Ascension Church, Christian church on Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel
The Ascension Church is a Russian Orthodox church on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, recognizable by its bell tower that rises to about 64 meters (210 feet). The building has a cross-shaped floor plan topped by a central dome, and it sits within a walled compound that also contains gardens.
Planning for the church began in the late 19th century with the backing of the Russian imperial family, the foundation stone was laid in 1907, and it was dedicated in 1910. After the Russian Revolution, ownership of Russian church properties in Jerusalem became disputed for many decades.
The church belongs to the Russian Orthodox Church and its interior walls are covered with mosaics and frescoes showing scenes from the life of Jesus. Visitors walking through the space can see how the artwork and the building's layout work together to tell a single visual story of faith.
The entrance is on Rabi'a al-Adawwiyya Street, where visitors ring a keypad at the main green gate to be let in. The compound sits on a hillside, so sturdy footwear is a good idea, and going early in the day usually means fewer people around.
The church houses an organ with original German pipes dating from when the building was first set up, built specifically for this space. The instrument is still playable today, making it one of the older working organs in the region.
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