Church of St. John the Baptist, Jerusalem
The gleaming silver dome rises prominently above the Muristan, offering a striking sight against the city's skyline. Yet, amidst the bustling crowds along the lively Christian Quarter Road, the entrance to this historic landmark may prove elusive. A modest doorway grants access to a courtyard, which in turn grants access to both the adjoining Greek Orthodox monastery and the church itself.
Dating back to the 5th century, the Church of Saint John the Baptist ranks among Jerusalem's oldest religious sites. Despite periods of dilapidation, extensive reconstruction in the 11th century restored its grandeur, with only the later-added bell towers altering its original form. As a Greek Orthodox establishment, it has a resplendent gilded altar screen and is decorated with icons venerating John the Baptist. Notably, one such icon, located just inside the entrance on the right, reputedly houses a fragment of the saint's skull.
In 1099, amidst the tumult of the siege of Jerusalem, this church served as a refuge for Christian knights wounded in battle. Upon recorvery, these knights, inspired by their experiences, pledged themselves to aiding the infirm and safeguarding pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem. Thus, they established the Knights of the Hospital of Saint John, an order that would evolve into the military order of the Hospitallers, playing a pivotal role in defending the Holy Land throughout the Crusades.
Dating back to the 5th century, the Church of Saint John the Baptist ranks among Jerusalem's oldest religious sites. Despite periods of dilapidation, extensive reconstruction in the 11th century restored its grandeur, with only the later-added bell towers altering its original form. As a Greek Orthodox establishment, it has a resplendent gilded altar screen and is decorated with icons venerating John the Baptist. Notably, one such icon, located just inside the entrance on the right, reputedly houses a fragment of the saint's skull.
In 1099, amidst the tumult of the siege of Jerusalem, this church served as a refuge for Christian knights wounded in battle. Upon recorvery, these knights, inspired by their experiences, pledged themselves to aiding the infirm and safeguarding pilgrims journeying to Jerusalem. Thus, they established the Knights of the Hospital of Saint John, an order that would evolve into the military order of the Hospitallers, playing a pivotal role in defending the Holy Land throughout the Crusades.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Jerusalem. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Church of St. John the Baptist on Map
Sight Name: Church of St. John the Baptist
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Jerusalem, Israel (See walking tours in Jerusalem)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Jerusalem, Israel
Create Your Own Walk in Jerusalem
Creating your own self-guided walk in Jerusalem is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Muslim Quarter & Temple Mount Tour
The largest, most populous and perhaps most chaotic of all Jerusalem鈥檚 quarters, the Muslim Quarter is worth exploring for its unique atmosphere. Spending a day here may take you back to a simpler time, but be prepared for many sights and sounds as you pass many vendors, stores and restaurants on your way from site to site.
Some of the city鈥檚 most interesting city gates (Damascus and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Some of the city鈥檚 most interesting city gates (Damascus and... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.1 Km or 1.3 Miles
Armenian Quarter Walking Tour
Smaller and quieter than the Old City's other three quarters, the Armenian quarter contains a series of winding cobblestoned streets and alleyways teeming with people, shops, coffee stands, ceramic workshops and hookah bars. A city in miniature with distinct language, alphabet and culture, it has been in place since the 4th century, when Armenia adopted Christianity as a national religion.
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.2 Km or 0.7 Miles
Mount of Olives Walking Tour
Aside from affording great views over the Old City, the Mount of Olives is home to half a dozen major sites of the Christian faith along with the oldest Jewish burial ground in the world. Considered a holy spot by many, it is associated with numerous events in Jesus鈥� life including ascending to Heaven and teaching his disciples the Lord鈥檚 Prayer.
The following self-guided walking tour will... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
The following self-guided walking tour will... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.7 Km or 1.1 Miles
Christian Quarter Walking Tour
One of the epicenters of worldwide Christianity, the Christian Quarter is the 2nd-largest of Jerusalem鈥檚 four ancient quarters. A fascinating place to stroll through, it covers the Old City鈥檚 northwestern part, just beyond Jaffa Gate 鈥� the traditional pilgrim鈥檚 entrance to Jerusalem and a prime destination for most visitors.
With its tangle of broad streets and winding, narrow alleys,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
With its tangle of broad streets and winding, narrow alleys,... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.1 Km or 0.7 Miles
Jerusalem Old City Walking Tour
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1981, the Old City of Jerusalem is best explored on foot, since its narrow streets and alleys make it almost an entirely vehicle-free zone. In addition to hosting four ethnic quarters, 鈥� Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian 鈥� it is packed with major historical and religious sites, which all make a trip here unique, unforgettable and not to be missed.
The... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
The... view more
Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 5.0 Km or 3.1 Miles
Jewish Quarter Walking Tour
Entirely rebuilt in the 1980s after having been largely destroyed during the 1948 War, the Jewish Quarter is quite distinct from the rest of the Old City. Good signposting, spacious passageways, art galleries and a somewhat less buzzing atmosphere make the area a relaxing place to spend some time.
With its rebuilt residential buildings, some almost consider this area the "New... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
With its rebuilt residential buildings, some almost consider this area the "New... view more
Tour Duration: 1 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 1.3 Km or 0.8 Miles
Useful Travel Guides for Planning Your Trip
16 Uniquely Israel Things to Buy in Jerusalem
Modern day Jerusalem is a mosaic of neighborhoods, reflecting different historical periods, cultures, and religions. The influx of repatriates in recent years has made the cultural and artisanal scene of the city even more colourful and diverse. To find your way through Jerusalem's intricate...