Churches in Jerusalem the Holy Land

It’s almost impossible to visit and tour Jerusalem without bumping into one of the dozen’s sacred beautiful churches spread across Jerusalem Holy city. Jerusalem, a key part of Jesus Christ’s life, teachings, crucifixion – death and even resurrection, is the most popular pilgrims, crusaders and tourist’s spot in the Holy Land.

Like the Sea of Galilee, Jerusalem is also offering many sacred Holy Christians sites and Churches gathered in a relatively small area, thus, allows holy land Christian tourists, pilgrims and crusaders to visit holy places without the hassle.

Here is a list of the places you must visit while visiting the Christian Holy sites of Jerusalem area, list with Churches of Jerusalem and must see sacred holy land sites:

Jerusalem’s Holy Christians sacred sites are mainly centered in three key areas:

1. Mount of Olives – the place where Jesus Christ ascended to Heaven and spent time teaching and prophesying to his disciples.
2. Mount of Zion – the area of the House of high priest Josef Caiaphas were Jesus was arrested before his crucifixion. (After “Judas Kiss” betrayal near Garden of Gethsemane).
3. Church of the Holy Sepulchre also called the Church of Resurrection or Garden Tomb (also known as Gordon’s Calvary). This area referred to Jesus Christ Crucifixion and Resurrection.

 

We would like to suggest this special and optional tour in the Seven top churches of Jerusalem. The unique aspect of this tour is thanks to the fact that all the listed churches are related directly to Jesus of Nazareth, Josef and Mary.

1 – The Pater Noster Church:

This Church is associated with the teachings of Jesus and with the famous Christian Prayer Pater Noster.  Jesus disciples asking from Jesus to list signs and so the Church of Pater Noster is related to this event:

 

“And as he sat upon the Mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying; tell us, when shall these things be? And what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?” (Matthew 24:3)

“One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.” He said to them, “When you pray, say: ‘Our Father, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come. Give us each day our daily bread. Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.’” (Luke 11:1-4)

Church of Pater Noster – what to see:

• 4th-century Byzantine church.
• Cave which is associated with Jesus’s teachings on the conflict of Good & Evil (Matt 24:1 – 26:2)
• Ceramic Plaques from over 62 different languages.

 

2 – The Dominus Flevit Church:

Next church, located as well on Mount of Olives, eastern to Pater Noster Church based the Dominus Flevit Church which means in Latin – The Lord wept!  This Franciscan Church symbolizes (perpetuated) the tears of Jesus and weeping on the terrible faith of Jerusalem, faith of destruction and pain, which is mentioned in the prophecy:

“As he approached Jerusalem and saw the city, he wept over it and said, “If you, even you, had only known on this day what would bring you peace—but now it is hidden from your eyes. The days will come upon you when your enemies will build an embankment against you and encircle you and hem you in on every side. They will dash you to the ground, you and the children within your walls. They will not leave one stone on another, because you did not recognize the time of God’s coming to you.” (Luke 19:41-44)

 

 

 

Church of Dominus Flevit – what to see:

• Archaeological excavations discovered ancient ruins and discoveries of Byzantine Church. And remains of graves dated to the time of the 2^nd holy temple.
• Antonio Barlutzzi (Italian famous Architect) implemented the story behind the Church of Dominus Flevit and built the Church dome with a “tear” shape reminding us the Lord tears and weeping. (1955). The 4 corners of the Dominus Flevit Church contain 4 big stone pillars representing ancient glass bottles used to carry tears and known as Lachrymatory bottles. The main shrine in the Church facing West to Jerusalem (and not east as usually common) in order to show the crowd, prayers and people that the prophecy indeed proved itself – the Holy temple and Jerusalem City have been destroyed.

 

3 – The Church of Maria Magdalene:

The Church of Maria (Mary) Magdalene is a Russian Orthodox Church on the slopes of Mount Olives. This Church is located next to one of the most popular sacred sites in Jerusalem – the Garden of Gethsemane. Maria Magdalene Church in Jerusalem is famous thanks to its beautiful Golden sharp domes which can be seen from distance.

