Walking through the Lions gate to St. Anne’s Basilica and Bethzatha Pool

 

Lion Gate

We walked through the Lion Gate and reached St. Anne’s Basilica and Bethzatha Pool, which stands in a courtyard with trees and ancient ruins. It contrasts with the alleys of the Muslim Quarter. Mr. Hani informed us that Anne and Joachim the parents of Mary lived here and that Mary was born here. In 1187 the Muslim Saladin, or Salah ad-Din conquered Jerusalem and  converted it intoIslamic school, known as al-Madrasa as-Salahiyya.  There is a  Pools of Bethesda, where Christ healed a sick man. Today the entire site is managed by Missionaries of Africa.

St Anne’s Basilica

 

Arabic inscription

Interiors of the Church

Sculpture of St. Anna and the young Mary.

Ruins of the Bethesda Pool

Courtyard