Summary
St. Peter in Gallicantu is on Mount Zion near Zion Gate. Visit the “Crowing Rooster” church, Jesus’ trial tradition, mosaics, dungeon pit, Holy Stairs, and views.
St. Peter in Gallicantu Jerusalem
Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu in Jerusalem
The Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu (often nicknamed the “Crowing Rooster Church”) is a Roman Catholic sanctuary on the eastern slope of Mount Zion, just outside Jerusalem’s Old City, a short walk from Zion Gate. Saint Peter in Gallicantu+2holylandsite+2
Its name points straight to the Gospel drama: “Gallicantu” comes from Latin and refers to the cock-crow—the moment Peter realizes he has denied Jesus, and breaks down in repentance. holylandsite+1
Quick facts
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Where is it? Mount Zion, near Zion Gate (just outside the Old City). Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1
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What does it commemorate? Peter’s denial/repentance and traditions connected with Jesus being brought to Caiaphas after the arrest. holylandsite+2קרן ירושלים+2
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Official opening hours: Monday–Saturday 8:30 am–5:00 pm; closed Sundays (also closed Dec 25 and Jan 1). Saint Peter in Gallicantu+2Saint Peter in Gallicantu+2
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Official address & phone: Ma’aleh Hashalom – Mount Zion, Jerusalem; +972 (0)2 673 17 39. Saint Peter in Gallicantu
The story: why pilgrims come here with a lump in the throat
This is one of Jerusalem’s most human holy places.
On the night Jesus was arrested, Peter—brave in promises, exhausted in reality—ends up near the high priest’s courtyard. A servant girl asks a simple question… and Peter folds. Once. Twice. A third time. And then: the rooster crow.
It’s not only a story of failure. It’s a story of what Christianity insists is still possible after failure: repentance, mercy, and restoration. That’s why this church doesn’t feel like a triumphal monument. It feels like a place where people whisper prayers like:
“Lord, give me courage when I’m afraid.”
“Lord, forgive me when I fall.”
“Lord, restore me when I return.”
And that’s also why so many pilgrimage groups come here before (or after) visiting Gethsemane—because this slope of Mount Zion feels like the “night side” of Holy Week.
Why it matters in Christianity
This sanctuary gathers several traditions into one powerful visit:
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Peter’s Denial and Repentance: the “cock-crow” memory that shaped Christian preaching about repentance for centuries. travelpalestine.ps+1
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House of Caiaphas tradition: many guides describe the site as traditionally associated with the high priest’s complex where Jesus was taken after his arrest. holylandsite+2קרן ירושלים+2
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A place you can walk: the sanctuary highlights a “Holy Stairs” tradition and an on-site route that pilgrims connect with the Passion narrative. Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1
What you’ll see (don’t skip these)
According to the sanctuary’s own “Prepare your visit” page, the site includes: Saint Peter in Gallicantu
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A neo-Byzantine church with mosaics
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A crypt with icons
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A deep pit known as the “dungeon” (traditionally linked by pilgrims to Jesus being held)
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The “Holy Stairs” tradition
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A model of Byzantine Jerusalem
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Archaeological areas
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A belvedere / panoramic viewpoint over Jerusalem
That’s why this church is a rare Mount Zion stop: it’s not just one room—it’s an entire layered pilgrimage experience, from bright mosaics above to stone-dark spaces below. Saint Peter in Gallicantu
Visiting info
Opening hours (official): Monday–Saturday 8:30 am to 5:00 pm. Closed on Sunday, Dec 25, and Jan 1. Saint Peter in Gallicantu+2Saint Peter in Gallicantu+2
Shop hours (official): 9:00 am to 5:00 pm; closed Sundays. Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1
Address & phone (official): Ma’aleh Hashalom – Mount Zion, Jerusalem; +972 (0)2 673 17 39. Saint Peter in Gallicantu
(Helpful site note for your page: “Hours can change for events and local conditions—verify before visiting.”)