 

 

4 – The Church of All Nations – The Basilica of the Agony:

The Church of all nations also known as The Basilica of the Agony, located next to Maria Magdalene Church,and it is one of the most popular churches in Jerusalem and Holy Land. The church of all nations is located on the slopes of Mount Olives next to the Garden of Gethsemane. It is a Roman Catholic Church traditionally built near the rock where Jesus Christ prayed before his arrest in deep agony. (Judas Kiss – Judas Betrayal).

 

Church of All nations – Basilica of Agony – what to see:

• Today’s Franciscan Church was built by Antonio Barlutzzi between 1914 and 1924 on top the remains of ancient Church.
• The 12 domes of the church of all nations representing the 12 apostles as well as 12 countries that donate funds contributing the, church establishment, thus it is known today as the Church of all Nations.

 

5 - Church Tomb of the Virgin Mary:

Very close to the Garden of Gethsemane located another impressive and ancient church, the focus this time is on Virgin Mary. This is the traditional tomb of Mary after she fell asleep and died at Mount Zion. The Church Tomb of Virgin Mary was built with a Cross shape during the 4^th century and renovating by Crusaders and Pilgrims during the 12^th Century. The debates around the Church continue to cause conflicts until these days, the control of the church is changing hands, Greek orthodox and the Armenians, who have control in this area.

Tomb of the virgin Mary Church, click here for more information, maps and pictures via Wikipedia

6 – The Church of Hagia Maria Sion Abbey:

The Virgin Mary tomb leads us from Mount Olives to Mount Zion. The Church of Hagia Sion Abbey is one of the most popular in Jerusalem, this Sacred Abbey present the memory of the deep sleep, in Latin “Dormition” of Virgin Mary.

Hagia Maria Sion = Holy Zion was built during the 4^th century and have been destroyed and rebuilt ever since along the decades by different emperors and leaders. The Church of Hagia Maria Sion – click here for more info, maps and pictures via Wikipedia.

 

7 – The Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu:

The Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu is a Roman Catholic Church located on the eastern slope of Mount Zion. This is one of the favorite’s churches among worldwide Christian pilgrims and crusaders.

Gallicantu = cock crow, in commemoration of Peter’s triple rejection of Jesus as Jesus Christ foreseen before he got arrested on Thursday night (before the cock crow).

The Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu, Jerusalem is one of the most beautiful Churches in the Holy land, it is a must see site! The Church main chapel decorated with amazing vivid paintings of the Last Supper (took place on Mount of Zion), Repentant women figures like Mary Magdalene, the 12 disciples and so on.

 

According to Christian tradition, the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu area is the origin place of  the House of high priest Josef Caiaphas were Jesus was arrested before his crucifixion. The tradition states that Jesus was arrested in a cave (dungeon) beneath the Church.  In 1888 during excavations held by monks  a large rock with the Hebrew ancient script saying “לאשם הוא קורבן” which means “blame the victim”, this unique discovery strengthen the belief that in this place Jesus was arrested.

 

 

 

Click here to view info, maps and pictures of the house of Saint Peter at Capernaum

click here for the Holy Land top must see sites list.

 

 

 

Bethphage Church Holy Land of Israel -Jesus Enters Jerusalem:

Bethphage Church is referred to the place where Jesus of Nazareth entered Jerusalem riding a white donkey. Bethphage Church is believed to have been located on the Mount of Olives on the road between Jerusalem and Jericho (close to Bethany). Bethphage is one of the most important sacred places for worldwide Christians and pilgrims.

The origin of Bethphage name:

Bethphage in Hebrew = בית פגי = The House of unripe figs. The origin of the name is in place were people grew figs for living in today’s Mount of Olive area.

Bethphage Church is not widely known among Israelis as Holy Land Christians sacred site, but attracts thousands of Christian Pilgrims each year as it represents the entrance of Jesus on a white donkey into Jerusalem one week before his crucifixion. There are two Churches (Catholic & Orthodox) located one next to another.

Bethphage is the Holy Bible and Gospel Scriptures:

The early divine entrance into Jerusalem via Mount of Olives referred to Zechariah 9:

^“Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey” (Zechariah 9)

The Gospels and scriptures teach us that while Jesus came to Jerusalem via Jericho, he faced a warm welcome by a crowd of cheering flock. This vivid picture is beautifully presented and the Bethphage church walls.

