Church of the Dormition

Highlights

The outside architecture of the Dormition Abbey is very unusual with its round features crowned by its wide, blue dome. The size of the church is magnified by by its elevated position on top of Mount Zion and easily leaves one with the impression of a fortress. Inside the church the magnificent mosaics are particularly noteworthy, especially one featuring Jesus surrounded by a number of Biblical women.

Background Information

The Church of Dormition commemorates the falling asleep of Mary, the mother of Jesus, before being summoned to heaven for eternity, according to the Catholic and Eastern Orthodox tradition. The church was built in 1910 by German Benedictine Catholics on land given by the Ottoman Sultan to the German Kaiser Wilhelm II upon his visit to Jerusalem. A Byzantine basilica once stood on the same site which is the traditional site of Mary's home as well as her death.

Travelujah Tips

The church is open daily, free of charge.

Nearby Places of Interest

The Upper Room, the Old City, Zion Gate, Jaffa Gate, the Western Wall

Useful Links

Sacred Destinations

Jerusalem Tours

Jerusalem One Day Tour

Jerusalem City Bus Tour

Jerusalem and Bethlehem One Day Tours