Church of St. Mary Magdalene

Why go

Tsar Alexander III commissioned the church in the nineteenth century in memory of his mother, Empress Maria Alexandrovna. Its seven gilded domes and Russian church design stand apart from the stone churches on the slope. Looking back from the Old City or from the hillside shows how strongly that architecture shapes the Mount of Olives skyline.

What to look for

• Seven gilded onion domes rise above the church's roofline.
• The church sits near Gethsemane, across the Kidron Valley from the Old City.

Useful to know

• Use the domes as a landmark when planning a Mount of Olives walk, even if you will only see the exterior.
• Check the convent's current visiting arrangements before planning to enter the church.

Your next visit

Estimated · Declared scenario and planning estimates; no live opening, weather, queue or booking service.