St Anne's Church, Bethesda

Description:

• The compound in which St Anne's Church sits is now the home of the French White Fathers. In the time of Hadrian, the site held a temple of Asclepius, the Roman god of healing. Somewhat later, a church dedicated to Mary was erected. In the crypt is a shrine commemorating the birth of Mary, whose mother was St Anne. The present building is a very fine example of Crusader architecture. Note the Arabic inscription above the door. Salah-al-Din turned the building into a Muslim madrassa (religious studies school) in 1187.
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