Church of Mary Magdalene
Church of Mary Magdalene, Eastern Orthodox church on Mount of Olives, Jerusalem
The Church of Mary Magdalene is a Russian Orthodox place of worship on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, built from white sandstone and crowned by seven gilded onion domes with Orthodox crosses. The facade shows fine stonework and arched elements, while the walls display religious motifs and ornamental details throughout.
Tsar Alexander III commissioned the church in 1888 following designs by architect David Grimm to honor his mother Empress Maria Alexandrovna. Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna and Sister Barbara, executed in 1918, were later laid to rest here and canonized as martyrs.
The name honors Mary Magdalene, recognized in the Gospels as the first witness of the Resurrection and a central figure in Christian tradition. The iconostasis made of marble and bronze separates the altar from the nave, following the traditional layout of Russian Orthodox worship spaces.
Access is granted through the Russian Ecclesiastical Mission only on Tuesdays and Thursdays between 10:00 AM and 12:00 PM. Visitors should dress modestly and plan enough time for the visit, as opening hours are limited.
The oil lamps from the 19th century still burn before the icons, creating flickering light that reflects on the golden surfaces. Paintings by Russian artists Alexander Ivanov and Vereshchagin adorn the interior walls, depicting biblical scenes in warm tones.
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