The Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony), Jerusalem
Then Jesus went with his disciples to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to them, "Sit here while I go over there and pray." He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled. Then he said to them, "My soul is overwhelmed with sorrow to the point of death. Stay here and keep watch with me." Going a little farther, he fell with his face to the ground and prayed, "My Father, if it is possible, may this cup be taken from me. Yet not as I will, but as you will."
-- Matthew 26:36-39
The Church of All Nations, officially named the Basilica of the Agony, is located at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem next to the Garden of Gethsemane.
The Catholic church enshrines a section of stone in the Garden of Gethsemane that is believed to be where Jesus prayed on the night of his arrest (Matthew 26:36).
The Basilica of the Agony was built from 1919 to 1924 using funds from 12 different countries, which gave it its common name, Church of All Nations.
The domed roof, thick pillars, and floor mosaic give the church a Byzantine appearance. The architect of the building was Antonio Barluzzi, who also designed the nearby Dominus Flevit Church.
The symbols of each country that contributed to the church are incorporated into the inlaid gold ceilings of each of 12 cupolas. The 12 cupolas rest on six monolithic pillars. The front of the church features a colorful façade supported by a row of pillars. The mosaic above the entrance depicts Christ as the link between God and humanity.
The Church of All Nations is run by the Franciscans, but an open altar in the garden is used by the Anglican community on Maundy Thursday (the day before Good Friday).
The Church of All Nations lies on the foundations of two earlier churches: a 12th-century Crusader chapel abandoned in 1345 and a 4th-century Byzantine basilica, destroyed by an earthquake in 746.
Location Map
Location map and satellite view of the Church of All Nations in Jerusalem (center marker). Using the buttons on the left, zoom in for a closer look or zoom out to get your bearings. Click and drag the map to move around. You can explore all of Jerusalem from space with our Jerusalem Satellite Map.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Church of All Nations; Basilica of the Agony |
| Type of site: | Catholic church; Biblical site; footsteps of Jesus |
| Ownership: | Franciscan |
| Dates: | 1919-24 |
| Phone: | 972 2628 3264 |
| Hours: | Mon-Sat 8-noon & 2-5.30 |
| Services: | Sundays 6.30am (Italian); 11am (English); 4pm (Latin & Italian). Weekdays 6.30am (Italian); 4pm (Latin & Italian). |
Sources
- Basilica of the Agony of the Lord - WGuides
- The Basilica of the Agony - Church of All Nations - Israel Ministry of Tourism
- Gethsemane and the Church of All Nations - Atlas Tours
- The Church of All Nations - Virtual Tourist user reviews
- Mount of Olives - BiblePlaces.com
