When I look back and I think about all the special places I have been to and I would like to revisit, Jerusalem would definitely be on my list. In my opinion this city is loaded with a special type of energy that touched me in a profound way. I can definitely say that the pilgrimage to the holy places is one of most precious memories that I have.
There are many sacred places to visit in Jerusalem, but one of my favorites is the Garden of Gethsemane. Situated at the foot of the Mount of Olives, in the east of the Kidron Valley, the Garden of Gethsemane is actually an olive tree grove.
This grove is the place where Jesus went with his disciples to pray the night before he was crucified. In this garden Jesus decided to entrust himself to the will of his Father. Contrary to what you might expect, this is not a large garden and it covers an area of only 1200 m².
Even if in time the garden was modernized in order to create a stronger impression on the pilgrims, it is still one of the most natural areas in Jerusalem. In the Garden of Olives, as it is called, you will have the chance to admire eight olive trees which are considered to be the oldest olive trees in the world.
The legend says that these eight olive trees are the descendants of one olive tree that witnessed Jesus’s prayer. It is also said that they belong to the same olive root (when an olive tree is cut down, several shoots grow from the cut root and once these shoots are replanted they form new olive trees).
The name of Gethsemane means “oil press” and it is interesting to know that the oil obtained from the fruit of these trees is still used to light some lamps which decorate the Holy Places. The Garden of Gethsemane is very beautiful and tidy, but what I liked most about this place was that special energy that made me experience a mixture of emotions.
I felt inner peace, balance and serenity. In my opinion this is one of the most special places in the world. You should know that if you visit the Garden of Gethsemane, you will also have the opportunity to visit other sacred places, situated near the garden.
The Church of All Nations is built on top of the rock where Jesus had prayed before he was betrayed by Judas. Another place situated at about 100 meters from the church is the Grotto of Gethsemane.
This is actually the shelter that Jesus and his disciples used when they came to the garden. Near this grotto, there is a church that shelters the tomb of Virgin Mary. All these places highlight the beauty of the entire area.
In my opinion this garden is indeed a place where you can feel closer to God. No pilgrimage to the Holy Places is complete without visiting the Garden of Gethsemane.
