Razzouk Tattoo

Address 31 St George Street, Christian Quarter, Old City

The world's oldest tattoo parlour, tucked into the Christian Quarter of the Old City, where the Razzouk family have been marking pilgrims since the 14th century. The tradition originated among Coptic Christians in Egypt and migrated to Jerusalem centuries ago; Wassim Razzouk is the current practitioner and a 28th-generation tattooist. The woodblock printing stamps he uses for designs include pieces that are 500 years old, their olive-wood surfaces worn smooth by centuries of ink and pressure.

The experience is straightforward: you choose from the traditional designs — Jerusalem Cross, Star of David, fish, dove, biblical scenes — or bring your own. The tattoo marks a pilgrimage completed, as it has for medieval crusaders and Ethiopian priests before you. The shop is small and appointments are advisable; walk-ins are taken when there is capacity.

things to do sight old city
A story
The Razzouk family have been tattooing Christian pilgrims in Jerusalem since around 1300 CE — twenty-eight generations of the same family, preserving the same Coptic woodblock designs used for 700 years. Crusaders, Ethiopian monks, and modern tourists have all sat in this chair. The designs, drawn from olive-wood blocks some of which date to the 15th century, include the Jerusalem Cross, the Last Supper, and images of the Holy Sepulchre.