Armenian Quarter & Cathedral of St. James
Սուրբ Հակոբյանց վանք
The quietest quarter of the Old City, the Armenian Quarter, where the 12th-century Cathedral of St. James is hung with oil lamps and has a mysterious atmosphere.
The Armenian Quarter occupies about one-sixth of the southwest of the Old City and is one of the oldest Armenian diaspora communities in the world. The present structure of the Cathedral of St. James dates mostly from the 12th century. Inside, hundreds of oil lamps and hanging ornaments are suspended, the floor is covered with carpets, and the walls are decorated with coloured Armenian tiles. It is usually open only around 3:00 to 3:30 pm for evening prayers, and photography is prohibited. The quarter also has an Armenian Museum and a workshop for hand-painted ceramics.
Opening hours
Approx. 3:00–3:30 pm evening prayer (check on site)
Nearby sights
- Tower of David Museum
- Abbey of the Dormition
- Jaffa Gate & Ramparts Walk
- Cenacle & King David's Tomb
- Jewish Quarter & Cardo
- Yemin Moshe & Montefiore Windmill
- Via Dolorosa
- Western Wall