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If you want to visit a place of both historical and religious importance then you should go to the Church of Mary Magdalene in Jerusalem. This church was built by Alexander III of Russia on the brilliant location on the slopes of Mount of Olives. This church, dedicated to the Emperor’s mother Maria, was named after her name-saint.
When you look at this church from a distance then the first thing that will catch your eyes is its seven gilded bulb like domed roof. The exterior of the building is also equally beautiful to look at. You might think that the Church is made of marble by its glaze, but actually it is sculpted in white sandstone. The second level of the Church has a gabled roof with a circular blue mosaic depicting Mary Magdalene.
In the third floor of the Church of Mary Magdalene in Jerusalem you will find upside-down roof, scalloped windows and arches adorned with beautiful designs. Every dome of the Church has a gilded Russian Orthodox cross. The bell tower is shaped like a rook and above the bells is a large silver cone. The most unique thing in the Church of Mary Magdalene in Jerusalem is the enormous canvas by Ivanov. Here, you can see the depiction of the legend of Mary traveling to Rome with an egg to tell Emperor Tiberius of Jesus’ unfair trial. The egg in her hand represented life and it turned red as soon as she handed it to the Emperor thus representing Jesus’ blood and the Resurrection.
The church is famous for beautifully painted bronze scenes which have beautiful illustrations by Vereshoguine. On the door you will find six tiny paintings depicting the four evangelists, the Virgin Mary, and the angel Gabriel. Another unique feature is that the Church of Mary Magdalene in Jerusalem still does not use electricity in the sanctuary. You will find a huge chandelier here adorned with small oil lamps for lighting up the place.
Among the other features of the Church of Mary Magdalene in Jerusalem is the icon of Mary Magdalene that has a relic from the saint’s bones. The painting of Virgin Mary holding her infant son is another special feature. This painting was the property of a Lebanese church for hundreds of years. It is said that though it was saved when the church was was burnt, but it became black because it was buried beneath the ruble. But, when it was being brought to Jerusalem, it began to lighten up slowly.
In the Church of Mary Magdalene in Jerusalem lies the Grand Duchess of Russia Elizabeth Fyodorovna, another famous personality buried here is Princess Alice of Greece.
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