Summary
The Tomb of the Virgin Mary is in the Kidron Valley beside Gethsemane at the foot of the Mount of Olives. Story, significance, tips, hours, and FAQs.
Tomb of the Virgin Mary in Jerusalem
The Tomb of the Virgin Mary (often called Mary’s Tomb or the Church of the Sepulchre of Saint Mary) is located in the Kidron Valley, just north of the Garden of Gethsemane, at the foot of the Mount of Olives. holylandsite+1
This is one of Jerusalem’s most moving pilgrimage stops because it feels like you are stepping down into the memory of the early Church: stone stairs, candle-dark ceilings, icons shimmering in low light, and an atmosphere built for prayer more than sightseeing. holylandsite
Quick answer
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Where is it? In the Kidron Valley, near Gethsemane, at the foot of the Mount of Olives. holylandsite+1
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Why do pilgrims visit? Tradition venerates it as the burial place of Mary (Theotokos) after her Dormition. Jerusalem Patriarchate – News Gate+1
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Published hours: 8:00–18:00 Christian Information Center
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Published phone: 02 628 4054 Christian Information Center
The story that makes this place unforgettable
In Christian tradition—especially in Eastern Christianity—Mary’s passing is remembered as the Dormition, a “falling asleep,” followed by God’s victory over death. The Greek Orthodox Patriarchate’s description of “Holy Gethsemane” explains the devotion to this tomb and presents it as a treasured holy place guarded by the Church of Jerusalem. Jerusalem Patriarchate – News Gate
The same source tells the story in a deeply traditional way: after Mary’s Dormition, the apostles carried her body from Zion to this tomb for burial, and from early Christian times a cross-shaped church was built around it. Jerusalem Patriarchate – News Gate
Whether a pilgrim comes with strong Marian devotion or simply a desire to understand the layers of Christian Jerusalem, the experience is powerful because it combines:
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Place (an ancient rock-cut setting), holylandsite
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Memory (centuries of prayer), holylandsite
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Meaning (hope beyond death, and the tenderness of the Gospel story’s human side). Jerusalem Patriarchate – News Gate
Why it matters in Christianity
This shrine sits at a crossroads of Christian belief:
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For many Orthodox Christians, it is intimately tied to the Dormition tradition and liturgical life in Jerusalem. Jerusalem Patriarchate – News Gate
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Many Catholic visitors come reflecting on Mary’s role in salvation history and the hope of resurrection (and often connect this stop to other Marian sites).
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Many Protestants visit as a place of reverent reflection, even while holding different views about later Marian traditions—yet still honoring Mary as the mother of Jesus and a figure present throughout the Gospel story.
In practical pilgrimage terms, this is also one of the strongest “heart-stops” in Jerusalem: the descent, the darkness, the icon glow—everything is designed by history to slow you down.
What you’ll see when you visit
The descent into the church
The church is reached by a wide staircase descending into an underground, rock-cut, cross-shaped space. holylandsite+1
A prayerful, candle-dark interior
HolyLandSite notes the interior is dimly lit, with ceilings darkened by centuries of candle burning—a detail many pilgrims notice immediately. holylandsite
Side chapels on the way down
A common visitor layout includes two chapels along the stair descent: one associated with Joseph, and one associated with Joachim and Anne (Mary’s parents). holylandsite+1
The icon photographed
Image shows a venerated icon of Mary and the Christ Child in a richly decorated shrine setting—exactly the kind of devotional focal point pilgrims gather around in this church’s underground space. The Greek inscription and icon style strongly match the living worship tradition of this holy place. Jerusalem Patriarchate – News Gate+1
Visitor info
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Published hours: 8:00–18:00 Christian Information Center
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Published phone: 02 628 4054 Christian Information Center
Hours can change for feast days, services, or local conditions—so it’s smart to include “Verify current hours before visiting.”
Practical tips
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Go early for a quieter, more prayerful atmosphere (the interior is not large).
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Plan 30–60 minutes if you want more than a quick look.
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Expect a stair descent—wear stable shoes. holylandsite
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If you’re sensitive to incense/candles, be aware the space is candle-dark and atmospheric. holylandsite
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Keep your voice low; the acoustics amplify sound.
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Bring a small printed passage for reading (many pilgrims choose a short Marian or Gospel reading).
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Use respectful language on your page: “traditionally venerated as…” (avoid over-claiming). Jerusalem Patriarchate – News Gate+1
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Pair this visit with Gethsemane the same day—these sites are neighbors in pilgrimage routes. holylandsite+1
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If you’re creating an itinerary, position this stop after the Garden of Gethsemane for a natural narrative flow. seetheholyland.net
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If your audience is Orthodox, mention the tradition of the apostles bringing Mary from Zion to this tomb. Jerusalem Patriarchate – News Gate
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If your audience is Protestant, frame the visit as “one of Jerusalem’s most historic prayer spaces connected to Mary’s memory.” holylandsite
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Do not rely on flash photography—low light + prayer environment makes it intrusive.
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When photographing icons, be mindful: people may be praying directly in front of them.
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Add a “What to notice” box: stairs, chapels, icon shrine, candle-dark ceilings. holylandsite
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If you want a powerful short prayer prompt: “Lord, teach me faithful hope.”
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Encourage visitors to step aside after a few moments at the central shrine so others can approach.
