The Church of Mary Magdalene is not a biblical site, but it is one of the most recognizable landmarks in Jerusalem It is a 19th century Russian Orthodox Church that sits on the Mt. of Olives near the Garden of Gethsemane.
The church was built by Tsar Alexander III in 1888. It is easily recognized by the seven golden domes. My friend and long-time guide in Israel affectionately calls it "The Church of the Golden Onions." The dome, combined with its sculpted white turrets and multi-level structure, makes it look like something out of a fairytale.
As I said, the church is not a biblical site, but it is well worth a visit. It is situated in a garden like setting and inside you will see many Orthodox icons and wall paintings. Another interesting feature is a crypt holding the remains of the Grand Duchess Elizabeth, Tsar Alexander's mother, who was killed in the Russian Revolution in 1917. Also buried in the church is Princess Alice of Greece, Queen Elizabeth's mother-in-law, who harbored Jews during the Nazi occupation of Greece.
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