The Garden of Gethsemane and Mount of Olives

As you'll see from the pictures, she's called the Mount of Olives for a reason. The word "Gethsemane" originates from the Hebrew expression Gat Shemen, which means "olive press", in obvious reference to the natural abundance of these trees.

It's quite a hike up the mountain from the Garden of Gethsemane and Church of all Nations. And there are plenty of men waiting and offering taxis and tours...for a small price (I politely declined, preferring to take the hill on my own).

Not the best picture, but...

According to the Bible, Jesus was in such deep prayer/turmoil in Gethsemane that he sweat drops of blood which fell to the ground. The stone upon which he prayed is believed to be displayed in the Church of all Nations, directly in front of the altar.

 The above picture is the closest I could get to the stone (an Italian service was underway).

The Eastern Orthodox Church tradition believes Gethsemane is the garden where the Virgin Mary was buried and was assumed into heaven after her dormition on Mt. Zion. Mary`s tomb is quite a beautiful, underground structure. It is filled with Icons and hundreds of lanterns hang from the ceiling, used to light the tomb. The smell of incense is heavy (and wonderful!).

This photo is taken in the Greek Orthodox chapel. A prayer service was underway. Across the church is the Armenian chapel. A local "tour guide" who walked me through free of charge because I have "pretty eyes" told me quarrels often break out between the Greek and Armenian church over which group claims the donation funds.

I did not stop inside the tomb to take a picture (the line moves quickly through the low enclosure. This is a picture of the door entry: