Dominus Flevit Church

The basics

Dominus Flevit Church translates to “The Lord Wept” in Latin. This is believed to be the place where Jesus once wept as he stood gazing out on Jerusalem, knowing that the city was fated to be destroyed. In keeping with the name, Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi designed the modern church in a teardrop shape. The church is often included as a stop in many guided tours of Jerusalem’s Old City; visitors can choose from private and shared options.

Things to know before you go

• While all visitors enjoy the bird’s eye view overlooking Jerusalem’s Old City, the panoramic vista is particularly special to Christians. They consider it the same scene that Jesus once beheld as he shed tears and contemplated the city’s future ruin.

• As you enter the church, walk to the left of the entrance. There, you’ll find an excavated mosaic floor that dates back to the site’s Byzantine era, when the church was dedicated to Saint Anna the Prophetess, mentioned briefly in the Gospel of Luke. It features a fetching fruit and flower motif.

• There is no admission ticket required to access the church. Visitors are welcomed daily, free of charge.

• One of the church’s most famous views is a window beyond the altar that perfectly frames the Temple Mount, including the religious icons of the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. This is a popular spot for meditators and photographers alike.

How to get there

The church has limited parking available and is most easily accessed using a steep pedestrian walkway located on the Mount of Olives, southeast of the Lion’s Gate in the Old City of Jerusalem. You can reach the church from either the top or the base of the path. If you are coming on a private or group tour, then hotel transfers are often provided.

When to get there

Dominus Flevit Church is open every day from 8am to 12pm and again from 2pm to 6pm during the summer months (April–September). In winter (October–March), the church opens from 8am to 11:45am and again from 2pm to 5pm. Visitors can also make plans to attend a Sunday mass.

Exploring the Mount of Olives’ biblical-era history

The Mount of Olives can be accessed either with a tour or independently, although you’d do well to read up before your visit to understand the importance of each site. It’s one of the most history-filled areas in Jerusalem’s Old City, with heritage considered sacred to Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike. Highlights include the fresco-covered Church of Ascension, the Jewish Cemetery, the Gethsemane Garden, and the golden-domed Church of St. Mary Magdalene.