Gethsemane & Church of All Nations
גת שמנים
An ancient olive grove at the foot of the Mount of Olives, where the Gospels say Jesus prayed before his arrest. Beside it stands the Church of All Nations, with its mosaic facade.
The Garden of Gethsemane lies on the western slope of the Mount of Olives. Several ancient olive trees in the garden have been dated to nearly a thousand years old. Next to it, the Church of All Nations was built in 1924 and gets its name from the many countries that funded it. Its golden mosaic facade depicts the Crucifixion of Christ. Inside, deep violet-blue glass creates a dim atmosphere, and in front of the altar is the Rock of Agony, where tradition says Jesus knelt in prayer. Entry is free, but visitors must dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees. People usually walk down from the top of the Mount of Olives to get here, and then enter the Old City through Lions' Gate.
Opening hours
Approx. 8:00 am–12:00 pm and 2:00–5:00 pm (earlier in winter)
Nearby sights
- Tomb of the Virgin Mary
- Church of Saint Anne & Pool of Bethesda
- Dome of the Rock (Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif)
- Mount of Olives
- Western Wall
- Rockefeller Archaeological Museum
- Via Dolorosa
- City of David & Hezekiah's Tunnel