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Gethsemane

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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Gethsemane is a historic garden located at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, deeply revered in Christian tradition as the site where Jesus prayed before his betrayal and arrest. The name is derived from the Aramaic 'Gat Shmanim,' meaning 'oil press,' indicating the area's ancient role in olive oil production. The garden is famous for its eight ancient olive trees, which are among the oldest known in the world, with scientific dating suggesting they are nearly a thousand years old. Adjacent to the garden stands the Church of All Nations, also known as the Basilica of the Agony, completed in 1924 by the architect Antonio Barluzzi. The church is named for the various countries that contributed to its construction and features a memorable mosaic facade and a dark, starlit ceiling designed to evoke the night of the Passion. Inside, the 'Rock of Agony' is enshrined before the main altar, believed to be the spot where Jesus prayed. Archaeological excavations have uncovered remains of a 4th-century Byzantine basilica and a 12th-century Crusader church on the site, highlighting its long history of Christian veneration. The garden gives a direct view of the Kidron Valley and the Golden Gate of Jerusalem's Old City walls. Gethsemane remains one of the most poignant and spiritually significant landmarks in the Holy Land, maintained by the Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land. Its combination of natural antiquity and sacred architecture provides a unique space for meditation and historical reflection.

Location: Israel
Top sights: House and birthplace of Virgin Mary · Church of Mary Magdalene · Grotto of Gethsemane
Nearby: Modi'in (28 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	11	12	15	18	22	25	27	27	26	23	18	14
Rain mm	88	62	37	21	5	1	1	0	2	14	46	83

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The Garden of Gethsemane at the foot of the Mount of Olives is freely accessible. The adjacent Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony) can also be visited, usually with an entry fee.

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Typical hours

The garden is typically open daily from about 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. The basilica usually has similar hours, shorter on Sundays.

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Photography

Photography in the garden is allowed anytime. Inside the basilica, photography without flash is usually permitted, but prohibited during services.

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Time needed

Allow about 30 minutes for the garden and basilica. If you also see the surrounding sites on the Mount of Olives, plan two to three hours.

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Combine with

Combine Gethsemane with the Chapel of the Ascension and the Paternoster Monastery on the Mount of Olives. The Kidron Valley and Jerusalem's Old City are also nearby.

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Getting there

The garden is at the foot of the Mount of Olives and is reachable on foot from Jerusalem's Old City. From Jaffa Gate it's about a 15-minute walk downhill or by bus.

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Insider tip

Visit the garden early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the contemplative atmosphere. Look out for the ancient olive trees, which may be up to 900 years old.

Geography

Coordinates

31.77940, 35.23960

Facts

The name Gethsemane comes from the Aramaic word for 'oil press.'
The eight oldest olive trees in the garden are estimated to be over 900 years old.
The Church of All Nations was officially completed in 1924.
Twelve different nations contributed funds to build the present basilica.
Foundations of a 4th-century Byzantine church are visible within the current structure.
The garden is located directly across the Kidron Valley from the Golden Gate.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Dome of the Rock<1 km · SExplore →

Hinnom Valley2 km · SExplore →

Al-Eizariya2 km · NExplore →

Jebel Mukabbir3 km · WExplore →

Wadi el-Arayis Nature Area3 km · NWExplore →

Mahane Yehuda Market3 km · SExplore →

Anata4 km · NEExplore →

Jebel Abu Ghneim6 km · SWExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

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Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town Gethsemane (4)

House and birthplace of Virgin Mary ⛪ religious

A chapel within St. Anne's Church, traditionally identified as the birthplace of the Virgin Mary.

Church of Mary Magdalene ⛪ religious

A Russian Orthodox church on the Mount of Olives, famous for its seven gilded onion domes.

🕒 Tu,Th 10:00-12:00

Grotto of Gethsemane ⛪ religious

A natural grotto traditionally venerated as the place where Jesus' disciples slept.

🌐 seetheholyland.net

Saint Stephen's Church 📍 landmark

A modern Greek Orthodox church built over the remains of a Byzantine basilica.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is Gethsemane?

At the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem.

What is to see there?

Very old olive trees and the Church of All Nations.

Is admission free?

Yes, the garden can be visited.

How long does the visit take?

About 30 to 45 minutes.

Is there a dress code?

Yes, modest clothing is required in the church.

Gethsemane: where is it located?

Gethsemane is located in Israel.

Gethsemane: what is there to see?

Highlights include House and birthplace of Virgin Mary, Church of Mary Magdalene, Grotto of Gethsemane.

Gethsemane: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.

Gethsemane: why is it worth visiting?

Gethsemane is a historic garden located at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, deeply revered in Christian tradition as the site where Jesus prayed before his betrayal and arrest.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

Gethsemane

Best time to visit & climate