- Address: East Jerusalem, Israel;
- Opening: June 1924;
- Architectural style: Architecture of Byzantium;
- Architect: Antonio Barluzzi.
The Temple of All Nations in Jerusalem or the Basilica of Agony is located on the outskirts of the city. A more accurate address is at the foot of the Mount of Olives in the Kidron Valley, East Jerusalem. The name of the church is justified, because it was built on the donations of twelve states of the world who have different religions. The symbols of the temple are the coats of arms of the participating countries, located under the dome.
The church of all nations was erected in honor of the biblical event - the betrayal of Jesus Christ and his last night before the crucifixion. Inside the temple there is a stone on which the Savior prayed, as the rumor says. A stone lump is surrounded by a crown of thorns, in which two dove were entangled.
Temple of All Nations - history of erection and description
The church began to erect in 1920-1924 on the site, where in the XII-XIV centuries the crusaders erected a chapel. This is a reliable fact, since the remains of the basilica and fragments of mosaics were found during the construction of the temple. The consecration of the church took place in July 1924. At the roof of the church there are 12 domes in honor of each country, which contributed donations. These countries are: Italy, Germany, Spain, USA, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Great Britain, France, Belgium. Canada.
The architect was the Italian Antonio Barluzio. The decoration is made of marble, forged elements, and a mosaic of gold. Inside there are images and murals on the theme "The Tradition of Jesus", "Taking the Savior in custody". An interesting fact is that the master A. Barluzio portrayed himself in one of the frescoes dedicated to the meeting of Mary and Elizabeth, which happened in Ein Karem.
The people are constantly hurrying to the Church to feel the amazing energy of this place. Sometimes because of such a crowd, it is not always possible to come close to the Stone and the altar. A huge crucifix was hung for the altar. In memory of the dark night, when Jesus was betrayed, the temple is half-dark. For this, special stained-glass windows, blue-blue, were ordered, they disperse the light that enters the Church. Thus, the church has an ideal atmosphere for prayers.
Ornaments are present on the facade of the building, and on the tops of the statues of the Evangelists - Mark, Matvey, Luke and John. In the upper part there is a mosaic depicting the scene of the Sacred Prayer of Jesus. The authorship belongs to the Italian master Bergellini. Around the temple is a garden with olive trees. It is interesting that Catholics chose the church itself as the place of Jesus' praying, and according to the Orthodox canons, it is the Garden of Gethsemane .
Information for tourists
Tourists who came to Jerusalem, the Temple of All Nations can visit in the evening, because it looks especially interesting at this time thanks to a special highlight. Visit time is from 8.30 to 11.30, and from 2.30 to 4.30.
Having reached and examined the Temple of All Nations, you can go to other places of interest, they are quite nearby. The church itself refers to the Catholic faith, or rather to the order of the Franciscans. The beauty of the temple is difficult to describe in words, you need to see it with your own eyes, which pilgrims and pilgrims from different countries are in a hurry to make.
How to get there?
You can get to the temple by buses # 43 and 44, and get off at the final stop - Shekhem Gate. The buses of "Egged" company №1, 2, 38, 39 reach the temple, you need to get off at the "Lion Gate" stop and walk to the temple on foot about 500 m.
Bus number 99 - excursion, it stops in 24 places where there are attractions. To get on it, you need to buy a special ticket for one trip, but he gives the right to go out and return to the bus at any stop. You can buy a ticket at the airport, or at the office of Egged.