Archaeological Tour of the Russian Monasteries on the Mount of Olives | For lovers of antiquities and in-depth study
Technical details
Tour times
Saturdays 10:00-14:00.
Coming as a group or prefer a private tour? We'll arrange it on a date that suits you.
Price
120 NIS per participant in a group of 10 or more people.
200 NIS per participant in a group of less than 10 people.
Meeting point
The tour is expected to interest a wide audience of all denominations and religions, secular, Jewish and Christian. There is no need to enter the churches, but you can enter the monasteries.
⬤ The fascinating history of the Monastery of "Mary Magdalene"
⬤ We will learn about the Russian Archimandrite Kapustin, who founded the "Ascension" Monastery
⬤ We will visit an underground cave, where the "last three biblical prophets" are buried
Tour structure:
Ascension Monastery - The Russian Archimandrite Who Founded the Monastery
We will learn about the Russian Archimandrite Kapustin who founded the monastery
⬤ How did he buy the lands during the Turkish period?
⬤ How did he start building and discovering antiquities and mosaics?
⬤ Who helped him build new buildings and how did it become a monastery?
⬤ Why is the Church of the Ascension called "Little Sepia"?
⬤ We took a tour throughout the monastery.
⬤ We will also enter a secret Armenian burial cave.
Cave of the Prophets' Tombs: Zechariah, Haggai, and Malachi - the last three prophets of the Bible
The tombs of the prophets are located in an underground cave. We will enter the cave and hear:
⬤ How is it? That the tombs of the prophets belong to the White Russian Church?
⬤ To what period does each part of the cave belong?
⬤ We will meet the new priest, a Greek priest born in Canada and in charge of the cave.
Dominus Pfalvit Monastery/Church - the place where the Red Heifer was burned (just in case it is open)
According to a recent article, the Franciscan Dominus Pfalvit Monastery/Church stands on the spot where the Red Heifer was burned.
We will enter the monastery (only if it is open) where we will see:
- Burial urns from the Second Temple period.
- Mosaics that remain from the Byzantine monastery.
- A small church built by the famous architect Birlucci.
Monastery of Mary Magdalene
Monastery/Church of Mary Magdalene, also known as the "Church of the Golden Onions"
⬤ In what year did they start building the church?
⬤ Who paid for the construction of the church?
⬤ Who was the architect?
⬤ What was there before the church?
⬤ About a princess buried there.
⬤ What antiquities were discovered inside the building?
⬤ What happened to the monastery after the Bolshevik Revolution and to this day?
Guide details:
Olga Primakov
Guide to historical sites and Doctor of Archaeology
◾️ Master's degree in philosophy at the State University of Yekaterinburg.
◾️Guide course.
◾️PhD from Bar Ilan University, "Jewish Antiquities in the Collection of Antonin Kapustin."
For the purpose of my research, I went to the archives of St. Petersburg University and read Kapustin's diaries there, and that's how I actually completed my doctoral research.
