Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
A 19th-century Lutheran church in Jerusalem's Old City, famed for its bell tower offering panoramic views and a crypt with ancient foundations.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds for tower climb
Lutheran Church of the Redeemer
Best Time
Fewer crowds for tower climb
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 19th-century Lutheran church in Jerusalem's Old City, famed for its bell tower offering panoramic views and a crypt with ancient foundations.
"The view from the spire is one of the best in the city, well worth the climb!"
🎟️ Tower Entry Fee
There's a small fee (NIS 15) for the tower, crypt, and exhibition. Worth it for the views!
👟 Steep & Narrow Climb
The tower stairs are tight and steep. Take your time and use the resting spots.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 211 reviews
Type
Church
Address
Website
evangelisch-in-jerusalem.orgHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bell Tower Views
Bell Tower
Ascend 178 steps for breathtaking 360-degree panoramas of the Old City and beyond.
Ancient Foundations
Crypt
Explore pre-Christian era building foundations and ancient city walls in the dimly lit crypt.
Peaceful Nave
Church Nave
Experience a simple, minimalist interior, a serene contrast to more ornate churches nearby.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Climb for Incredible Views
Combine Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Tower Entry Fee
There's a small fee (NIS 15) for the tower, crypt, and exhibition. Worth it for the views!
👟 Steep & Narrow Climb
The tower stairs are tight and steep. Take your time and use the resting spots.
☕ Courtyard Cafe
Enjoy a break at the pleasant courtyard cafe, with staff speaking German.
⛪ Combine with Holy Sepulchre
It's just minutes away from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Tower Entry Fee
There's a small fee (NIS 15) for the tower, crypt, and exhibition. Worth it for the views!
👟 Steep & Narrow Climb
The tower stairs are tight and steep. Take your time and use the resting spots.
☕ Courtyard Cafe
Enjoy a break at the pleasant courtyard cafe, with staff speaking German.
⛪ Combine with Holy Sepulchre
It's just minutes away from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
🕰️ Check Opening Hours
Typically open 10 am-5 pm, but closed on Sundays. Confirm before visiting.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer for its stunning bell tower views and fascinating historical crypt. While the climb up the tower is steep and narrow, most find the panoramic vistas of Jerusalem to be well worth the effort. The church's simple interior offers a peaceful atmosphere, and the adjacent cafe provides a pleasant spot to relax.
"This is a lovely church. The view from the spire is one of the best in the city. It only costs a few shekels to climb to the top. It is a bit of a climb but well worth the wonderful view. The excavations are also very interesting. It’s a very peaceful place."
Bryan Spoon
"A modest and in its way beautiful church. The view from the clock tower is amazing but the way up is really narrow and steep. Not recommended to big/tall people! The adjacent cafe is really nice as well and the exhibition in the cellars quite interesting. The waiters an the cafe are able to speak German."
Lukas Forster
"The Lutheran Church of the Redeemer is the second Protestant church in Jerusalem (the first being Christ Church near Jaffa Gate). It is a property of the Evangelical Jerusalem Foundation, one of the three foundations of the Evangelical Church in Germany in the Holy Land. Inside the bell tower of the Church of the Redeemer, a circular staircase of 178 steps offers panoramic views of Jerusalem from 40 metres up. It is the home to congregations that worship in Arabic, German, Danish and English."
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What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The church is located in the Christian Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City, easily accessible on foot. It's situated directly across from the Church of Alexander Nevsky and Muristan. Many visitors combine a trip here with nearby attractions like the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is just a two-minute walk away.
Parking within the Old City is extremely limited and not recommended. It's best to use public transportation or a taxi to reach the Jaffa Gate or Damascus Gate and then walk into the Old City.
The Old City is a pedestrian-friendly maze. Using a map app on your phone can be helpful, but also don't be afraid to ask locals for directions. The church is well-signposted within the Christian Quarter.
Yes, you can take a bus or light rail to stations near the Old City gates (like Jaffa Gate or Damascus Gate) and then walk to the church.
The Old City's cobblestone streets and narrow passages can be challenging for wheelchairs. While the church nave might be accessible, the tower and crypt involve stairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The church is typically open from 10 am to 5 pm, but it is closed on Sundays. It's always a good idea to verify hours before your visit, as they can sometimes change.
Visiting the main church nave is usually free. However, there is an entry fee (around NIS 15 per adult) to access the crypt, exhibition area, and the bell tower.
Information on online booking is not widely available. It's generally recommended to purchase tickets on-site upon arrival.
Specific discount information is not readily available. It's best to inquire at the ticket counter upon arrival for any potential concessions.
The ticket typically grants access to the bell tower for panoramic views, the crypt with ancient foundations, and the exhibition area.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Inside, you'll find a simple, minimalist nave. The main attractions are the climb up the bell tower for stunning city views, the crypt showcasing ancient foundations, and an exhibition area.
A visit can take anywhere from 1 to 2 hours, depending on how long you spend enjoying the views from the tower and exploring the crypt and exhibition.
The climb involves 178 steps up a narrow, steep spiral staircase. There are resting floors, but it can be challenging for some.
You'll get excellent 360-degree panoramic views of the Old City, including the Dome of the Rock and other significant landmarks, as well as views of East and West Jerusalem.
Yes, the church hosts weekly services in Arabic, German, Danish, and English, catering to various congregations.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a pleasant courtyard cafe adjacent to the church, offering a nice spot to relax.
The cafe offers refreshments and a place to take a break. Staff are noted to speak German.
The Christian Quarter is filled with numerous restaurants and eateries offering a variety of local and international cuisine. You'll find many options within a short walking distance.
It's generally best to consume food and drinks outside the church premises, especially in the nave and prayer areas. The cafe is the designated area for refreshments.
Explore the narrow alleys of the Christian Quarter for authentic falafel, shawarma, and traditional Middle Eastern dishes. Many small, local eateries offer delicious and affordable meals.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in the nave and courtyard. However, check for any specific signage regarding photography in the crypt or tower areas.
The panoramic views from the top of the bell tower are spectacular. The ancient foundations in the crypt also offer unique photographic opportunities.
Yes, photography is permitted from the bell tower, allowing you to capture stunning shots of Jerusalem. Be mindful of other visitors in the narrow space.
Drone usage is typically restricted in sensitive historical and religious areas like the Old City. It's advisable to check local regulations before flying a drone.
Late afternoon often provides beautiful golden hour light for photography, especially for the city views from the tower. Morning light can also be good for capturing details within the church.
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