“As they approached Jerusalem and came to Bethphage on the Mount of Olives, Jesus sent two disciples, saying to them, “Go to the village ahead of you, and at once you will find a donkey tied there, with her colt by her. Untie them and bring them to me. If anyone says anything to you, say that the Lord needs them, and he will send them right away.” (Matthew 21:1-3)

“A very large crowd spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from the trees and spread them on the road.  The crowds that went ahead of him and those that followed shouted” (Matthew 21:6)

The Bethphage Church was founded during the 19^th century upon the ruins of ancient Churches. The Church has a clear Byzantine style unlike the Orthodox Greek standing next to it with red-tiled roof.

Bethphage Church Map and Jerusalem area:

This Bethphage Map presents the Area of Jerusalem and Mount of Olives with other sacred Christian Holy Land sites.

One of the most sacred areas for worldwide Christians, pilgrims and Crusaders is The Sea of Galilee, Lake Kineret. The Galilee area (in the northern part of the Holy Land) was Jesus Christ base for his famous miracles, teachings and activities along with his disciples and ministries. The Galilee area turned to be a key part in Jesus’s mature life, especially after an incident when the citizens of Nazareth (his hometown) were furious when they heard Jesus’s preaching in Nazareth’s synagogue and tried to throw him off the cliff.

“All the people in the synagogue were furious when they heard this. They got up, drove him out of the town, and took him to the brow of the hill on which the town was built, in order to throw him off the cliff. But he walked right through the crowd and went on his way”. (Luke 4:28-30)

Tabgha Fish and Loaves Miracle Armenian Ceramic plate

Sea of Galilee – Daily optional Tour and top sacred sites:

Jesus boat, Ginosar:

The Sea of Galilee, also known as the Sea of Ginosar (according to Titus Flavius Josephus the famous 1^st century Romano-Jewish historian) are famous thanks to an amazing discovery related to Jesus’s life time. On 1986 two brothers wandering the Lake Kineret (Sea of Galilee) shore on Ginosar area found an old ancient nail in the ground. They decided to dig deeper, and so they found the remains of an ancient wooden boat (estimated to the 1^st century). Even though no one knows if this was Jesus’s original boat, this archeological discovery remains important and crucial when studying the ancient times of Jesus of Nazareth.  Jesus Boat is located at the Jesus Boat Museum at Ginosar.

 

 

 

Tabgha, the Fish and Loaves miracle and Church:

Traveling north from Ginosar will bring you to the area of Tabgha.

Tabgha is famous thanks to the famous Fish and Loaves miracle, read about the main attractions, history and what to see in this article.

 

Mount of Beatitudes, “Sermon on the Mount”:

Northern to Tabgha area we get to the mount of Beatitudes.

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy”. (Matthew 5-7)

The Main attraction to see in Mount of Beatitudes area is the Byzantine style Catholic Church designed by the architect A. Barluzzi. The church is famous thanks to it octagonal shape, golden mosaics and gardens view to the Sea of Galilee.

 

Capernaum, House of St. Peter and Ancient Synagogue:

The next, obvious and related (also close to Tabgha and Mount of Beatitudes area) stop in the tour next to the shores of the Sea of Galilee is Capernaum.

Capernaum a biblical ancient village was probably the most popular and important base of Jesus Christ’s ministries. There are few Key attractions, “must see” for any tourists who get the chance to visit; we have dedicated this article for more info regarding tour at Capernaum.

 

 

Then he got into the boat, and his disciples followed him. Suddenly, a furious storm came up on the lake, so that the waves swept over the boat. But Jesus was sleeping. The disciples went and woke him, saying, Lord, save us! We’re going to drown! He replied, You of little faith, why are you so afraid? Then he got up and rebuked the winds and the waves, and it was completely calm. The men were amazed and asked, What kind of man is this? Even the winds and the waves obey him!

(Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25)

 

Photos of the Sea of Galilee Ancient Holy Land pictures:

These amazing ancient photos of the Sea of Galilee shore and related Christian sacred sites were taken and published between 1890-1905

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Transformation of Water into Wine, Marriage at Cana Jesus first miracle

Jesus Christ first public miracle – the transformation of water into wine at the wedding in Cana Galilee also known as Marriage at Cana, took place as Jesus was attending a wedding in Cana along with his disciples. The wedding ran out of wine and so Jesus of Nazareth requested the waiters to fill up vessels of water and miraculously turn the water into best wine.

