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Al-Eizariya
ℹ️Practical info — Al-Eizariya
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🌤 Weather — 5 days
📍 Nearby
Sights nearby
💡 Tips
- Visit the Tomb of Lazarus early in the morning before the large tour buses filled with pilgrims arrive.
- Keep your passport handy at all times, as traveling between here and Jerusalem requires passing through checkpoints.
- Traffic on the main Jericho road can be extremely heavy; you will navigate the center much faster on foot.
- Support the local economy by buying souvenirs and snacks from the independent vendors surrounding the holy sites.
🍽 Food
Find this traditional roasted chicken dish loaded with sumac and onions in classic restaurants near the center.
Along the busy road heading towards Jericho, there are excellent shawarma stands for a quick, filling meal.
Enjoy a glass at one of the small hillside cafes that offer great views over the rolling landscape.
🛍 Shopping · 🧘 Quiet spots
Souvenir shops around the Tomb of Lazarus sell beautifully hand-carved religious and decorative items.
Look for intricate textiles handmade by local women's cooperatives in the area.
This small courtyard features a quiet, shaded oasis away from the bustle of the pilgrim crowds.
Walk towards the east of the town to get a wide, peaceful view overlooking the Judean Desert.
Water temperature…
Al-Eizariya, the biblical town of Bethany, is a site of immense spiritual significance located on the eastern slopes of the Mount of Olives. Its modern name is derived from Lazarus, whom according to the New Testament, Jesus raised from the dead in this very location. The focal point for visitors is the Tomb of Lazarus, an ancient rock-cut chamber reached via a narrow flight of steps. Surrounding the tomb are several historic religious structures, including the modern Church of St. Lazarus and the archaeological remains of Byzantine and Crusader-era churches. Notably, the ruins of a 12th-century Benedictine convent founded by Queen Melisende of Jerusalem highlight the town's medieval importance. Today, Al-Eizariya serves as a major pilgrimage destination within the Jerusalem urban area, offering a profound connection to biblical history while providing scenic views over the surrounding hills and the nearby Judean Desert.
- Location: Palestinian Territories
- Top sights: Givati Parking Lot dig · Lions' Gate · Herod's Gate
- Nearby: Beit Sahour (7 km)
- Population: ~17.455 (2023)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is Apr, May, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 13 | 16 | 20 | 24 | 28 | 30 | 30 | 28 | 24 | 18 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 63 | 58 | 32 | 15 | 6 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 8 | 29 | 52 |
Geography
Facts
- Name derives from Lazarus
- Houses the Tomb of Lazarus
- Located 2 km east of Jerusalem
- Byzantine church mosaics present
- Important Christian pilgrimage site
- Part of Jerusalem Governorate
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Al-Eizariya (7)
Frequently asked questions
Why is al-Eizariya popular among tourists?
What is the best way to get there from Jerusalem?
Are there entrance fees for historical sites?
Is the town safe for tourists?
What is the best time of day to visit?
Al-Eizariya: where is it located?
Al-Eizariya: what is there to see?
Al-Eizariya: when is the best time to visit?
Al-Eizariya: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
