Alexander Nevsky Church in Jerusalem
Alexander Nevsky Church is one of the more impressive assets of the Russian Orthodox Church in Jerusalem. It is in the heart of the Christian Quarter, nest to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
History of the Church
In 1857 the Russian based “Imperial Orthodox Palestine Society” purchased a property next to the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem’s Old City. Sponsored by the Royal Russian Family, they intended to build a Russian consulate and a hostel for Russian pilgrims. They named it after Alexender Nevsky, a Russian warrior prince from the 13th century known for defending Russia against German and Swedish invaders. However, in 1883, significant remains of the wall and gate were uncovered. Identified as Jerusalem’s wall and “judgment gate” from the first century, they were associated with the trial of Jesus. It was argued that Jesus walked through this gate to his crucifixion site (the Golgotha). Being so, the society decided to form a new consulate, and a hostel was built outside the city walls (“The Russian Compound”). The Alexander Nevsky complex was developed as a commemorative church.
Visiting the Alexander Nevsky Church
The Church is situated in the heart of the Christian Quarter and marked by an impressive entry. Its Baroque-style interior includes a royal hospitality room, the archaeological section, and a hall exhibiting various icons and relics. Several large neo-classical paintings on its walls depict scenes of the Passion of Christ. The church has a humble entry fee and is open every day of the week.
A tour of the Nevsky Church can be integrated in a day tour of Jerusalem.
