St. John's Church
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Address:
Christian Quarter Road
Jerusalem,
NileGuide Expert tip:
It's easy to miss the small iron gate that leads into the church yard. If the church is closed, try to find one of the monks in the courtyard.
Description:
Not to be confused with the church of St. John the Baptist in Ein Kerem, the Greek church of St. John is in the Christian Quarter of the Old City. Founded in the 5th century and rebuilt in the 11th century, the church is the oldest church in Jerusalem. The small church enclosed in a quiet courtyard, became the headquarters of the Knights Hospitalliers. During the Crusades in 1099, many Christians who were wounded were treated here. After their recovery, some of the grateful knights dedicated themselves to helping the sick and protecting pilgrims to the Holy Land. Calling themselves the Knights of the Hospital of St. John, they later developed into the military order of the Hospitallers, who played a key role in the defense of the Holy Land.
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