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Temples & religious sites

Church of Mary Magdalene

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Church of Mary Magdalene

Church of Mary Magdalene

This Eastern Orthodox church is located on the Mount of Olives. It is characterized by its traditional Russian architecture and golden onion domes. Travelers visit this site for its religious significance in Eastern Orthodox Christianity and for the views it provides over the Kidron Valley and the Garden of Gethsemane.

Getting There

The church is accessible from the Jerusalem city center via local bus or taxi. The journey typically takes 15 to 30 minutes depending on traffic conditions. Visitors arriving by foot from the Old City will need to climb the Mount of Olives, which takes longer and requires significant uphill walking.

Visit Duration

Allow approximately 45 to 90 minutes to explore the interior of the church and the surrounding hillside grounds.

When to Visit

Visiting during the early morning hours helps avoid the larger tour groups that arrive mid-day. The site can become crowded during major religious holidays and the peak tourist seasons of spring and autumn.

Nearby Attractions

Because of its location, this site is easily combined with other landmarks in the immediate area:

  • Church of All Nations: 0.1km
  • Gethsemane: 0.1km
  • Kidron Valley: 0.3km
  • Tomb of Absalom: 0.3km

Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Tickets & tours

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Stays near Church of Mary Magdalene

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Good to visit alongside

Church of All Nations

Temples & religious sites

Church of All Nations

A Catholic church next to the Garden of Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives. It houses the rock where Jesus is said to have prayed before his arrest, drawing a steady stream of pilgrims.

0.1 km away
Gethsemane

Parks & gardens

Gethsemane

Gethsemane is a garden on the western slope of the Mount of Olives, facing the Kidron Valley, said to be where Jesus often went with his disciples to pray. It is also known as the place where he prayed one last time and was arrested after the Last Supper.

0.1 km away
Kidron Valley

Nature

Kidron Valley

A valley east of Jerusalem's Old City with deep historical roots, mentioned in the Bible. During the rainy season, it occasionally features a flowing stream, creating a distinctive landscape.

0.3 km away
Tomb of Absalom

Heritage & monuments

Tomb of Absalom

Absalom's Tomb is an ancient tomb in the Kidron Valley, carved entirely out of solid rock, staircase included. Standing 18.5 meters tall, it lets visitors admire both its scale and its intricate carving.

0.3 km away
Chapel of the Ascension

Temples & religious sites

Chapel of the Ascension

Located atop the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, this site is traditionally believed to be where Jesus ascended into heaven. Steeped in history, it is now used as a mosque.

0.4 km away
Church of the Pater Noster

Temples & religious sites

Church of the Pater Noster

A church on the Mount of Olives, said to be where Jesus taught his disciples the Lord's Prayer. The convent's walls display the prayer inscribed in 62 languages from around the world, including Korean.

0.4 km away