Nea Ekklesia of the Theotokos, Byzantine church ruins in Jerusalem, Israel
Nea Ekklesia of the Theotokos is a Byzantine church ruin in Jerusalem's Old City built from stone and featuring classical columns. The remains show a layout with a large entry area and spaces extending in various directions.
Emperor Justinian I ordered this church built in the 6th century and it was completed around 543. Persian armies destroyed it in 614 during their invasion of the region.
The church served as a gathering place for pilgrims and believers in early Christian Jerusalem. It stood among other holy sites that shaped the spiritual life of the city.
The site is located in Jerusalem's Old City and is reached on foot through paths that wind between historic buildings and walls. Good footwear is recommended since the ground is uneven and passages can be narrow.
This church was not only a place of worship but also a hostel for pilgrims with integrated sick beds and lodging rooms. It combined religious devotion with practical care for travelers and the ill from across the region.
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