Temples & religious sites
Church of Mary Magdalene
What It Is
The Church of Mary Magdalene is an Eastern Orthodox church on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Recognisable by its Russian-style gilded onion domes, it overlooks the Kidron Valley facing the Old City walls. Travellers visit to see its 19th-century architecture, religious icons, and to experience a quiet stop along the traditional pilgrimage route.
Getting There
From central Jerusalem or the Old City, you can reach the site on foot in roughly 15 to 25 minutes by crossing the Kidron Valley and walking up the slope. Alternatively, local buses or short taxi rides from the city centre take around 10 to 15 minutes to reach the foot of the hill.
Time to Allow
Plan to spend 30 to 45 minutes on site, which provides sufficient time to view the church interior and walk through the grounds.
When to Go
Mornings are best to avoid warmer midday temperatures, particularly during the summer months. The site and surrounding paths can become crowded when tour and pilgrimage groups arrive. Modest dress covering shoulders and knees is required on the convent grounds.
Nearby Attractions
A visit is easy to combine with several adjacent landmarks on the Mount of Olives:
- Church of All Nations (0.1km): Located directly downhill at the base of the mount.
- Gethsemane (0.1km): An adjacent garden site connected to the pilgrimage trail.
- Kidron Valley (0.3km): The valley floor situated directly below the hillside.
- Tomb of Absalom (0.3km): An ancient rock-cut monument further south along the valley.
Updated September 13, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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