It’s just minutes’ walk from Jewish, Muslim and Christian sacred sites like the Western Wall, the Temple Mount/Al-Haram al-Sharif and the Holy Sepulchre. Guests enjoy the spectacular views of the Old City from the various terraces, and many tell us they appreciate the friendly reception.
The convent of Ecce Homo was built on the Via Dolorosa in the Muslim quarter of the Old City in the 1850s under the supervision of Alphonse Ratisbonne, our founder Theodore’s brother. The community of the Congregation of Notre Dame de Sion arrived in 1856 and began to welcome pilgrims from all over the world as soon as the building works permitted.
There is much ancient history surrounding the site. An arch built by the emperor Hadrian in 135 CE extends over the street and into the walls of the house itself. In the lower level of the convent are the paving stones called Lithostrotos (Greek), a cistern built by King Herod and a Roman road.
Tradition holds that the passion of Jesus occurred in this area, hence the house’s name: “Ecce Homo”, the words proffered by Pilate as he brought Jesus before the crowd, meaning “Behold the Man”.
The House offers a choice of accommodation:
Most rooms are air-conditioned and heated and have en-suite bathrooms.
In addition, there is a dormitory for men and one for women, each providing a degree of privacy, with shared bathrooms.
WiFi is available throughout the house.
Bed & breakfast and half board (bed, breakfast & dinner) staying plans are available.
Video and editing: Jon Muscat, Roamingearth videography @Roamingearth videography
Music: Artist: Juan Sánchez – Song: For when it rains; Artist’s website: https://juansanchezmusic.info/
Accommodation
Group bookings are available.
Meetings
There are meeting rooms available for pilgrim groups.
Lunch
Lunch can be booked for groups of between 12 and 60 people.
Pilgrim house guests are welcome to enter the Basilica for reflection and prayer, and are invited to join Eucharist at the advertised times. Eucharist or services of Worship can be arranged.
Visiting hours are 8:00 – 17:00 daily (open for prayer only on Good Friday).
The staff will be pleased to advise you about excursions in the Old City and further afield.
For those who prefer to stay in a historical mountain village, the monastery of Our Lady of Sion in Ein Kerem can serve as an alternative base for visits to the Holy City.
view moreFor those who prefer to stay in a historical mountain village, the monastery of Our Lady of Sion in Ein Kerem can serve as an alternative base for visits to the Holy City.
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