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The Tomb of Virgin Mary

The Tomb of Virgin Mary

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4.7
based on 499 traveler reviews
photo of The Tomb of Virgin Maryphoto by: The Tomb of Virgin Mary
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In the Kidron Valley, at the foot of the Mount of Olives, near the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations, lies Mary’s Tomb

In the Kidron Valley, at the foot of the Mount of Olives, near the Garden of Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations, lies Mary’s Tomb. But although most Eastern Christians believe this to be the actual grave site of the mother of Jesus, no one will claim that her remains are still there; according to Christian traditions, Mary ascended into heaven in bodily form. But while Catholics believe that Mary never died, Eastern Christians claim that she did die, was buried, and only ascended after her resurrection on the third day – like her son, Jesus.

Like the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, where Jesus is said to have been buried, the church at Mary’s Tomb was initially built around the time of Constantine I in the 4th century AD. The shrine was subsequently destroyed and rebuilt several times over the centuries, and the current structure was built by Franciscan friars in the second half of the 14th century. The Greek Orthodox Church is in possession of the complex but shares some of the rights to its use with other Christian denominations. Muslims, who also venerate Mary, have a special place for prayer in the building, marked by a mihrab (niche in the wall) that points to Mecca.

Mary’s Tomb is deep under the cruciform church, down a 12-century staircase that is flanked by the Chapel of St. Joseph (Mary’s husband) on one side and a chapel devoted to Mary’s parents on the other. Visitors must bend down in order to enter the crypt, where they are greeted by a brilliant display of religious icons and medieval art. Inside, pilgrims pray and light candles, lending the enclosure a profound aura of peace and reverence.

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4.7
based on 499 traveler reviews
  • Muhammad Aziz
    Muhammad Aziz
    April 10, 2025

    Birthplace of Hazrat Maryam (عليها السلام) . The Church of Saint Anne also known as the Madrasa al-Salahiyya (مدرسة الصلاحيه), is a Roman Catholic church, located at the start of the Via Dolorosa, near the Lions' Gate and...

  • bogdan alexandru bola
    bogdan alexandru bola
    March 24, 2025

    The orthodox Church of the Sepulchre of Saint Mary is a sight that you don.t want to miss when you visit Jerusalem. Situated close to the Garden of Ghetsemani, the tomb is cut in rock and is unlike other holy places that...

  • The Honest Asian Man
    The Honest Asian Man
    July 28, 2023

    not a religious person but they welcome everyone who wanted to visit their respected chapel. just make sure to dress appropriately as you are entering a sacred place for them. remove your hat inside and avoid wearing shor...

  • Alex Drukpa.
    Alex Drukpa.
    March 21, 2023

    A beautiful site, according to Orthodox tradition this is the location of our Blessed Mother's empty tomb. I believe that no assertion is made to the location of her passing (dormition). A lovely little Eastern Orthodox c...

  • Cinna Baran
    Cinna Baran
    May 9, 2023

    The Tomb of the Virgin is a beautiful cave with many oil lamps and gorgeous icons dedicated to the Theotokos and Christ. See her empty tomb, light a candle, and spend a few moments just being in the space or praying. I fo...

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