Practical tips
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Go early for a calmer, more prayerful atmosphere (it can get busy with groups).
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Plan 45–75 minutes if you want to see the church, crypt, and other levels properly.
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If your tour is Passion-focused, visit before Gethsemane (it makes the story flow emotionally).
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If your tour is “Old City first,” visit after Zion Gate and before heading down toward the Kidron Valley area. Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1
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Don’t rush the mosaics—this sanctuary uses art to teach the story. Saint Peter in Gallicantu
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Go down to the crypt—many pilgrims say this is where the visit becomes personal. Saint Peter in Gallicantu
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Visit the dungeon pit area with reverence and silence (it’s emotionally heavy for many). Saint Peter in Gallicantu
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If you have mobility challenges, be ready for stairs and level changes (multiple areas are below ground).
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Read the “Peter denial” passages on-site (short + powerful): Matthew 26:69–75 or Luke 22:54–62.
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For Catholic groups: add a 60-second examination-of-conscience moment (it fits the place perfectly).
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For Protestant groups: emphasize repentance + restoration (John 21 is a great follow-up theme).
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For Orthodox visitors: treat icon spaces respectfully (no flash; avoid crowding the icon areas). Saint Peter in Gallicantu
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Keep voices low—stone spaces echo.
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Do explanations outside; enter quietly.
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Take a photo of the church exterior mosaic (like yours), then step aside so others can pass.
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Use the belvedere/viewpoint for a short “Jerusalem prayer” before leaving. Saint Peter in Gallicantu
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Add 10 minutes buffer in your schedule; groups often linger here.
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Bring water (Mount Zion walking adds up).
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Wear shoes with grip—stone steps can feel slick.
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If you’re creating content, capture 3 shots: exterior mosaic, church interior mosaic, and one low-light crypt moment. Saint Peter in Gallicantu
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Don’t promise “exactness”: write “traditionally associated with Caiaphas” rather than stating it as proven fact. holylandsite+1
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Mention the meaning of “Gallicantu” on your page—it answers a high-intent question fast. travelpalestine.ps+1
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Add the official hours prominently (many visitors check this last-minute). Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1
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Add the phone number (same reason). Saint Peter in Gallicantu
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Use clear image alt text with the full site name (helps AI and SEO).
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If you’re building a content cluster, link to: Zion Gate, Mount Zion, Kidron Valley, Gethsemane, Mount of Olives route. Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1
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Add a “What to notice” box: mosaics, crypt icons, dungeon pit, Holy Stairs, viewpoint. Saint Peter in Gallicantu
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If you’re guiding a group, make this a “short teaching + long silence” stop.
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Encourage respectful behavior—this is a prayer sanctuary, not a museum. Saint Peter in Gallicantu
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If Sunday is your only day, note it’s typically closed (plan another day). Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1
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On Dec 25 and Jan 1, it’s closed (important for Christmas/New Year pilgrims). Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1
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If you’re doing this as part of a Passion itinerary, consider ending with a short prayer for courage (“Lord, make me faithful.”).
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If you visit in winter, bring a light layer—underground spaces can feel cool.
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If crowds are heavy, do one quick pass, then return to your favorite area after groups move on.
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Stop by the shop if you want a quick souvenir or guide material (open Mon–Sat). Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1
FAQ
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Where is the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu?
On Mount Zion, near Zion Gate, just outside the Old City walls. Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1 -
What does “Gallicantu” mean?
It refers to “cock-crow,” linking the site to Peter’s denial story. travelpalestine.ps+1 -
Why is it called the “Crowing Rooster Church”?
Because the name commemorates the rooster-crow moment connected with Peter’s denial and repentance. travelpalestine.ps+1 -
What is the church famous for?
Its mosaics, underground levels (crypt), and features like the dungeon pit and viewpoint. Saint Peter in Gallicantu -
Is this the place where Peter denied Jesus?
The site is traditionally associated with the high priest’s complex and the Gospel memory of Peter’s denial; it’s a tradition-based pilgrimage location. holylandsite+1 -
Is this connected to the House of Caiaphas?
