| 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.
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