Church of All Nations / Basilica of the Agony - Jerusalem

The Church of All Nations, officially named the Basilica of the Agony, is located at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem next to the Garden of Gethsemane. The Catholic church enshrines a section of stone in the Garden of Gethsemane that is believed to be where Jesus prayed on the night of his arrest (Matthew 26:36).

The modern church stands on the foundations of two ancient churches: a 4th-century Byzantine basilica, destroyed by an earthquake in 746 and a 12th-century Crusader chapel, which was abandoned in 1345.

The Basilica of the Agony was built from 1919-24 with funding from 12 different countries, which gave it its nickname: "the Church of All Nations." Inside, the symbols of each country that contributed to the church are incorporated into the inlaid gold ceilings of each of 12 cupolas.

The domed roof, thick pillars, and floor mosaic give the church a Byzantine appearance. The architect of the building was Antonio Barluzzi, who also designed the nearby Dominus Flevit Church. The front of the church features a colorful façade supported by a row of pillars. The mosaic above the entrance depicts Christ as the link between God and humanity.

Church of All Nations - Aerial View

Front of the Church of All Nations

Closeup of beautiful mosaic on front of church
depicting that Jesus is the link
between God and humanity

Beautifully ornate church columns outside

Mosaic of Our Lord in agony on a rock in
the Garden of Gethsemane - being
consoled by an angel above

One of the inlaid gold cupolas in the church - beautiful!

The Rock of Agony - A large fragment of the rock
on which Jesus is supposed to have prayed
the night before the Passion