The first church at this site was built during the Byzantine Empire but was destroyed in 614 CE during the Persian invasion. The Byzantines later rebuilt the church, but today's structure dates back to the Crusader era. After Saladin's conquest, the site was transformed into a mosque dedicated to the Ascension of the Prophet Isa (Jesus) into heaven.
In the 15th century, Christian services resumed here, yet a long-standing tradition has kept the keys to this sacred place in the hands of a Muslim family. To this day, they safeguard the site, a testament to the shared history that spans centuries and connects us all to this sacred place.
A small chapel stands at the centre of a spacious courtyard surrounded by ruins from different eras. It symbolises the enduring spiritual life of this place despite the passage of time and shifts in religious control. The site, now under Muslim stewardship, requires an entrance fee, adding another layer to its unique and multifaceted history, which is sure to intrigue and captivate all who visit.
The Mount of Olives, also known as Olivet, is not just a geographical landmark but a place of profound spiritual significance in the history of Christianity. This iconic ridge, serving as a natural border between Jerusalem and the Judean Desert, has been a witness to pivotal events in the Christian tradition. It was here that Jesus Christ entered Jerusalem on Palm Sunday, prayed at the foot of the mountain in the Garden of Gethsemane, and ascended into heaven from its summit.
Our pilgrimage unfolds as we set out from the Monastery of the Ascension, a historic site perched atop the Mount of Olives. This site, with its Chapel of John the Baptist marking the miraculous second discovery of John the Baptist's head, sets the tone for our journey. We then continue to the Monastery of the Second Coming, a place steeped in the stories of John and Anastasia of Olivet, adding depth to our pilgrimage experience.
Next on our route is the Chapel of the Ascension, also known as the Dome of the Ascension or Imprint Chapel. Here, a stone bears what is believed to be Christ's footprint, left as He ascended into heaven. Nearby, we’ll pause to admire one of the most breathtaking panoramas of Jerusalem before descending towards the Garden of Gethsemane. While this path can be walked, we’ll traverse it by car as planned.
The Garden of Gethsemane awaits, home to ancient olive trees and the Church of All Nations, also known as the Church of the Agony. This solemn and sacred space commemorates Christ’s prayer and suffering on the night of His betrayal. We’ll then ascend to the Church of Mary Magdalene, a striking symbol of Russian Jerusalem with its golden onion domes glinting in the sun.
Our final stop is the Church of the Dormition of the Virgin Mary, where the revered Jerusalem Icon of the Mother of God is housed. This marks the conclusion of our pilgrimage, which began from Point 12, the entrance to the Monastery of the Ascension on the Mount of Olives, and weaved through the sacred landmarks of this historic and spiritual landscape.
