Garden of Gethsemane

Gethsemane was the garden where Jesus watched, prayed, and suffered for the sins of the world the night before he was crucified. It was also where Christ was betrayed by the disciple Judas Iscariot.

Many of the Olive trees in the garden date back over 2000 years ... ... and, hence, it may have been next to any of these that Jesus prayed. The garden is now enclosed with a retractable fence to protect it from vandals. The olive tree closest to the Church of All Nations (seen in the background) ... ... is the oldest tree in the garden, dating back to at least the 3rd Century BC This marks the traditional spot, now disputed, where Jesus prayed. The rock outcropping extends into the church and under the Altar. Tradition says that it was here that Judas kissed Jesus, identifying him. Walking in this peaceful garden is truly an experience in "Holy Presence." One can FEEL the presence of Christ here ... ... along these paths.