Tomb of Mary - Jerusalem
Tomb of Mary is located in the Kidron Valley at the foot of Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Next to the tomb, there is a sculpture which depicts Mary holding Jesus with angels. From the ground level, two sets of stairs bring visitors to the main entrance and then, there are 47 steps to the main tomb. At the end of the stairs, there is an arch. After the arch, visitors come to an open area where a small church and Mary’s grave is inside a small crypt.
History
During the Crusaders period a large church was built on the upper level, and a monastery was also added. The monastery was known as the Abbey of St. Mary of the Valley of Jehoshaphat, which was protected by a wall. The staircase and entrance were also part of the Crusaders church. The crypt, much of it cut into solid rock, where the grave is, is dark and gloomy.
Inside the crypt, there is a stone grave, protected by a glass case. Muslims also worship here. In the wall to the right of the Tomb of Mary is a mehrab is built in the wall. It was installed after Saladin’s conquest in the 12th century.
