Monastery of St. Mark
1 / 10

Monastery of St. Mark

4.7
·147 reviews·Jerusalem,

A hidden Syriac Orthodox gem in Jerusalem's Old City, believed to be the site of the Last Supper and Mary, mother of Mark's house.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays, 9 AM - 1 PM

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
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Monastery of St. Mark

Monastery of St. Mark

Best Time

Weekdays, 9 AM - 1 PM

Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A hidden Syriac Orthodox gem in Jerusalem's Old City, believed to be the site of the Last Supper and Mary, mother of Mark's house. TikTok

4.7
(147 reviews)

"Visiting this church was one of the highlights of our visit to Jerusalem. Reddit"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Find it with a map

This church is a bit hidden! Grab a map of the Old City to easily find the Monastery of St. Mark.

🙏 Dress modestly

As an active place of worship, please dress respectfully. Shoulders and knees should be covered.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Upper Room Claim

The Upper Room Claim

Basement area

Believed by Syriac tradition to be the site of the Last Supper, this ancient space offers a profound connection to Christian history.

Reddit
Ancient Parchment Painting

Ancient Parchment Painting

Main worship hall

A rare and delicate parchment painting of the Virgin and Child, attributed to St. Mark himself. Photography is prohibited here.

Reddit
Aramaic Prayer & Acoustics

Aramaic Prayer & Acoustics

Main worship hall

Experience the unique sound of Aramaic prayers, the language spoken by Christ, and marvel at the church's incredible acoustics.

Reddit+1
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Planning Your Visit

Finding St. Mark's: A Hidden Gem

This Syriac Orthodox church is tucked away in Jerusalem's Old City. Many visitors find it a bit tricky to locate without a map, but the peaceful atmosphere and historical significance make the search worthwhile. Plan your route beforehand to avoid getting lost in the winding alleys. TikTok

Respectful Visits & Photography

The Monastery of St. Mark is an active place of worship. Dress modestly and be mindful of services. Photography is generally allowed, but the ancient parchment painting of the Virgin and Child is off-limits to cameras due to its delicate nature. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays, 9 AM - 1 PM
Why
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Crowd
Low
When
Weekdays, 3 PM - 5 PM
Why
Afternoon quiet, chance for tours
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

St. Mark, Jerusalem #fy #fyp #jerusalem #suryoye #suryoyo #orthodox #syriacorthodox #church #jesus #syrischorthodox @Dayroyo Boulus
@fergioart
504 likes • 5.3K views

🎯 Find it with a map

This church is a bit hidden! Grab a map of the Old City to easily find the Monastery of St. Mark. Reddit

🙏 Dress modestly

As an active place of worship, please dress respectfully. Shoulders and knees should be covered. TikTok

St Marks Convent - Syriac Orthodox Jerusalem • Edit #syriacorthodox #orientalorthodox #copticorthodox #aramean #edit #orthodoxedit #christianedit #orthodox
@charbelsuryoye
510 likes • 4K views
Syriac Orthodox Church in Jerusalem (St. Mark’s) The Church of St Mark is home to one of Jerusalem’s smallest and oldest Christian communities, but it is the setting for a remarkable set of traditions — including the claim to be the site of the Upper Room of the Last Supper. This hard-to-find Syriac Orthodox church is in the north-eastern corner of the Old City’s Armenian Quarter, on Ararat Stree...
@ayuknad17
45 likes • 938 views

📸 Photo restrictions

Photography is allowed, but not of the ancient parchment painting of the Virgin and Child. Reddit

🗣️ Free guided tours

Church staff often offer free, insightful tours in English. They are passionate about sharing the history. Reddit

St. Mark Jerusalem #fy #fyp #suryoye #syrischorthodox #orthodox #jerusalem #bethlehem #prayer #holyland
@fergioart
748 likes • 8.3K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Find it with a map

This church is a bit hidden! Grab a map of the Old City to easily find the Monastery of St. Mark. Reddit

🙏 Dress modestly

As an active place of worship, please dress respectfully. Shoulders and knees should be covered. TikTok

📸 Photo restrictions

Photography is allowed, but not of the ancient parchment painting of the Virgin and Child. Reddit

🗣️ Free guided tours

Church staff often offer free, insightful tours in English. They are passionate about sharing the history. Reddit

🎶 Experience Aramaic chants

Try to visit during a prayer service to hear beautiful Aramaic chants and experience the church's acoustics. TikTokReddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(147 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Monastery of St. Mark for its profound peace, intimate atmosphere, and significant historical and religious claims, particularly its connection to the Last Supper. The kindness and free guidance offered by the clergy, including Aramaic prayers, are frequently highlighted as deeply touching experiences. While finding the church can be a challenge, the rewarding spiritual and historical insights make it a worthwhile visit for many.

