In Jerusalem: Ten Christian Sites
By VIVA SARAH PRESS
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
To many Christians, this is the holiest site in Jerusalem. Its size and
reputation as the place where nothing can get done because its various
denominations bicker over every minute detail that involves a change to the
site (including changing a light bulb), attracts the bulk of tourists as
far as Christian sites in Israel goes.
Church of the Holy Sepulchre |
Claim to fame: This church is said to mark the site of Golgotha. At the
entrance to the Franciscan Chapel is the tenth station where Jesus was
stripped of his clothes, and at the far end is the eleventh where he was
nailed to the cross. To the left in the Greek chapel is the twelfth
station, the site of the Crucifixion. Between the eleventh and twelfth
stations is the thirteenth where Mary received Jesus' body. Jesus' tomb on
the ground floor is the fourteenth station.
Icons: A painting above the stone where Jesus was lain before being buried
illustrates the story of his Crucifixion; a life-size Jesus, clad in a
metal loincloth marks the twelfth station; the thirteenth station is marked
by a statue of Mary with a silver dagger stuck into her breast; Jesus' tomb
is in a large marble structure. In the rest of the church's labyrinth of
small chapels one will find many decrepit paintings with religious themes.
Sense appeal: Being in the Church of the Holy Sepulcher is like being on an
adventure; the size of the church with all of its small chapels is exciting
to explore. The different religious sects laying claim to different parts
of the church adds a hint of intensity.
Open: 5 am - 8 pm, free.
The Garden Tomb
Hidden behind the Jerusalem east bus station, the Garden Tomb is an oasis
in the middle of smog and pollution. As well as being a religious site, it
is a unique respite from the bustling city outside its gates.
Claim to fame: The garden is believed by some Protestants to be Golgotha,
the site of Jesus's crucifixion.
Icons: Beautifully-manicured garden; Tomb said to be that of Joseph of
Arimanthea, who placed Jesus' body in his own tomb after the crucifixion.
Sense appeal: The garden leaves one with a peaceful feeling, with guides
who are both soft-spoken and informative.
Open: Monday-Saturday, 8 am - 12:15 pm and 2:30 - 5:15 pm, free.
Church of St. John
Among all the things it has going for it, this church has a prime location:
it can be found in the heart of the picturesque village of Ein Kerem.
Claim to fame: Ein Kerem is traditionally known as the birthplace of John
the Baptist. The church marks the exact spot where he was born.
Icons: Huge paintings dealing with Christian themes including the
Decapitation of Saint John.
Sense appeal: The church, and its picturesque surroundings, leaves one with
a sense of tranquility.
Open: Monday-Saturday, 8 am - 12 noon and 2:30 - 6 pm; Sun 9 -noon and 2:30
- 5 pm, free.
Condemnation Chapel and Chapel of Flagellation
Claim to fame: Jesus was sentenced to crucifixion in the Condemnation
Chapel and was first flogged by Roman soldiers at the Chapel of
Flagellation.
Icons: The courtyard is plain and yet inviting. The chapels are simple and
depict scenes of Jesus' life.
Sense appeal: Relaxed atmosphere off the busy Via Dolorosa street.
Open: 8 am - noon and 2 - 6 pm, free.
The Grotto of the Apostles and Mary's Tomb
The open and very plain courtyard is a stark contrast to the eerily dark
and dusty cave containing Mary's Tomb below. At the bottom of the 45 steps
underground, a monk sells pictures of Mary. The adjoining grotto is small
and packed with tourists.
Claim to fame: The grotto is said to be the site of the betrayal and arrest
of Jesus. The grotto adjoins Mary's Tomb, where according to tradition, the
body of the mother of Jesus was brought to rest.
Icons: In Mary's Tomb, the numerous religious paintings on the walls take
away from the meaning of the event. In the grotto, there are three fresco
scenes which depict Jesus Praying with the Twelve Disciples, The Judas Kiss
and The Assumption of Mary.
Sense appeal: The Tomb of Mary is dank and dusty; the grotto is cramped and
overly-bright with fluorescent bulbs. Yet, there's an unexplainable
attraction to this place.
Open: 8:30 am - 12 noon; 2:30 pm - 5 pm, free.
The Russian Orthodox Church of St. Mary Magdalene |
The Russian Orthodox Church of St. Mary Magdalene
Situated on the slope of the Mount of Olives, this church has a great view
of the Old City.
Claim to fame: Czar Alexander III built the church in 1885 and dedicated it
to his mother, the Empress Maria Alexandrovna. The crypt houses the body of
a Russian grand duchess. Now serves as a convent for 28 nuns.
Icons: Large murals depicting the life of Saint Mary Magdalene were painted
by well-known Russian artist Sergei Ivanov (1864-1910).
Sense appeal: A pervasive smell of incense and a nice garden.
Open: Tuesday and Thursday, 10 - 11:30 am, free.
Sanctuary of Dominus Flevit (The Lord Wept)
With another excellent view of the Old City, this small modern church
offers the tired traveler a comfortable surprise.
Claim to Fame: This church was erected in 1955 to mark the spot where Jesus
wept for Jerusalem. The chapel, constructed by Italian architect Antonio
Barluzzi, is in the shape of a teardrop.
Icons: Nice mosaic outside the church; inside somewhat bare. At the
entrance to the compound there is an ossuary.
Sense appeal: The cactus garden would provide a homey feeling if not for
the neon green benches set out for tourists to take a breather.
Open: 8 am - 12 pm; 2:30 pm - 5 pm, free.
Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony) |
Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony)
Because this church is at the bottom of the Mount of Olives path, it is a
common gathering spot for hawkers, camels, and taxis waiting to take
tourists for a ride. The Garden of Gethsemane inside the gate offers a nice
respite.
Claim to fame: The garden is said to be where Jesus spent his last night
in prayer before he was betrayed by Judas.
Icons: Mosaics inside the dimly lit church depict the last days of Jesus'
life, outside the facade portrays Jesus bringing peace to all nations. The
stained-glass windows keep the light out.
Sense appeal: The church is very dark and the garden is dry.
Open: 8:30 am - 12 pm and 2:30 pm - 6 pm, free.
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
This enormous and startling building is hard to miss in the Old City's
Christian Quarter. Too bad; it's interior is worth a miss.
Claim to fame: A spiral staircase leads up to its bell tower.
Icons: Few paintings; lots of flyers about upcoming events in the Christian
community.
Sense appeal: An empty feeling overcomes one when inside the church.
Open: 9 am - 12 pm; 1:30 pm - 5pm, free.
Ecce Homo Arch
With local vendors offering "free" tours of this and other sites along the
Via Dolorosa, it's hard to imagine this place attracts any visitors at all.
Claim to fame: Pilate is said to have looked down upon a scrouged Jesus and
cried "Behold the Man."
Icons: Behind a pane of glass one can see the remnants of the arch.
Sense appeal: none
Open: Monday-Saturday, 8:30 am - 12:30 pm and 2 pm - 4 pm, free.
© Copyright - The Jerusalem Post
| 
