Church of All Nations Church

Address: Gethsemane / Mount of Olives, Jerusalem (adjacent to the Garden of Gethsemane)

Hours: Daily variable; typically 8:00am-6:00pm (check local signage for services)

Admission: Free (donations welcome)

The Church of All Nations, commonly called the Basilica of the Agony, stands on the Mount of Olives immediately beside the Garden of Gethsemane in Jerusalem. It was constructed in the early 20th century and houses a stone associated in Christian tradition with the Agony in the Garden.

The church is a basilica with a broad nave, decorated interior mosaics and an altar sited above the exposed rock that pilgrims venerate. The building was commissioned to replace earlier chapels on the same site and forms part of the cluster of pilgrimage properties at the foot of the Mount of Olives.

The church was built between 1919 and 1924 to designs by Antonio Barluzzi and combines modern construction with elements referencing earlier Byzantine and medieval structures that stood here. It sits immediately adjacent to ancient olive trees and the enclosed Garden of Gethsemane, which remain a focal point for visitors and religious observance.

Located on the Mount of Olives east of Jerusalem’s Old City, the basilica and garden are a short walk from other major pilgrimage sites and overlook the Kidron Valley and eastern approaches to the city.

• Date and architect: Constructed in the early 20th century (1919-1924) and designed by the architect Antonio Barluzzi; notable for its mosaics and basilica plan.

What to See#

• Basilica: The main basilica built between 1919 and 1924 featuring a wide nave, coloured mosaics and a dominant apse above the altar area.
• Gethsemane rock and garden: The adjacent Garden of Gethsemane area and rock within the basilica that tradition identifies as the place of the Agony, preserved beneath the main altar.

From Jerusalem’s Old City, cross the eastern walls via the Lions’ Gate and walk up the road toward the Mount of Olives (about 10-15 minutes). Several local minibuses (sherut) run to the Mount; taxis are commonplace and inexpensive for short rides.

• Visit at dawn or late afternoon to avoid the midday tour buses and to see light on the mosaic façade.
• Dress modestly - it is an active place of worship; visitors should be quiet during services.
• Pause at the ancient olive trees in the adjoining Garden of Gethsemane; they are older than many of the surrounding city walls.