According to Christian tradition, this site is revered as the birthplace of the Virgin Mary, where her parents, Anna and Joachim, resided. Within the church, visitors can find the exact location where Mary was born. Situated just a few meters from the entrance through the Lions Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem, the church is affiliated with a distinct Roman Catholic order known as The White Fathers, named for the white robes they wear.
A place for healing
If you are planning to go through “Via Dolorosa” 14 station, you should visit this place as it’s very closed to the first station.The church was built on the remains of a pagan temple delicate to the god of healing dating back to the 3rd century AD. Right next to a water pool known as Beit Hissada (the house of mercy).
Its name, along with the archaeological findings, indicate that it was a healing pool. The water pool is mentioned in a New Testament story of Jesus curing a sick man in John 5 (1-8 ):
“Jesus went up to Jerusalem for one of the Jewish festivals. Now there is in Jerusalem near the sheep Gate poo, which in Aramaic is called “Bethesda” and which is surrounded by five covered colonnades. Here a great number of disabled people use to like the blind, the lame and paralyzed. Who was there had been an invalid for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him lying there and learned that he had been in this condition for a long time, he asked him, “Do you want to get well?”. “Sir”, the invalid replied,” I have no one to help me into the pool when the water is stirred. While trying to get in, someone else goes down ahead of me”. Then Jesus said to him, “Get up! Pick up your mat and walk. At once the man was cured. He picked up his mat and walked”.
History of the church
The pool was once divided by a wall, with a church constructed atop it during the Byzantine period. Later, during the Crusader era, another church was built above it. Although the church we refer to also dates back to the Crusader period, it is located nearby. Originally belonging to the Order of the Benedictine Nuns, it was repurposed as a school called Madrasa al-a-Tzalhiya after the Muslim conquest in 1187, as indicated by an Arabic inscription.
The school boasted esteemed teachers appointed by an Egyptian sultan. However, by the 19th century, the site had fallen into disuse, with parts of it cannibalized for other city structures and the remainder gradually transforming into a mosque. In 1877, the Sultan donated the site to the French government, thereafter becoming property of the Order of the Missionary Fathers of Africa.
The structure, resembling a fortress in its solidity, features minimal ornamentation. Inside, the church takes the form of a basilica with a nave and two aisles. Scenes from Mary’s life adorn the altar in the apse, while stairways at the rear of the room lead to the crypt, purportedly sanctifying Mary’s birthplace—a belief dating back to the time of the Crusaders.
Adjacent to the church lies a monastery of the White Fathers, with a statue of its founder, Cardinal Luizari, greeting visitors at the entrance. Notably, the church boasts remarkable acoustics. Visitors are encouraged to seek permission from the onsite pastor to sing songs and revel in the enchanting sounds that permeate the space.
Basic Information
Address: Lion Gate street
Christianity order :France Roman Catholic, belong to the Les Peres Blance, the“White Fathers”.
Year of build :1138
Arrival options
| Bus lines | Bus no. 236. |
| Car | Accessible by car can be challenging due to the narrow streets and local traffic congestion, particularly in the Muslim quarter and the overall Old City area. It’s advisable to park at locations such as In front of Zion Gate or the Mamilla Parking Lot and embark on a half or full-day tour of the Old City of Jerusalem on foot. |
| Taxi | Tell the taxi driver to drop you at the “Lion Gate” שער האריות |
| Walking | It’s only 10 minutes walk from The All Nation Church. |
Arriving information
Accessibility :It’s an accessible church.
Opening Hours: There are entrance fees.
Phone number + 972-(0)2-6283285
Toilet are available and suitable for wheelchairs.
Nearby site activities
Ancient attraction of the city which are the stations via dolorosa, Temple Mount, Western Wall, Market and Church of the Holy Sepulcher.
If you have ever looked for a Romanesque-style building in Israel, you have just found one! Don’t be shy—start singing a song there. How is your French?
