Dormition Abbey, Benedictine abbey on Mount Zion, Jerusalem, Israel

Dormition Abbey is a Benedictine monastery on Mount Zion in Jerusalem, Israel. The round stone building with a tall conical roof rises above the surrounding Old City and contains a main pillared hall inside that leads down to a lower level with side chapels.

German Emperor Wilhelm II acquired the land during his pilgrimage to the Holy Land in 1898 and transferred it to a Catholic association. Construction began shortly afterward under the direction of an architect from Cologne and was completed after ten years of work.

The abbey takes its name from the Christian tradition that Mary fell into eternal sleep here before her assumption into heaven. Visitors today see a carved wooden figure of Mary resting in the lower level, surrounded by chapels from different nations that reflect the worldwide interest in this site.

The upper floors offer views over the Old City, while the lower level contains several smaller rooms for quiet reflection. Visitors should note that access to certain areas may be restricted depending on liturgical activities.

The bell tower stands apart from the church so that its shadow never falls on David's Tomb below; for the same reason it has no direct link to the basilica. During the 1948 war the tower was taken by Israeli forces and used as an observation post until the Old City was captured in 1967.