"According to tradition and a fifth or sixth century plaque found at this site in 1940, this church is at the location of the house of Mary, mother of Mark the evangelist. It is also believed to have been the site of the last supper. Whether this tradition is correct, the site is extremely peaceful and intimate. It provided a wonderful opportunity to reflect on Scripture."

Bryan Spoon

"A very interesting small church that we found in Jerusalem is that of St. Mark's in the Armenian Quarter. Opening hours 9-1pm and 3-5pm daily.

The present church dates back to the 12th century and was built upon the foundation of an earlier 4th century church. Of important note, 6th century inscriptions found during restorations in the 1940s, indicates this site to have been the location of the House of Mary, mother of St. Mark the Evangelist. It is also believed that the Last Supper took place upon the grounds of this church.

You can visit with the (free) guidance of church staff who will give a quick (English) explanation in the small worship hall. You will see decorative and gilded altar, iconic images and other items including a parchment painting of the Virgin and Child which is believed to have been painted by St. Mark himself.

You are then shown the direction to walk down into the basement, which would have been the location the Upper Room floor of the building which stood here during Christ's time. According to Syriac believes, this is where Christ's Last Supper occured.

While a bit challenging to find this church without the use of a hand map, we did very much enjoy our short visit. The church guide was kind and pleasant and greatly assisted in pointing out the highlights that you want to look for when visiting the Church of St. Mark's. In the end, it was well worth visiting this place.

Note: Photography is allowed throughout the church with the exception of St. Mark's painting. This is strictly off-limits for taking pictures given the age and delicacy of this ancient artwork."

Brad

"Nice and peaceful atmosphere 🥰"

Eldhose T Mathew

What People Like

Peaceful and intimate atmosphere
Historical Last Supper claim
Kind clergy and free tours

What People Dislike

Difficult to find

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Monastery of St. Mark is located in the Armenian Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City. It can be a bit challenging to find amidst the narrow alleys, so having a map is highly recommended. Many visitors suggest looking for signs or asking locals for directions. TikTokReddit

The Monastery is within the Old City, which is largely pedestrianized. You can reach the Old City via public buses or the Jerusalem Light Rail to nearby stations like Jaffa Gate or Damascus Gate, and then walk to the Armenian Quarter. TikTok

Using a detailed map of the Old City is crucial. The Monastery is in the north-eastern corner of the Old City, near the Syriac Orthodox Patriarchate. Following signs for the Armenian Quarter can help guide you. TikTok

Parking directly at the Monastery is not possible due to its Old City location. The nearest parking areas are outside the Old City walls, such as the parking lot near Jaffa Gate, from where you'll need to walk in. TikTok

The main worship hall is generally accessible, but the basement area (believed to be the Upper Room) involves stairs. It's advisable to check accessibility directly with the monastery if you have specific concerns. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, entry to the Monastery of St. Mark is typically free. Visitors are often welcomed by church staff who provide tours out of goodwill and a desire to share their faith. Reddit

The Monastery of St. Mark generally has opening hours from 9 AM to 1 PM and 3 PM to 5 PM daily. However, it's always a good idea to verify these hours before your visit, as they can sometimes vary. Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to attend services. Visitors have noted the beauty of Aramaic prayers and the spiritual atmosphere during these times. TikTokReddit

Yes, as it is an active place of worship, modest dress is required. This typically means covering shoulders and knees. TikTok

Photography is generally permitted inside the church, with the notable exception of the ancient parchment painting of the Virgin and Child, which is off-limits due to its fragility. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

The Monastery is believed to be built on the site of the house of Mary, mother of Mark the Evangelist, and is also claimed to be the location of the Upper Room where the Last Supper took place. It houses one of Jerusalem's oldest Christian communities. TikTokReddit

Inside, you'll find a decorated altar, iconic images, and the ancient parchment painting of the Virgin and Child. The basement area is believed to be the site of the Last Supper. Reddit

Yes, church staff often provide free guided explanations in English. They are known for their kindness and passion for sharing the site's history and traditions. Reddit

The original downstairs church, believed to be part of the Upper Room site, is noted for its incredible acoustics, which are showcased during Aramaic prayers and chants. TikTokReddit