Kfar Cana the modern name of Cana is located few miles north east of Nazareth at The Galilee. Today Cana host both The Franciscan Wedding Church and Greek Orthodox Church. The question about the authenticity of Cana (Kfar Cana) as the real Jesus wine miracle place is still open. On one hand Christian Pilgrims and Crusaders visited the site for decades and referred it as Jesus First public miracle from early days. An Ancient graffiti can be seen on one of the ancient grottoes. On the other hand recent Christian Holy Land excavations a bit north to Nazareth revealed ruins of ancient Jewish village from the 1^st century and some believe it is the Biblical Cana village of the Wine miracle, (View the Galilee map below).

- Holy Land Christian Pilgrims Biblical Style Map

Jesus Christ turns water into wine miracle in the Bible and Gospel:

References to the Wine miracles at the time of the Messiah can be found in several pages in the Bible.

“The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples. Binding his foal to the vine and his donkey’s colt to the choice vine, he has washed his garments in wine and his vesture in the blood of grapes“ (Genesis 49: 10-11)

“When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, they have no wine. And Jesus said to her, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come. His mother said to the servants, Do whatever he tells you.” (John 2: 3-5)

Cana of Galilee top sites and attraction – what to see:

The Franciscan Wedding Church at Cana Galilee with its courtyard, inside the church an ancient byzantine mosaic from the 5^th century and on the outside two bell towers. The lower floor present a small museum with crafts, one ancient vessel is said to be one of the six water jars of the wine miracle.

- Holy Land Souvenirs, Crafts and Gifts at Cana and Nazareth

 

Wedding at Cana Jesus Wine Miracle – Cana Galilee Map:

This Galilee Area Map shows the Christian villages, towns and ancient biblical sites  (Nazareth, Mt Tabor, Capernaum, Korazim, Tiberias, the Sea of Galilee, etc) at the Galilee Holy Land.

Cana Wedding Church Images, videos and pictures:

At Cana two amazing Wine Miracle churches are standing side by side, the Catholic Cana Wedding Church and the Greek orthodox Wine miracle Church. During my last visit at Cana wedding wine miracle Church near Nazareth (August 2011) I took some new photos.

The Catholic Cana Wedding – Wine Miracle Church:

 

 

The Greek Orthodox Cana Wedding – Wine Miracle Church:

Cana Wedding Greek Orthodox Church

Cana Ancient Holy Land pictures & Photos:

These amazing ancient photos of Cana were taken and published between 1890-1905

 

 

 

 

 

Mount Tabor rising about 500 meters above Jezreel Valley at the northern part of the Holyland of Israel at the Lower Galilee.  Mt Tabor = In Hebrew “Har Tavor” =  הר תָּבוֹר Mount Tabor Church believed  to be the traditional place of Jesus Christ Transfiguration in front Peter, James and John the brother of James and so it gained it name the Mount of Transfiguration.

The story of Jesus Christ Transfiguration in Mount Tabor ignites great passion and desire in the hearts and minds of worldwide Christians, Pilgrims and crusaders visiting the Holy land, there are many pictures, songs, art and symbols expressing and presenting the transfiguration of Jesus at Mt Tabor.

Mt Tabor offers perfect view and in a clear day its possible to view big parts of the Galilee, the Sea of the Galilee, Jezreel Valley, Nazareth, Cana and other Christian sites, villages and sacred places. Scroll down to see Mount Tabor and the Galilee map.

Click Here to visit The Christian Holy Land online souvenir shop.

Mount Tabor Jesus Transfiguration – in Bible and Gospel:

Mount Tabor appears several times in the Holy Bible:

• Deborah sent Barak to battle with Sisera in the book of Judges 4:6-7, Mount Tabor have a critical strategic position even in ancient times.
• You created the north and the south Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name. (Psalm 89:12)
• “One will come who is like Tabor among the mountains, like Carmel by the sea. (Jeremiah 46:18)

 

 

In the Holy Gospels Mt Tabor appears in the Transfiguration of Jesus. Jesus Christ followed by his disciples (Peter, John and James) went up the high mountain and transformed in front of them,  Jesus face was shining as the sun and his clothes became bright as the light, then the disciples sa

w Jesus speaking with Moses, Elijah.

