The Garden of Gethsemane is situated at the foot of the Mount of Olives, just steps away from the Dominus Flevit and the Russian Mary Magdalene Church. It is found within the same premises as the Church of All Nations, also known as the Church of Agony. The original Garden of Gethsemane is said to have stretched out over a much bigger area; today, one can visit the two remaining parts of the garden, one next to the church and one across the street, which is much less frequented.

The garden next to the church is home to eight ancient olive trees, which are estimated to be between 1,000 – 3,000 years old. The exact date is unknown as olive trees do not show rings to determine their age as other trees. The Garden of Gethsemane overlooks the eastern walls of the old city of Jerusalem and the Golden Gate or Gate of Mercy.

Jesus and his disciples came to this peaceful garden on the night after the fateful last supper. Here Jesus prayed to the Lord asking him for strength for the upcoming betrayal of which he knew and of which he told his astonished disciples. His anguish was so deep that the biblical writings speak of his sweat being like “great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” Nevertheless, Jesus was arrested later the same night after the betrayal of Judas.

The Grotto of Gethsemane is the place where the arrest is supposed to have taken place. Just a few steps down from the olive gardens, one can find an impressive stone vault in this ancient cave, as well as three altars with murals over them. The painting over the high altar shows Jesus praying among his disciples, whereas the other two paintings show the assumption of the virgin and the kiss of Judas. The cool cave is a place of absolute tranquility and peace, and many pilgrims come here for services and prayers on their journey through the Holy Land.
Both locations, the garden and the grotto, are popular filming locations for Christian documentaries. Especially the grotto and the less frequented garden across the street from the church premises are beautiful locations for doing walks & talks with contributors and interviews.