brilliant dome makes a striking appearance. Calvary is just north by a little east of Zion. The Church of the Holy Sepulchere, a large irregular edifice, is built over it, its principal dome is partially decayed. The Mount of Olives seems to rise up beautifully from the eastern edge of the city, but the deep valley of Pehoshaphat intervenes. The summit of Olivesis nearly two hundred feet higher than the city, and is crowned with a mosque, and the Church of the Ascension.
The setting sun illumines its western slopes, dotted with olive trees,
and disclosing occasional terraces, and three paths leading over it toward
Bethany. Am I really looking upon these sacred dealities? It is a wonderful
view – it is a holy hour – a time when unalterable thoughts
and powerful emotions fill the soul. Within my range of vision, even near
me, what strange, solemn, and all important events have occurred! The
next morning – the Jewish Sabbath – was clear, bright and
balmy, and I saw the sun rise gloriously over the Mount of Olives.