Peter said to Jesus, “

Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters-one for
Jesus Christ then told the terrified disciples “Get up don’t be afraid.” you, one for Moses and one for Elijah.” (Matthew 17:4) Then a bright cloud surrounded them, and a voice said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased. Listen to him!”

When they all went down the mountain Jesus asked them “Don’t tell anyone what you have seen, until the Son of Man has been raised from the dead.” (Matthew 17:1-9)

Mount Tabor attractions and what to see:

1. Mount Tabor offers fantastic breathtaking view of Jezreel Valley and the Galilee.
2. The Church of Transfiguration is located at Mount Tabor peak, the Church was built upon ruins of ancient Byzantine church.
3. The Eastern Orthodox monastery with its Two Bell towers stand on each entrance, located in the northern side of the Transfiguration Church.

Mount Tabor, Holy Land Jezreel Valley Map:

This Map reveals big parts of the Galilee, the Sea of the Galilee, Jezreel Valley, Nazareth, Cana and other Christian sites, villages and sacred places which have been major part of Jesus Christ life and still are in today’s worldwide Christians, pilgrims and Crusaders.

 

Visit Christian Holy Land online Gift and souvenirs shop.

 

Tabgha, located in the northwest shore of Lake Kineret, the sea of the Galilee, is one of the Christian Holy Land main sites presents another fascinating miracle by Jesus Christ. Tabgha in Arabic Al-Tabigha, in Hebrew Ein Sheva = עין שבע which means The 7 springs. Tabgha is the traditional site of Jesus miracle of multiplication of the loaves and fish near the Sea of the Galilee.
“And when he had taken the five loaves and the two fishes, he looked up to heaven, and blessed, and brake the loaves, and gave them to his disciples to set before them; and the two fishes divided he among them all.  And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes. And they that did eat of the loaves were about five thousand men”. (Mark 6: 30-44)

 

The multiplication of the Loaves and Fish at Tabgha Holy land of Israel Sea of Galilee have inspired worldwide Christian, Pilgrimage crusades and Jesus Christ followers for decades, Tabgha  Fish and Loaves Mosaic is a famous Christian symbol appears in pictures, songs and scripts. Tabgah Mosaic is most famous thanks to the Church of Multiplication of the loaves and fish also known as the Church of Multiplication or Tabgha Church in the Galilee.

Tabgha Church of Galilee in the Bible and Gospel:

According to Mark Jesus and the disciples searched for a quite remote peaceful place but the big crowd from the surrounding Galilee villages and towns recognized them and followed them. The hour was late and five thousand people where far from any village or food and so Jesus miraculously multiplied five loaves and two fish – “And they did all eat, and were filled. And they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments, and of the fishes”

Fish and Loaves Miracle is a key motive in Armenian Ceramic art and Crafts.

Tabgha Church at the Sea of the Galilee attractions and what to see:

• The Tabgha Multiplication Church is famous thanks to the fantastic preserved ancient Christian Fish and Loaves mosaic, Tabgha Church is modern but stands on the ruins of 4^th Century Church which traditionally believed to be the site of the multiplication miracle.
• Part of the beautiful ancient Tabgha mosaic reveals birds and plants and it is preserved in such a great condition that it is actually possible to identify the animal and birds species.  The Tabgha Mosaic is the earliest known example of a figured Mosaic in Galilee, Holyland and Christian art.
• Fish and Loaves Crafts and Ceramic Art is one of the Holy Land’s bestselling souvenirs.

Tabgha at the Sea of the Galilee Map:

This Holy Land Galilee map present main attractions and Christian sites in the Galilee and the Sea of Galilee shore, Tabgha Church, Beit Tsaida, Capernaum (Kfar Nahum), Saint Peter Church, Ginosar, Tiberias and key roads in the Galilee area.

Fish and Loaves Miracle is a key motive in Armenian Ceramic art and Crafts.