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Pools of Bethesda - Jerusalem


The Pools of Bethesda in Jerusalem are very close to the Lions’ Gate in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City. It is the place where Jesus’s maternal grandparents, Anne and Joachim had lived. After the main entrance from the street, there is a small but well maintained garden. 
It is an archaeological site which is associated with the scene of one of Jesus’s miracles where he healed a paralysed man. The first pool was constructed during the First Temple. Later, Herod the Great constructed a new water system to the north of Bethesda and thus importance of these pools decreased.

The Pools of Bethesda in Jerusalem
The Pools of Bethesda in Jerusalem
A small garden beside the Church of St Anne
A small garden beside the Church of St Anne
Under this palm tree, a path goes to the Pools of Bethesda
In the middle of the photos a Byzantine column can be seen
Here pools of Bethesda can be seen in the middle - Jerusalem
This is the site where Jesus performed a miracle
Ruins along the path leading to the lower pools
Ruins along the path leading to the lower pools
Stone walls on the upper area of the Bethesda Pools
Stone walls on the upper area of the Bethesda Pools
Ruins of a building at the site
Ruins of a building at the site
Ruins of a Byzantine Basilica - Pools of Bethesda in Jerusalem

Even after the construction of new water reservoirs at other places, this area was still in use for bathing due to its healing properties. St. Anne’s Church stands beside the Pools of Bethesda and it was built by the Crusaders. After the conquest of Jerusalem by Saladin this church was used as a madrasa. 

A small arch provides access to the lower area of the pools
Stairs leading to the lower parts of the reservoir
Stairs leading to the lower parts of the reservoir
Water in the lower Pools of Bethesda
Water in the lower Pools of Bethesda
Here a wall of the Northern Pool can be seen
Interior of the St. Anne's Church - Pools of Bethesda Jerusalem
This church was built by the Crusaders
This church was built by the Crusaders
An altar of the Virgin inside the church
An altar of the Virgin inside the church