
Monastery of St. Mark
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
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

Monastery of St. Mark
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere

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

🎯 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.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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.

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.

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.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Finding St. Mark's: A Hidden Gem
Respectful Visits & Photography
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 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.
📸 Photo restrictions
Photography is allowed, but not of the ancient parchment painting of the Virgin and Child.
🗣️ Free guided tours
Church staff often offer free, insightful tours in English. They are passionate about sharing the history.
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.
🙏 Dress modestly
As an active place of worship, please dress respectfully. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
📸 Photo restrictions
Photography is allowed, but not of the ancient parchment painting of the Virgin and Child.
🗣️ Free guided tours
Church staff often offer free, insightful tours in English. They are passionate about sharing the history.
🎶 Experience Aramaic chants
Try to visit during a prayer service to hear beautiful Aramaic chants and experience the church's acoustics.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
Yes, you are welcome to attend services. Visitors have noted the beauty of Aramaic prayers and the spiritual atmosphere during these times.
Yes, as it is an active place of worship, modest dress is required. This typically means covering shoulders and knees.
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.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
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.
Visitors consistently describe the atmosphere as peaceful, intimate, and serene, offering a wonderful opportunity for reflection and connection to Scripture.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed throughout the church, allowing you to capture the beautiful icons and architecture.
No, photography of the ancient parchment painting of the Virgin and Child is strictly prohibited due to its age and delicate condition.
Focus on the ornate altar, the various iconic images, and the architectural details. The atmosphere itself is very photogenic.
While you can capture the ambiance of the prayers, be mindful of the sacred nature of the service and avoid intrusive photography.
Drone usage is generally restricted in Jerusalem's Old City for security and preservation reasons. It's best to avoid bringing drones.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🙏 Spiritual Seekers & Pilgrims
🏛️ History Buffs & Culture Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Claim to the Upper Room
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. 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.
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.
Syriac Orthodox Traditions and Worship
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. 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.
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.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit