The Chamber of the Holocaust (tel. 71 68 41), through the courtyard and across the street from David’s Tomb, commemorates the Jewish communities destroyed during World War II. (Open Sun.-Thurs. 9am4pm, Fit 8am-lpm. Free, but donations encouraged.) Next door, the affiliated Museum of King David attempts to convey the spirit and life of David through modern art. (Open irregular hrs.) The Palombo Museum, across the street and to the left, displays works of the famous sculptor who crafted the entry gate to the Knesset and contributed works to Yad vaShem. (Open by appointment; call 71 09 17. Free.)

The huge, fortress-like Basilica of the Dormition Abbey (tel. 71 99 27) lies off the right fork of the road leading to the Coenaculum. The site has harbored many memorials; the present edifice, commemorating the death of the Virgin Mary, was built at the turn of the century and completed in 1910. Damaged during battles in 1948 and 1967, parts of the precariously situated basilica have never been repaired. Descend into the crypt to view a figurine of the Virgin. The floor of the ground level is inlaid with symbols of the zodiac from the prophetic tradition. (Open daily Sam-noon and 2-6pm. Free.)