St Andrew's Church, Jerusalem

St Andrew's Church is a Byzantine Revival church standing on a hilltop next to Mount Zion in Jerusalem. The building displays Armenian blue ceramic decorations and features a prominent dome overlooking the Hinnom Valley, while a guesthouse provides accommodation for visitors.

Field Marshal Lord Allenby laid the foundation stone in 1927 as a memorial to Scottish soldiers who died fighting Turkish forces in World War I. The project expressed Scottish commitment to Palestine during and after this global conflict.

The church serves as a gathering place for the Scottish community in Jerusalem and has shaped religious life in the city since its establishment. Visitors can experience the connection between Scottish traditions and the Holy Land, especially during regular worship services.

Visitors should be prepared for a hillside location accessible on foot, and comfortable shoes are recommended. The guesthouse offers accommodation if you wish to stay longer in the area and explore other religious sites nearby.

A floor plaque inside the church honors the Scottish King Robert Bruce and his unfulfilled wish to have his heart buried in Jerusalem after his death in 1329. This quiet memorial connects the journey of a medieval king with the experience of today's visitors to this sacred place.

Location: Jerusalem

Inception: 1920s

Architects: Clifford Holliday

Official opening: 1930

Architectural style: Byzantine Revival architecture

Address: רח' דוד רמז

Website: http://scotsguesthouse.com

GPS coordinates: 31.76882,35.22537

Latest update: December 11, 2025 18:08