The site is divided into two levels. At the ground level sits a church that is believed to have been built around the time of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in the 4th century, making it one of the city’s oldest intact religious buildings. Visitors can follow a staircase down to an underground crypt which contains the burial site, filled with incense and hanging lamps. The tomb can be visited independently; many Christian-themed day tours also include it on their itineraries.
The staircase leading to Mary’s resting place is steep, so walk slowly and watch your step. The rock-cut tomb is unfortunately not accessible to visitors in wheelchairs or with impaired mobility.
Candles are available for purchase within the church if you’d like to light one in prayer.
The underground crypt is small and can quickly fill up with tourists, especially when tour groups arrive. Try to arrive early to avoid the crowds, or simply wait until they’ve left before descending.
The site has multi-faith roots, as Mary is revered both in Christianity and Islam. Visitors can also notice Islamic architectural features dating back to when Muslims and Christians shared access to the tomb, such as a mihrab facing the direction of Mecca.
The Tomb of Mary is located in the Kidron Valley, a hilly and picturesque section of Jerusalem that divides the Temple Mount in the Old City from the Mount of Olives. It is just a little further north than the Garden of Gethsemane. If coming on foot from the pedestrian Old City, the closest gate is Lion’s Gate. Many guided tours offer hotel transfers, so this is also an option for reaching the site.
During the spring and summer months (April–September), the tomb opens from 5am until 12pm, and during the fall and winter (October–March), from 6am until 12pm. If walking over from the Old City toward the Mount of Olives during the summer season, plan on visiting early to avoid the hottest part of the day.
The Tomb of Mary is most often visited alongside other nearby religious sites in Jerusalem's Mount of Olive area. Not to be missed in this tranquil and historic olive grove (Gethsemane translates to “olive press”) and garden where Christians believe that Jesus spent his final hours ahead of his arrest and crucifixion. Regardless of its religious significance, the garden is a stunning escape from the bustle of the city. Several of the olive trees here are said to date back almost a millennium.