Visitors consistently describe the atmosphere as peaceful, intimate, and serene, offering a wonderful opportunity for reflection and connection to Scripture. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography is generally allowed throughout the church, allowing you to capture the beautiful icons and architecture. Reddit

No, photography of the ancient parchment painting of the Virgin and Child is strictly prohibited due to its age and delicate condition. Reddit

Focus on the ornate altar, the various iconic images, and the architectural details. The atmosphere itself is very photogenic. TikTok

While you can capture the ambiance of the prayers, be mindful of the sacred nature of the service and avoid intrusive photography. TikTok

Drone usage is generally restricted in Jerusalem's Old City for security and preservation reasons. It's best to avoid bringing drones. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Monastery of St. Mark offers a unique and potentially impactful experience for families. While the historical and religious significance might be more appreciated by older children, the intimate size of the church and the kindness of the guides can make it engaging. Reddit The story of the Last Supper is a well-known biblical narrative that can resonate with children, and the chance to see an ancient church can spark curiosity. TikTok Consider focusing on the stories and the peaceful atmosphere rather than deep theological discussions. Ensure children are dressed modestly and understand the need for quiet reverence. TikTok

🙏 Spiritual Seekers & Pilgrims

For those on a spiritual journey, the Monastery of St. Mark is a must-visit. Its claims to be the site of the Last Supper and the house of Mary, mother of Mark, make it a place of immense biblical and historical importance. Reddit The opportunity to hear prayers in Aramaic, the language of Jesus, and to experience the profound peace of the ancient sanctuary can be deeply moving. TikTokReddit Many visitors find the free guidance offered by the clergy to be a highlight, providing insightful explanations and a warm spiritual connection. Reddit

🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts

History enthusiasts will be fascinated by the Monastery of St. Mark's deep roots in Jerusalem's past. The church's architecture, dating back to the 12th century with foundations from the 4th century, speaks to its long history. Reddit The Syriac Orthodox community's presence adds a rich cultural dimension, representing an ancient Christian tradition. TikTok Learning about the traditions surrounding the Last Supper and the house of Mary, mother of Mark, offers a unique perspective on biblical narratives and early Christian history. TikTok

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Claim to the Upper Room

One of the most significant traditions associated with the Monastery of St. Mark is its claim to be the site of the Upper Room, where Jesus shared the Last Supper with his disciples. This tradition is supported by a plaque found in the 1940s, dating back to the 5th or 6th century, which indicates the location as the house of Mary, mother of Mark the Evangelist. Reddit Visitors can descend into the basement area, which is believed to be the original floor level of the building from Christ's time, offering a tangible connection to this pivotal biblical event. TikTok The Syriac Orthodox community holds this site in deep reverence, considering it a foundational location for Christianity. TikTok

While historical and archaeological evidence is debated, the spiritual significance for many pilgrims is undeniable. The intimate setting of the basement area allows for quiet contemplation and reflection on the events that transpired there. Reddit The belief that this is where the Eucharist was instituted and where the Holy Spirit descended upon the disciples adds a profound layer to the visitor experience. TikTok

This claim makes the Monastery of St. Mark a unique destination for those interested in biblical history and the early days of Christianity. It's a place where tradition and faith converge, offering a powerful spiritual encounter for believers and a fascinating historical insight for all. TikTok

Syriac Orthodox Traditions and Worship

The Monastery of St. Mark is a vital center for the Syriac Orthodox community in Jerusalem, representing one of the city's smallest yet oldest Christian groups. TikTok+1 The church's services are conducted in Aramaic, the ancient language spoken by Jesus and his disciples, offering a unique auditory experience for visitors. TikTokReddit This linguistic connection to the time of Christ is a powerful element of the worship, making it a deeply moving experience for many. TikTok

Visitors have shared heartwarming accounts of being greeted by deacons who offer tours and even sing songs in Aramaic, showcasing the church's remarkable acoustics. Reddit These interactions are often described as acts of love and devotion, given freely by the clergy. The monastery also houses ancient icons and religious artifacts, including a rare parchment painting of the Virgin and Child attributed to St. Mark himself, which is a significant treasure for the community. Reddit

The Syriac Orthodox tradition emphasizes the continuity of faith from the earliest days of Christianity. Visiting the Monastery of St. Mark provides an opportunity to witness this living tradition firsthand, experiencing a form of worship and spiritual practice that has endured for centuries. TikTok+1