Many sources describe it as traditionally linked with the house/palace of Caiaphas where Jesus was taken after the arrest. holylandsite+2קרן ירושלים+2 -
What are the official opening hours?
Monday–Saturday 8:30 am–5:00 pm; closed Sundays (also closed Dec 25 and Jan 1). Saint Peter in Gallicantu+2Saint Peter in Gallicantu+2 -
Is it open on Sundays?
No—official information lists it as closed on Sundays. Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1 -
Is there Mass on Sunday there?
Official information states there is no Mass/service on Sunday. Saint Peter in Gallicantu -
How do I contact the church?
The official site lists +972 (0)2 673 17 39. Saint Peter in Gallicantu -
What is the address?
The official site lists Ma’aleh Hashalom – Mount Zion, Jerusalem (near Zion Gate). Saint Peter in Gallicantu -
How much time should I plan?
Usually 45–75 minutes for a meaningful visit (longer with prayer or crowds). -
Is the church underground?
The sanctuary includes underground areas such as a crypt and other lower features. Saint Peter in Gallicantu -
What is the “dungeon pit”?
The sanctuary describes a deep pit known as the dungeon, shown to pilgrims as part of the visit. Saint Peter in Gallicantu -
What is in the crypt?
The sanctuary notes a crypt with icons. Saint Peter in Gallicantu -
Does the church have mosaics?
Yes—official visitor info highlights the neo-Byzantine church and its mosaics. Saint Peter in Gallicantu -
Is there a viewpoint?
Yes—the sanctuary lists a belvedere with a panoramic view. Saint Peter in Gallicantu -
Is it near the Old City?
Yes—official info says it’s a few meters from Zion Gate. Saint Peter in Gallicantu -
Is it part of the Mount Zion pilgrimage cluster?
Yes—its location on Mount Zion makes it a natural stop with other Zion Gate/Mount Zion sites. Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1 -
Who runs the sanctuary?
The sanctuary states it is run by the Assumptionists (Augustinians of the Assumption). Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1 -
Is it Catholic?
It is a Roman Catholic sanctuary administered by that community. holylandsite+1 -
Is the shop open?
Yes—official info lists the shop as open 9:00 am–5:00 pm, closed Sundays. Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1 -
Is this a good stop for Passion Week reflection?
Yes—its theme (denial, repentance) is closely tied to Holy Week devotion. Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1 -
What Bible passage fits best on-site?
Matthew 26:69–75 or Luke 22:54–62 (Peter’s denial and repentance). -
What should I wear?
Modest attire is recommended for holy sites in Jerusalem. -
Can I take photos inside?
Policies may vary by area—follow on-site guidance and avoid flash in prayer spaces. -
Is it crowded?
It can be, especially with tour groups; early visits tend to be calmer. -
Is it accessible for strollers/wheelchairs?
Because of stairs and underground levels, accessibility can be limited—check on the day. -
What makes it different from other Jerusalem churches?
The combination of vivid mosaics above and a multi-level descent (crypt, dungeon pit, archaeology) below. Saint Peter in Gallicantu -
Can I combine this with Gethsemane in one walk?
Many pilgrims combine Mount Zion and the Kidron Valley / Gethsemane area in the same day; plan time and energy accordingly. -
Is it closed on Christmas Day?
Yes—official info lists it as closed on Dec 25. Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1 -
Is it closed on New Year’s Day?
Yes—official info lists it as closed on Jan 1. Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1 -
What’s the simplest one-sentence description?
“A Mount Zion church near Zion Gate commemorating Peter’s denial at cock-crow and traditions connected with Caiaphas.” Saint Peter in Gallicantu+1 -
Why do pilgrims find this place emotional?
Because it centers on failure, repentance, and restoration—an experience many people relate to. -
What should I not miss?
The mosaics, the crypt, and the belvedere/viewpoint (if open). Saint Peter in Gallicantu
