Our excursion will begin with a visit to one of the oldest functioning temples that continues to operate to this day. In the Church of the Nativity, there is a special descent that leads to the cave where, according to tradition, Jesus was born. It is also here that the icon of the Mother of God of Bethlehem is housed.
Before visiting Bethlehem, we will stop at the Monastery of Mary Magdalene, located on the grounds of Russian Gethsemane. The symbol of the monastery is one of the most magnificent churches in the Holy Land, the Church of St. Mary Magdalene. The building was designed and constructed by a Russian architect and consecrated in the late 19th century.
A viewing platform located on a hilltop along the way to Bethlehem will provide an opportunity to see the breathtaking panorama of Jerusalem. Additionally, on our way to Bethlehem, we can visit the Upper Monastery, which, according to tradition, was visited by the Virgin Mary on the eve of the birth of John the Baptist.
In Bethlehem itself, we can explore the sights of the Milk Grotto Church, which is located near the Church of the Nativity. The church is built over the place where Joseph, Mary, and the infant Jesus sought refuge in a cave centuries ago, hiding from King Herod's spies, who had ordered the destruction of all infants in Bethlehem, fearing the fulfillment of the prophecy that his kingdom would end with the birth of the divine child, as foretold by the star in the sky.
Departure days
Departure days depend on your departure city
Info
Order cancellation conditions:
If a tourist cancels an excursion less than 3 days in advance, the penalty is 100%.
Important:
- The company is not responsible for lost items.
- Responsibility for having an individual insurance policy falls on the tourist.
- Visiting holy places is permitted only in modest clothing. Open T-shirts, short shorts and skirts above the knee are not allowed (shoulders and knees must be covered); women must wear a headscarf when entering temples and other holy places.
Recommended:
Bring drinking water, a hat, and sunglasses with you on the excursion.
The cost of trips does not include and is paid on the spot:
- Food
- Paid entrances
Attractions
Among the dense and luxuriant vegetation of Gethsemane the Orthodox church of Mary Magdalene stands majestically. It is made in the true Russian style.
One Throne Church Mary Magdalene was erected at the end of the nineteenth century by order of Alexander III. The emperor gave the order to build a temple in memory of his mother - Empress Maria Alexandrovna. A few years after the construction of the temple was consecrated - during the celebration of the 900th anniversary of the Baptism of Russia.
As a result of excavations by archaeologists, parts of structures wgich was mentioned more than once in the Bible were discovered in the temple.
The church has seven domes, inside is lined with snow-white marble, and its walls are painted with brushes by famous artists, including Sergey Ivanov and Vasily Vereshchagin.
Modern Bethlehem is located on the territory of the Palestinian Authority. The main population is Muslim Arabs and a small part of Christian Arabs. The main income of Bethlehem is the flow of tourists. Christian pilgrims from all over the world come to this city, the place where Jesus Christ was born. Every Christmas in Bethlehem Christmas masses are held snd the masses are broadcast around the world. The main shrine of the city is a silver star in the cave of the Church of the Nativity of Christ, which marks the place where Jesus was born. In this temple there is a miraculous icon of the smiling Mother of God, the cave of the Beaten Babies.
The Church of the Nativity of Christ was erected in Bethlehem above the cave where Jesus was born. Divine services at the Nativity Church have not practically interrupted since the Early Byzantine era. The modern building of the Church of the Nativity is the only Christian temple in Palestine, preserved from the pre-Muslim period.
Four kilometers from Jerusalem in Ein Karem is the Gornensky Convent - one of the most visited tourist attractions.
It is believed that the monastery was built on the spot where the Virgin brought the message to the mother of St. John the Baptist about the upcoming birth of Christ. A source is visible near the monastery - from it the Mother of God gathered water.
The main church in the monastery is the Kazan Church - here is the famous Kazan icon of the Virgin. Near the church lies a stone - it is believed that John the Baptist read sermons, sitting on it.
There is a church shop in the monastery where every tourist can buy something interesting as a keepsake.
The territory of the monastery is neat and tidy: there are many plants and flowers, paths and benches. This is a place where it is cozy and calm, a place where everyone can relax their souls from everyday fuss.
Russian suburbs, Jerusalem
This neighborhood was built at the end of the XIX century. It was one of the first in the new part of the Israeli capital. It was founded at the command of the then Russian Emperor Alexander II.
The palace was a representation of the Russian Empire in the Holy Land. Russians on pilgrimage stayed here. For them built a hotel, a hospital, a cathedral dedicated to the Trinity. The consulate was also located here.
Today tourists - from all over the world, but especially, of course, from Russia - come here to admire the Holy Trinity Church. It is famous for its two icons - St. Nicholas the Wonderworker and the Annunciation.
Diplomatic traditions are also unchanged. The Consulate of the Russian Federation is still located here.
Jerusalem is not only the capital of modern Israel, but also a city which, for many centuries, has been the "center of the world" for Jews, Christians and Muslims.
No other city on the planet can compare with it, because only Jerusalem has such a rich spiritual and historical attraction.
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