Wonderful find. Unexpected but worth it. Amazing. Full explanations on multiple boards. Well laid out.
Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center
Jerusalem’s magnificent Pontifical Institute Notre Dame is a towering French cathedral and guest house located across from the Old City’s New Gate. As the director of Notre Dame explains, the complex was built in the 1880’s in order to increase the flow of pilgrims to Jerusalem, and was part of an area called the “French Compound”.
The French “Notre Dame,” which means “Our Lady,” is a reference to the Virgin Mary, who is said to have been assumed into heaven in Jerusalem.
The structure was built on a 400-square-meter plot that was bought by the Count of Piellat, and combined classical and modernist architecture with a touch of eastern motifs thrown in for good measure. In 1893, five years after Notre Dame received its first pilgrims, the cornerstone for the chapel was laid. And in 1904, after 20 years of unceasing construction, the marvelous nave was completed and the outside of the church was crowned with a statue of the Virgin Mary. During the War of Independence the building sustained heavy damage; a part of it was destroyed by explosions and became a guard post.
However, even after the situation quieted down, the center could no longer cope with the prohibitive maintenance costs, and was eventually turned over to the Vatican. Pope John Paul VI took the project under his wing, and in the late 1970’s, Notre Dame reopened as the Holy See’s international pilgrim center.
These days, Notre Dame is mostly used as a boutique guesthouse for pilgrims, who often attend the daily mass at 6:30 pm.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Recent stay as part of a Holy Land group tour, followed by another 2 nights on our own. We really enjoyed this location, right across the street from the New Gate into the Old City. The property is very historic, has a wonderful rooftop viewing area and rooftop restaurant. (Make a reservation!) The included...
MoreRecent stay as part of a Holy Land group tour, followed by another 2 nights on our own. We really enjoyed this location, right across the street from the New Gate into the Old City. The property is very historic, has a wonderful rooftop viewing area and rooftop restaurant. (Make a reservation!) The included buffet breakfast is fresh, delicious and has a wonderful assortment of both hot and cold items. The dinner buffet is also good, and has offerings that change each evening. The staff here is simply wonderful! They accommodate so many groups, but always greeted us personally, kindly, and professionally. Note, there are no TVs in the rooms, and we did not miss that one bit. My only suggestion would be a kettle in the rooms for tea and coffee. We will highly recommend this property to anyone visiting Jerusalem. DO not miss the Man of the Shroud Exhibit, adjacent to the property; fascinating!
LessWe had a wonderful experience in Notre Dame hotel. The rooms are clean and the staff was very hospitable, respecting, amazing and sooooo kind. Highly recommended hotel