Sights In The West Bank

Near Jerusalem: Bethany A relatively prosperous Palestinian village, Bethany (Al-Ayzariya) was the home of Lazarus and his sisters Mary and Martha. A Franciscan Church (tel. 27 17 06) built in 1954 marks the spot where Jesus supposedly slept. The church features several impressive mosaics, including one of the resurrection of Lazarus and another of the Last Supper. Three earlier shrines, the earliest built in the 4th century AD, have been excavated nearby. South of the church lie the remains of a vast abbey built in 1143 AD by Queen Melisende. (Open daily March-Oct. 8-11:30am and 2-6pm; Nov.-Feb. 8-11:30am and 2-5pm. Small donations appreciated.)

Bethany is home to the first-century Tomb of Lazarus, which was enshrined in the 4th century. When the Crusaders arrived, they built a church over Lazarus’s tomb, a monastery over Mary and Martha’s house, and a tower over Simon the Leper’s abode (Simon was another resident of Bethany cured by Jesus). In the 16th century the Muslims erected a mosque over the grotto, and in the following century Cliristians dug another entrance to the tomb so they too could worship there.

Head for the red domes of the Greek Orthodox Church above the tomb (the Franciscan Church will be just downhill). As you approach the tomb, a person will come from across the street to show you the light switch (on the right as you enter) and ask for a donation (N1S2 is appropriate; tomb open daily 8am-7pm). Ten minutes further along the main road, the Greek Orthodox Convent (silver domes here) shelters the boulder upon which Jesus sat while awaiting Martha from Jericho (ring the bell to see the rock).

To reach Bethany from Jerusalem (4km), take Egged bus #43 or the more frequent Arab bus #36 (NIS 1.50) from Damascus Gate and get off in the town (look for the silver-domed church on your left). There are two #36 buses, one of which stops at Abu Dees first. Women should dress modestly and travel in groups.