John the Baptist, Church of Visitation

Highlights of the Church of the Visitation

While in Ein Kerem a visit to the Church of Visitation is a must, if for no other reason than its location on top of a hill with a magnificent view. The church is fairly recent, but is built on very old foundations of earlier churches. Its very pleasant court yard is surrounded by plaques with the Magnificat, Mary's song of praise, in nearly every language spoken today, neatly painted on tiles in the very old Armenian tradition still practised in Jerusalem.

Background Information

The ancient town of Ein Kerem was the home of John the Baptist, according to tradition, and has been a central point in Christian geography for many centuries. Mary is said to have visited her cousin in the village and Mary's Well has become the focal point of modern Ein Kerem, with its many restaurants, artists studios, churches and monasteries. This very picturesque town has kept its ancient character, with stone houses surrounded by beautiful gardens sprawling up the hillsides facing the sunset and a small town atmosphere.

Travelujah Tips

Ein Kerem is full of life all week, but especially on Saturdays when the town can be quite crowded. Partly wheelchair accessible.

Nearby Places of Interest

Yad Vashem, Mount Herzl

 Articles

 Hours of Operation

Useful Links

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ein_Kerem 

http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Articles/Attractions/Ein+Kerem.htm 

http://www.gojerusalem.com/Package.aspx?pkgID=637&FirstCat=Events&FirstCatVal=121&SecCatVal=23&SecCat=Conferences 

http://www.goisrael.com/Tourism_Eng/Tourist+Information/Christian+Themes/Details/Church+of+the+Visitation+++chr.

htm http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/jerusalem-church-of-visitation.htm