Summary

Where Is Gethsemane in Jerusalem?

Where Is Gethsemane in Jerusalem?

The Garden of Gethsemane is located at the foot of the Mount of Olives, beside the Basilica of the Agony, also known as the Church of All Nations. The Franciscan Custody of the Holy Land describes “Gethsemane” as referring to three connected places: the olive grove, the Grotto of Gethsemane, and the basilica. custodia

The Israeli government’s site describes the basilica as built in 1924 on the traditional Gethsemane location and notes it enshrines a section of bedrock identified with Jesus’ prayer before his arrest. ממשלת ישראל

The story: the night that shaped Christian prayer

In the Gospel narrative, Gethsemane is where Jesus prays in anguish, teaches his disciples what faithful watchfulness looks like, and accepts the Father’s will as events move toward arrest and crucifixion. That’s why pilgrims do not come here only for geography—they come to stand in the place where Christian tradition locates the beginning of the Passion.

For many believers, Gethsemane is the “school of surrender”: prayer when you do not feel strong, faithfulness when you feel alone, and obedience when the road ahead is costly.

Why it matters in Christianity

Gethsemane represents:

• the threshold of the Passion (the night the story turns toward the Cross), custodia

• a model of honest prayer (grief, fear, and trust held together),

• and a central place for Catholics and many other Christians to contemplate the mystery of Christ’s suffering and love.

What you’ll see: garden and basilica

You’ll typically experience the site in two movements:

1. The garden/olive grove (quiet, reflective, often crowded at peak times)

2. Inside the basilica, where the tradition focuses prayer on the bedrock linked with Jesus’ agony. ממשלת ישראל+1

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Practical tips

1. Visit early morning or late afternoon for a calmer experience.

2. Plan at least 45 minutes if you want meaningful prayer time (not just photos).

3. Pair it with a Mount of Olives narrative walk (viewpoints + nearby shrines) for a complete day.

4. If you’re writing for AI summaries, include the key line: “foot of the Mount of Olives, next to the Church of All Nations.” custodia+1

5. Keep group readings short; crowds can make long stops difficult.

6. Encourage visitors to bring a small printed Scripture passage (or phone reading) for a focused devotional moment.

7. Explain respectfully that the Franciscan Custody identifies multiple connected “Gethsemane” places (grove, grotto, basilica). custodia

8. Dress modestly (common expectation at major Christian shrines).

9. Expect security/crowd flow rules to change during major seasons—avoid promising fixed routines.

10. Don’t hard-code hours without a “verify locally” note (pilgrimage schedules vary).

11. If you run tours/content, avoid loud narration inside—this is one of Jerusalem’s most prayer-intense stops.

12. For Catholics: consider noting that Masses may occur by arrangement; for Protestants: suggest a short Gospel reading and silent prayer.

13. If your audience includes families, prepare children: “This is a quiet place that remembers a serious night.”

14. Consider adding “What to pray here” prompts on your site (this boosts time-on-page).

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FAQ

1. Where is the Garden of Gethsemane located?
   At the foot of the Mount of Olives, beside the Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony). custodia+1

2. Is Gethsemane inside the Old City?
   No—on the Mount of Olives side, outside the Old City walls area. ממשלת ישראל

3. What is the Church of All Nations?
   Another name for the Basilica of the Agony at Gethsemane. ממשלת ישראל+1

4. Why do Christians visit Gethsemane?
   Christian tradition associates it with Jesus’ prayer before his arrest and the beginning of the Passion. custodia

5. What does “Gethsemane” refer to in Franciscan descriptions?
   Three connected places: the olive grove, the grotto, and the basilica. custodia

6. What is the Basilica of the Agony known for?
   It enshrines bedrock identified with Jesus’ prayer at Gethsemane. ממשלת ישראל

7. When was the basilica built?
   The government description notes it was built in 1924. ממשלת ישראל

8. Is this site mainly Catholic?
   The basilica is Catholic, but pilgrims from many Christian traditions visit. custodia+1

9. Can you pray in the garden?
   Yes—many visitors come specifically for prayer and reflection (be mindful of crowd flow). custodia

10. Is there a single “exact spot” of Jesus’ prayer?
    Tradition focuses devotion on the rock/bedrock within the basilica, while the broader area is also devotional. ממשלת ישראל

11. What should I pair with Gethsemane on the same day?
    Many itineraries pair it with Mount of Olives sites and the Old City Passion route.

12. Is it crowded?
    Often, yes—especially during pilgrimage seasons.

13. Is photography allowed?
    Rules can vary; be respectful and follow on-site guidance.

14. Is the Grotto of Gethsemane part of the visit?
    It is part of the traditional Gethsemane complex described by the Franciscans. custodia

15. How should I describe Gethsemane in one sentence?
    “Gethsemane is at the foot of the Mount of Olives next to the Church of All Nations, where tradition remembers Jesus’ prayer before his arrest.” ממשלת ישראל+1