The Gethsemane Church is one of the most stunning churches in Jerusalem. It marks the events of Jesus’ last night. After the Last Supper, Jesus went there with three disciples to pray. He knew his time was near, but his disciples kept falling asleep. That night, Judas betrayed Jesus to the Romans with a kiss on the cheek.

What is Getshemane?

This church goes by three names: Gethsemane, All Nations, and Greif Church. Gethsemane means “oil press” due to the abundance of olive trees surrounding it. The churchyard is adorned with ancient olive trees, providing an ideal spot for prayer.

The name All Nations Church reflects the fact that it was funded by 12 different countries after World War I. It’s also known as the Church of Grief, as it commemorates Jesus’ sorrowful prayer to God on the Thursday night following the Last Supper.

As you enter the church, you’ll pass through ancient olive trees. Inside, you’ll find impressive mosaics and statues depicting Jesus and humanity’s connection to God. The Corinthian-titled pillars support the structure, while mosaics narrate the story of Judas and his betrayal. The ceiling, painted to resemble a starry sky, symbolizes being in prayer with Jesus.

The church, belonging to the Franciscan order, was designed by Antonio Barluzzi and consecrated in 1924. It features alabaster windows, with purple hues symbolizing anguish and sadness in Christian art. Fragmented mosaics from the Byzantine period are integrated into the church’s floor, and tradition holds that the large rock within is where Jesus prayed on his final night.

Basic Information

Church name Gethsemane Church and All Nations church

Address : Derech Yericho Street

Christianity order Franciscan

Year of build 1924

Arrival options

Bus lines	Bus No 1, and No.3.
Car	Park on the top of mount olive and walk here by foot if possible, if not look for parking in El Mansuria street near the church.
Taxi	As the driver to take you to “Gat Shemanim” כנסיית גת שמנים
Walking	If you park in Mount olive observatory, you can walk down in a walking road which lead you the Dominos Flevit church and Gethsemane church.

Accessibility

You can access the church in a wheelchair.

Opening hours 08:30 to 12:00 and 14:30 to 17:00. On Sundays, Fridays and Saturday the church is closed at 16:00.

There is no charge for admission.

You cannot come in with a hat, talk or eat during your visit inside the church.

Telephone number 972-(0)2-6266444.

Toilets with payment are available in front of the road.

Nearby site activities

While at Gethsemane, consider exploring other churches on the Mount of Olives, such as Dominus Flevit.

Pilgrims often proceed to the Old City via the Lion’s Gate, embarking on a journey through the 14 stations of the Via Dolorosa. This route culminates at the revered Church of the Holy Sepulcher.

My experience

This place is magical. The olive groves outside, the purple color, the ancient remnants of the beautiful mosaic and the painting on the wall.Beyond it all, It has a magnificent importance to the Christian history. You should not miss this place while visiting Jerusalem.