The Cenacle – Room of the Last Supper
Located on an upper floor of King David’s Tomb, the Room of the Last Supper, also called the Cenacle, is considered one of the holiest sites for Christianity in Jerusalem, since according to the tradition, it was the place where the last supper took place. The word “Cenacle” is derived from the Latin word for “dining room”, in memory of the festive Passover meal, which Jesus shared with his apostles on the eve of his death.
According to the new testament, Jesus gave his students wine- a symbol of his blood, destined to be spilt, and distributed bread among them (probably a Matzo)- a symbol for his body, which would be sacrificed for the sake of his believers. In one of the hall’s corners, under a small dome built above a staircase, stands a pillar with a decoration that depicts a pair of pelican fledglings pecking into their mother’s heart. The female pelican, who is ready to sacrifice herself for her fledglings, symbolized in medieval Christian art Jesus’ sacrifice for mankind.
According to the Christian tradition, significant events took place at this site: During the Pentecost holiday following the crucifixion, Jesus’ apostles gathered in this site along with his mother. The Holy Spirit entered them, and they started speaking different languages that were, until then, unknown to them. They then made use of these languages to travel abroad and spread Christianity among the nations. The day the Holy Spirit entered the apostles is commemorated on the Christian Pentecost holiday (the 50th day between Passover to the Jewish Shavuot holiday).
This site’s hall was built by the crusaders 800 years ago, and it was part of a big church, which was built by them upon the remnants of an ancient Byzantine Church. The building was renovated into its current form in 1335 by the Franciscan monks, the custodians of the Holy Land.
On the floor below us is the Tomb of King David. According to the New Testament, Jesus is considered to be a descendant of King David’s dynasty. Due to King David’s significance to Islam and Judaism, many disputes arose around the entire compound, and it switched hands throughout history. One may witness the tumults of history looking at the hall’s southern wall, where a Muslim prayer alcove, a “Mihrab”, indicates the direction of Mecca for prayer. This part is a late addition, apparently from the 16th century, when the Franciscan monks were expelled from Mount Zion by the Muslims, and the hall became part of a mosque.
The decorations demonstrate the combination of cultures in this site: the pointy windowsills are built in the Gothic-Christian style, and the window panes are decorated in a Muslim style. The beautiful pointed arches at the ceiling are built in a Crusader-Gothic style, and the wall displays a stylish Arab calligraphy.
Since 1948 Israel gained ownership over the holy sites in Mount Zion- including this hall. The mass conducted here by the popes John Paul the 2nd and Benedict the 16th demonstrate the sanctity Christianity attributes to this site.
The site is open to visitors of all religions.
The Room of the Last Supper is also notable for stunning view of the Dormition Abbey, Old City Walls and Mount of Olives from the roof outside.