Attractions in East Jerusalem (Jerusalem)

Chapel of the Ascension

Rebuilt by the Crusaders as an octagonal chapel, it was transformed into a mosque after 1187. A square on the floor is said to mark the spot at which Jesus ascended to heaven. Outside, note the capitals of the columns. Ask to see the nearby tomb of Pelagia, an early Christian saint who disguised herself as a monk for many years until her secret was revealed when she died. To enter, ring the bell by the mosque; there is a small fee. A small gift stand sells postcards and other souvenirs.

Dominus Flevit

Luke 19:41-44 records that Jesus looked over the city of Jerusalem and wept for its future destruction. The chapel, designed by Italian architect Antonio Barlucci, was built in 1955. During construction, archaeological remains from the Canaanite period, and a lovely Byzantine chapel were discovered, along with tombs from the Second Temple and Late Roman periods. The Byzantine mosaic floor with its intersecting circles, flowers, fruit, leaves, and fish, was incorporated in the building. Barlucci's arched window provides one of the most famous views of Jerusalem. To get to Dominus Flevit, walk up the Mount of Olives along the paved road immediately behind the Basilica of the Agony.

St Mary Magdalene

The golden onion domes of St Mary Magdalene, built by Russian Tsar Alexander III (1888), are a famous landmark on the Mount of Olives. To reach the convent grounds, take the paved road directly behind the Basilica of the Agony. This remarkably beautiful church is associated with St Elizabeth Fyodorovna, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria and widow of Russian Prince Sergei (assassinated in 1905). After her husband's death, she became a nun and served the Russian poor. She was executed during the Bolshevik revolution on 17 July 1918, along with her friend, St Barbara. Both are buried in this church.

St Peter in Gallicantu

Gallicantu means "cockcrow" and this lovely modern church recalls the arrest of Jesus and his warning to Peter that he would deny him three times before the cock crow (Mark 14:66-72, Luke 22:54). Several churches built over the centuries on this spot recalled Jesus' trial before Caiaphas and Peter's denial. There are remarkable cisterns and storage rooms of the Herodian period, and a stepped walk that leads towards Mount Zion. It is likely that the High Priest's house was in the "Herodian Quarter" of the Old City, where wealthy residents lived in that period. Call for information on Catholic masses.

The Garden Tomb

The British General Gordon visited Jerusalem in 1883 and was convinced this was the true tomb of Christ, especially since it sits on a skull-like rocky ledge outside the Old City walls. Most historians now believe the tomb was carved out in the sixth to seventh centuries B.C. and was not in use during the first century. Even if not the tomb of Christ, many Christian visitors find this spot more congenial for prayer than the Holy Sepulchre. A book and gift store is on the premises. There is a special sunrise service on Easter.

Tomb of the Virgin Mary

An ancient Christian tradition says that Mary, the mother of Jesus, fell into an eternal sleep and was taken into heaven from her tomb. The second century manuscript, "Transitus Mariae" records legends of her funeral. The tomb itself dates back to the first century, and several Christian churches have been built, destroyed and rebuilt on this site. The present facade is from the Crusader period. A wide staircase descends 50 steps to the dark crypt. Along its sides are tombs of Queen Melisende (d. 1161) and a chapel dedicated to Anna and Joachim, the parents of Mary.

St. George's Episcopal Cathedral

Dedicated to the early Christian martyr, St. George of Lydda (England's patron saint, a Roman soldier and martyr more often associated with dragon-slaying), the Cathedral is a neo-Gothic edifice that resembles Oxford's New College. In this compound, the Turkish governor surrendered to British General Allenby in 1918. Within the walls are St George's College, a guest house, and the Episcopal bishop's residence. This is a very active congregation, much involved in the Palestinian independence movement, peace and social justice issues.

Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Ascension (Augusta Victoria)

Named for the wife of German Emperor Wilhelm II, the Augusta Victoria complex was intended to be a hospice for malaria patients and a hostel for pilgrims. It was dedicated in 1910 and remains a distinctive Jerusalem landmark. For a small fee, you can climb its 200 step tower for an excellent view of Jerusalem (an elevator goes almost to the top as well). Do not miss the ceiling mosaics and paintings, including one of Kaiser Wilhelm and Augusta Victoria with the German Crusader kings. The church also has a pneumatic organ, possibly the oldest in the Middle East.

St Lazarus, Bethany

Tradition says that Lazarus, friend of Jesus and brother of Mary and Martha, was raised from the dead here(John 11:17-44). The village, despite its name, is not the biblical Bethany, which lies further up the mountain. Get there by car or taxi. The tomb is now surmounted by a mosque, with the Franciscan Church, designed by Barluzzi, nearby. Like other Christian sites on the Mount of Olives, it is built over earlier remains, in this case, fourth and sixth century sanctuaries, and a Crusader period Benedictine convent built by the Crusader Queen Melisende. Parts of these earlier structures and the crusader mosaic floor are visible.

Alternative Tours

These tours are for those with an interest in the Arab/Israeli divide. These excursions safely take you to sites in and around Jerusalem including Hebron (a city of much political debate), Jericho and The Gaza Strip. Many of the places on the agenda are virtually untouched by tourists due to the conflict. Furthermore, there is a chance to visit a refugee camp. All tours are run by friendly and knowledgeable local guides.

Basilica of the Agony of the Lord

A stunningly beautiful mosaic graces the facade, one of Jerusalem's most famous landmarks, designed by Antonio Barluzzi (1924). It is believed that this is the garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus prayed before his arrest (Mark 14:32-46). An olive grove, whose trees are said to have been grown from shoots 2,000 years old, stands next to the church. The dim interior is due to the muted light from windows made of thin sheets of alabaster. The mosaic floor exactly follows the pattern of the earlier Byzantine basilica. Look up to see the unusual designs of the ceiling. Catholic masses are held every Sunday at 6:30a (Italian), 11a (English) and 4p (Latin & Italian). Weekday masses are held at 6:30a (Italian) and 4p (Latin & Italian).

Mount Scopus Botanical Garden

The Botanical Garden was established during the British Mandate at the edge of the Hebrew University campus. Go through the security entrance and walk up the path leading to the upper part of the campus and to the garden. Signs in Hebrew and Latin identify the trees and plants. Of particular interest is the Second Temple period burial cave discovered in 1902. It contained an ossuary bearing the inscription: "The bones of Nicanor of Alexandria who made the gate." Nicanor is mentioned in ancient Hebrew sources as the wealthy man who donated the great bronze or copper doors to the Temple Court. Buried here also are two early Zionist leaders, Leon Pinsker and Menahem Ussishkin.