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Crusaders church abu ghosh

Located in the heart of an Arab village, about 10 km west of Jerusalem, the Abu Ghosh church is possibly the best example of ecclesiastical architecture in the Holy Land from Crusader times.

History of the Abu-Ghosh Church

Humans settled around the spring of Abo-Ghosh already in Neolithic times, some 6,000 years ago. The Canaanites probably worshipped the Ba’al at Abu-Ghosh, hence its Canaanite name “City of Ba’al” (Kiryat Ba’al קרית בעל). However, the Israelites abolished this cult, as they changed its name to “City of Forests” (Kiryat Ya’arim קרית יערים) (Joshua 18:14). The Book of Samuel records the ark of the covenant kept in Kiryat Ya’arim for 20 years (1 Samuel 7). Later, David transported the ark to Jerusalem and placed it in the City of David (2 Samuel 6). New research uncovered evidence of an Iron Age cultic center at Abu-Ghosh’s hilltop.

In the Roman period, the Tenth Legion set up a detachment (vexillato) in Abu-Ghosh. It built a pool to collect the spring’s water, later incorporated into the Church’s crypt. In the 9th century AD, the Muslims built an inn west of the spring. In the 1140s, the order of the Hospitallers erected a large basilica-shaped church above the spring, which they designed in a transitional late Romanesque – Early Gothic style. Although they called it “The Church of the Resurrection,” some associated it with Emmaus, where Jesus appeared after his resurrection (Luke 24:13-35). In the 1170s, the Crusaders decorated the church’s walls with detailed frescoes that have been remarkably preserved.

The Riddle of Emmaus

The gospel of Luke states that Jesus appeared in a town called Emmaus after his resurrection (Luke 24). An ancient site by the name of Emmaus, or Emmaus-Nicopolis is known to be about 30 km west of Jerusalem. Until the 20th century, the Arab village ‘Amwas preserved its name and location. Yet the New Testament indicates Emmaus was 11 Km from Jerusalem (Luke 24: 13). This led Crusader-era pilgrims such as Belard of Ascoli and Theodoric to suggest Emaus is at the location of today’s Abu-Ghosh. Moreover, some scholars suggest that some frescoes found in the Church relate to Jesus’ appearance in Emmaus.

The Church after 1187 AD

Saladin expelled the Crusaders from the Holy Land after a decisive victory in 1187 AD. Like many other Christian institutions in the Holy Land, the Abu-Ghosh church was also abandoned. In the 14th century, the Mamluks built a mosque adjacent to the abandoned church. During the Ottoman period, some pilgrims mistakenly associated the church with Anatot, the hometown of prophet Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1:1). In 1873, after years of neglect, Franch purchased the church. In 1901, a convent was constructed next to the church, and a French Benedictine order took over the site. Restoring the church, they uncovered the colorful frescoes, which proved to be well preserved. The subjects combine Christian themes and decorative patterns.

Touring the Crusaders Church in Abu Ghosh

 

The Church welcomes visitors from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 to 11:00, and 14:30 to 17:00 at no cost.

abu-ghosh-tenth-legion-vexillatioSeveral archaeological objects are displayed in the church’s courtyard, including an inscribed Roman milestone from 162 AD. Another Latin inscription from Roman times at the Crypt’s entry documents a detachment (vexillatio) of the Tenth Legion. The Church’s interior boasts colorful mosaics from Crusader times and is also known for its acoustics.

Near the church are several eateries, providing an option for a delightful lunch.

A tour of the Crusaders-era church in Abu Ghosh can be combined with a guided day tour of Jerusalem.

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