Archaeology tour of the Russian monasteries on the Mount of Olives

For lovers of antiquities and in-depth studies

With many surprises

The technical details

Tour times

Saturdays 10:00-14:00.

cost

  • 120 NIS per person in a group of 10 people or more.
  • 200 NIS per person in a group of under 10 people.

Archaeology tour of the Russian monasteries on the Mount of Olives

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 "Mary Magdalene" Monastery
⬤ 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:

* Clicking on each section opens extended information.

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.

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.

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 Second Temple attacks.
  • Mosaics that remain from the Byzantine monastery.
  • A small church built by the famous architect Birlucci.

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

Instructor Olga Primakov

Guide to historical sites and Doctor of Archaeology

◾️ Master's degree in philosophy at Yekaterinburg State University.
◾️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.

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