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Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center

Notre Dame of Jerusalem Center

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4.6
based on 1358 traveler reviews
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.

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4.6
based on 1358 traveler reviews
  • Roxavgeek
    Roxavgeek
    September 14, 2023

    Amazing hotel with perfect location, next to the holy city, incredible view from the rooftop. The food is great both restaurants. The staff is very friendly, Suzy , Abeer and Rani made me feel like home! They have free pa...

  • Betty Torres
    Betty Torres
    August 11, 2023

    Great hotel in every way. Amazing location right across the street from the New Gate into Old Jerusalem. Nice restaurant, spectacular rooftop views, pleasant and helpful staff, clean rooms, beautiful artwork, comfortable...

  • Carolina Rojas
    Carolina Rojas
    July 18, 2023

    Perfectlocation on the holy land. Rooms are comfortable depends on what you would like to pay. I had a simple room because I was out most of the day. Very clean and polite the staff is. Buffet is always fresh with options...

  • Franchesca Gore
    Franchesca Gore
    September 2, 2023

    Twin beds room with balcony; 1200 shekels(300USD) per night. Rooms: Beds are smaller than single size. Food: Not fresh vegetables Restaurant staff: If you are an individual tourist, not a group, then you can't sit a table...

  • keshav narain (Dr. Narain)
    keshav narain (Dr. Narain)
    January 1, 2023

    Very nicely located guest house/ hotel immediately across from New Gate. Beautiful and historic building where many tourists visit. Chapel nestled on first floor was grand. Enjoyed rooftop views, balcony room, and dinner...

more info
  • address iconHaTsanhanim St 3, Jerusalem
  • Go to website of google map
  • Go to website ofwebsitearrow
phone+972-2-627-9111
more info
phone+972-2-627-9111