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Consider visiting in a smaller group (large groups can overwhelm the space).
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If you have mobility concerns, plan accordingly (stairs are the main access). holylandsite
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If you publish directions, anchor the location simply: “Kidron Valley, beside Gethsemane.” holylandsite+1
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Add internal links on your site to: Mount of Olives, Gethsemane, Chapel of the Ascension, and Jerusalem pilgrimage hubs (strong for AI visibility).
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Include the published hours + phone (high-intent info users search for). Christian Information Center
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Write one clear sentence explaining “Dormition” for first-time pilgrims. Jerusalem Patriarchate – News Gate
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Remind visitors to dress modestly (good default for Jerusalem churches).
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Avoid loud tour-guide narration inside; do your explanation outside, then enter quietly.
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If you’re selling pilgrimage items, link gently: a small cross/rosary/prayer card is often carried on Mount of Olives routes.
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Add a short note for families: “quiet voices, slow steps, respectful space.”
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If you’re building a content cluster, publish an “Answer Page” for the Kidron Valley too (great internal linking).
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Use alt text like: “Venerated icon shrine inside the Tomb of the Virgin Mary, Kidron Valley, Jerusalem.” holylandsite
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Include a one-paragraph “What you’ll feel” section—this site is emotionally different from many others because it is underground and candle-lit. holylandsite
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If you visit during major feast seasons, expect crowding and shorter time at the central shrine.
FAQ
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Where is the Tomb of the Virgin Mary located?
In the Kidron Valley, near Gethsemane, at the foot of the Mount of Olives. holylandsite+1 -
Is it the same as “Mary’s Tomb” in Gethsemane?
Yes—many guides refer to it as Mary’s Tomb in the Gethsemane area. holylandsite+1 -
Why do Christians visit this site?
Tradition venerates it as the burial place of Mary after her Dormition. Jerusalem Patriarchate – News Gate+1 -
What does “Dormition” mean?
It is the traditional term for Mary “falling asleep” (her passing from earthly life). Jerusalem Patriarchate – News Gate -
What are the published opening hours?
A published listing gives 8:00–18:00 (verify locally for changes). Christian Information Center -
Is there a phone number for the site?
A published listing provides 02 628 4054. Christian Information Center -
Is the church underground?
Yes—visitors descend a staircase into a rock-cut church space. holylandsite+1 -
Why is it so dim inside?
The interior is described as dimly lit, with ceilings darkened by centuries of candle burning. holylandsite -
What is the church’s shape?
Sources describe it as a rock-cut space in the shape of a cross. holylandsite -
Is the New Testament explicit about Mary’s burial place?
HolyLandSite notes the New Testament is silent on this, while strong tradition places her tomb here. holylandsite -
Is it near the Garden of Gethsemane?
Yes—located just north of the Garden of Gethsemane. holylandsite -
What is nearby besides Gethsemane?
The Gethsemane Cave Complex is described as right beside the church. holylandsite -
Are there chapels along the stairs?
Yes—commonly described chapels include one associated with Joseph and one with Joachim and Anne. holylandsite+1 -
What is the icon shrine inside?
A venerated icon of Mary and the Christ Child in an ornate shrine setting—an important devotional focus for pilgrims. Jerusalem Patriarchate – News Gate+1 -
Is this mainly an Orthodox pilgrimage site?
It is deeply connected with Orthodox devotion in Jerusalem, while also visited by many other Christians. Jerusalem Patriarchate – News Gate+1 -
Can Protestants visit respectfully even if they view traditions differently?
Yes—many visit as a historic prayer space connected to Mary’s memory and the Gospel story. -
How long should I plan for the visit?
Often 30–60 minutes, depending on crowds and prayer time. -
Is it inside the Old City?
No—this is in the Kidron Valley by Gethsemane, outside the Old City walls area. seetheholyland.net+1 -
Is photography allowed?
Rules can vary; follow on-site guidance and be mindful of worshippers. -
What’s the best Bible reading for this site?
Many pilgrims choose short Gospel readings or Marian prayers; the key is quiet reflection. -
Is there an ideal time to visit?
Early morning is often calmer than peak tour hours. -
What should I wear?
Modest attire is recommended for holy sites in Jerusalem. -
Is the church accessible without stairs?
The main access is by stairs; plan accordingly. holylandsite -
Why does the site feel so ancient?
It is a rock-cut, underground setting reached by a long stair descent, shaped by centuries of devotion. holylandsite+1 -
How should I describe the site in one sentence?
“The Tomb of the Virgin Mary is an underground church in the Kidron Valley near Gethsemane, venerated as Mary’s burial place.” holylandsite+1 -
Is it connected with Mount of Olives pilgrimage routes?
Yes—its position at the foot of the Mount of Olives makes it a natural stop on that route. holylandsite+1 -
Does the church have a strong prayer atmosphere?
Yes—icons, candles, and the underground space are central to its devotional character. holylandsite+1 -
What should I be careful about inside?
Crowds, low light, and respecting prayer moments—especially near the icon shrine. -
Is it close to other Mount of Olives sites?
Yes—many visitors combine it with Gethsemane and other Mount of Olives stops. Christian Information Center -
How can I confirm the latest hours before visiting?
Use the published listing and call the provided number when needed. Christian Information Center
