Other Ancient Steps in Jerusalem

Ancient Steps in Gethsemane

While blogging last week about the Rabbis' Teaching Steps, it occurred to me that there are any number of ancient steps of interest in Jerusalem.  In my first visit to the Church of Mary Magdalene this year, I came upon one such set of steps in the garden area of the compound which is actually a part of the Garden of Gethsemane.

My research suggests that the steps may date to the second century BCE.  If this is true, not only might Jesus have walked here with His disciples but so might the Hasmoneans, the Herodians, and pilgrims of all parties.  

If the garden was not a walled compound as today, the steps may have begun the ascent to the Mount of Olives.  The eastern traveler would have walked this way to Bethphage and the Wadi Qelt and the alternate route to Jericho.

A First Visit to the Church of Mary Magdalene

Sometimes I am asked: "Is there anything left for you to see?" After eighteen seasons in the Holy Land, I guess the question is a natural. You might think that given the size of this land and the numerous trips made that little would be left to see.

The answer is "yes." This morning's walk was a case in point. While you can see the Church of Mary Magdalene from a distance or a passing bus, the visit today was my first on the grounds of the church and inside the church.

I have always admired this 19th century church with its seven beautiful, golden "onion domes." Situated on the edge of the Garden of Gethsemane, the grounds of the church are beautifully maintained. The interior of the church has beautiful icons in the Russian Orthodox tradition. Saint Elizabeth, the sister-in-law of Tsar Alexander III (the builder of this church), is buried inside the church.

Yes, there is still much for me to see in this land. Its sites, churches, and people continue to beckon me back. In fact, it is a comfortable second-home for us.

P. S. You can visit the Church of Mary Magdalene now.