Tomb of the Virgin Mary
קבר מרים
An underground church in the Kidron Valley, where Eastern Orthodox and Armenian churches traditionally identify the tomb of the Virgin Mary.
The Tomb of the Virgin Mary is in the Kidron Valley, north of the Garden of Gethsemane. Its entrance facade dates from the Crusader period. A wide stone staircase of about 47 steps leads down into a dim underground cave church, filled with oil lamps and icons. A small shrine in the centre marks the traditional site of the Virgin Mary's tomb. It is jointly managed by the Greek Orthodox Church and the Armenian Apostolic Church, and entry is free. It is only a few dozen metres from the Church of All Nations, so you can easily visit both. The inside is dark, so watch your step on the stairs.
Opening hours
Approx. 6:00 am–12:00 pm and 2:30–5:00 pm
Nearby sights
- Gethsemane & Church of All Nations
- Church of Saint Anne & Pool of Bethesda
- Dome of the Rock (Temple Mount / Haram al-Sharif)
- Mount of Olives
- Rockefeller Archaeological Museum
- Western Wall
- Via Dolorosa
- Jewish Quarter & Cardo