The Basilica of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Jerusalem is a church and Benedictine abbey, located on a hill, just outside the walls of the Old City. The area was considered sacred already in early Christianity, as the supposed place of the fall asleep and Assumption of Mary, mother of Jesus. The Basilica of the Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary is a place often visited by pilgrims and residents of Jerusalem.
The first Byzantine temple was built here in the 5th century AD The Hagia Sion Basilica was destroyed in 614, when Jerusalem was conquered by the Persians. In the 12th century, the church of Saint Mary of Mount Zion was erected, which was also demolished. It was not until 1910, at the behest of William II, that the abbey and the present church were created.
The temple is an example of Neo-Roman architecture, and its design was modeled on the plans of the Aachen cathedral. Inside there is a mosaic depicting Mary with the baby Jesus, below tourists can admire the images of 12 prophets. The basilica also has 6 chapels and an underground crypt, where a life-size figure of the Virgin Mary was made, made of wood.
Attractions inside
