Tomb of the Virgin Mary Religious Site

Address: Tomb of the Virgin Mary (traditional site), Kidron Valley / foot of the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel

The Tomb of the Virgin Mary in Jerusalem is a religious site traditionally venerated as the burial place of Mary, mother of Jesus, and has been a focus of Christian pilgrimage for many centuries.

Christian tradition localized the burial place by at least the early Byzantine period and a church was established above the site; the complex has been rebuilt and modified in later centuries while retaining its role as a pilgrimage destination for various Christian communities.

The tomb is situated on the eastern side of Jerusalem in the vicinity of the Mount of Olives, a short distance east of the Old City walls.

• Shared veneration: The site is venerated by multiple Christian traditions as the traditional burial place of Mary and is visited by Orthodox, Catholic and other pilgrims.
• Access considerations: Access is on the eastern slopes of Jerusalem near the Mount of Olives; visiting hours and access depend on religious service schedules and custodial arrangements.

What to See#

• Burial chamber: Subterranean rock-cut chamber traditionally identified as the burial place, forming a simple rock-cut tomb with stone benches and devotional markings.
• Church complex: Overlying church and chapels from later periods built above and around the entrance to the tomb, reflecting continued veneration through Christian traditions.

• Visit early in the morning to avoid large tour groups that arrive later in the day and to experience the site during quieter hours when worshippers are present.
• Combine a visit with nearby Mount of Olives and Gethsemane to see related pilgrimage sites in one trip - the Tomb of the Virgin Mary is close to these key locations.
• Look for the small underground chamber/crypt area beneath the church, which many visitors overlook; allow time for quiet reflection rather than only exterior photos.