Church of St. Anne & Pools of Bethesda – Healing and Heritage

Romanesque beauty beside healing waters of ancient Jerusalem

Overview

Nestled near the Lion’s Gate in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City, the Church of St. Anne and the adjacent Pools of Bethesda offer a powerful combination of history, faith, and tranquility. The church, built by the Crusaders in the 12th century, is one of the best-preserved examples of Romanesque architecture in the Holy Land. Tradition holds that it stands on the birthplace of the Virgin Mary, adding to its spiritual significance.

Just beside the church lie the Pools of Bethesda, ancient reservoirs mentioned in the Gospel of John as the site where Jesus healed a paralyzed man. The ruins reveal layers of history, from Second Temple-era pools to Byzantine and Crusader chapels, reflecting the site’s importance over centuries. Today, the church and pools provide visitors with a rare mix of sacred devotion, historical depth, and peaceful gardens amid the bustle of the Old City.

Spiritual & Cultural Significance

The Church of St. Anne is renowned for its remarkable acoustics. Pilgrims often gather to sing hymns that resonate beautifully within its stone walls, creating an unforgettable spiritual atmosphere. For many Christians, this site symbolizes Mary’s role in salvation history, as well as the theme of healing and renewal found in the adjacent pools.

The Pools of Bethesda carry deep biblical resonance. In John 5:1–15, Jesus healed a man who had been disabled for 38 years, demonstrating compassion and divine power. Over centuries, the pools became a pilgrimage site for those seeking healing, and their remains today serve as a testimony to the continuity of faith and tradition.

Culturally, the site illustrates Jerusalem’s layered history — Roman waterworks, Byzantine churches, Crusader chapels, and later Muslim stewardship, all coexisting in one space.

Highlights & Experiences

Enter the Church of St. Anne, an outstanding example of Crusader architecture.

Sing within its walls, experiencing the legendary acoustics.

Explore the Pools of Bethesda, where biblical healing tradition meets archaeological remains.

Walk through tranquil gardens, a quiet refuge from the Old City’s busy streets.

Visitor Information

  • Location: Near Lion’s Gate, Muslim Quarter, Old City, Jerusalem
  • Hours: Mon–Sat 8:00 am–12:00 pm; 2:00–5:00 pm (closed Sundays)
  • Admission: Small entry fee (around 10 NIS)
  • Contact: Tel: +972 2-628-3285
  • Suggested Tour Integration: Combine with a Via Dolorosa walk and a visit to nearby Islamic Quarter markets.