Al-Eizariya

Al-Eizariya (also known as Bethany in Christian tradition) is a Palestinian town in the Jerusalem Governorate, located on the eastern slope of the Mount of Olives, 3 km east of Jerusalem's Old City. It is universally identified with the biblical village of Bethany, home to Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. The town is dominated by the Tomb of Lazarus, a major Christian pilgrimage site. Al-Eizariya has a mixed Christian and Muslim population and a lively commercial centre. The climate is Mediterranean: hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit. The town centre is compact and walkable.

By Plane

Ben Gurion Airport (TLV) is 50 km northwest. A taxi costs ₪250–350. Budget: sherut to Jerusalem's Damascus Gate (₪45), then bus or shared taxi to Al-Eizariya (₪5, 10 min).

By Car / Road

Al-Eizariya is 3 km east of Jerusalem's Old City, about 10 minutes by car via the Jericho Road (Route 1). Shared taxis from Jerusalem's Damascus Gate and the Lion's Gate run frequently (₪5).

Al-Eizariya is easily walkable. The Tomb of Lazarus, the churches, and the main commercial street are all within a few minutes' walk.

• Tomb of Lazarus — A small shrine at the traditional site of Jesus raising Lazarus from the dead. Visitors descend a narrow stone staircase into the tomb chamber. Free. Daily 08:00–17:00.

• Church of St. Lazarus (Catholic) — A modern Franciscan church with beautiful mosaics depicting the raising of Lazarus. Free. Daily.

• Church of St. Lazarus (Greek Orthodox) — An older Orthodox church adjacent to the tomb, with a fine iconostasis.

• Mosque of Al-Eizariya (Maqam Al-Azair) — The Muslim shrine above the tomb, also dedicated to Lazarus (Al-Azair).

• Bethany beyond the Jordan viewpoint — From the town's eastern edge, the view stretches toward the Jordan Valley.

• Pilgrim visit to the Tomb of Lazarus — The main attraction; allow 30 minutes.

• Church tour — Visit both the Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches.

• Walk the Palm Sunday route — The traditional path from Al-Eizariya over the Mount of Olives into Jerusalem's Old City.

• Explore the market — Al-Eizariya has a small but lively produce market in the mornings.

• Bethany Restaurant — A restaurant near the tomb serving Palestinian and Middle Eastern cuisine. Mains ₪30–55.
• Lazarus Café — A simple café near the church square serving coffee, tea, and light snacks. Items ₪5–15.
• Falafel stands — Several street food stalls near the main intersection. Sandwiches ₪8–12.

Fresh pomegranate and orange juice from market stalls (₪5–8). Bottled water (₪2). Alcohol is not widely available.

• Budget: Al-Eizariya Guesthouse — A simple pilgrim guesthouse near the church. Doubles from ₪100/night.
• Mid-range: Mount of Olives Hotel (East Jerusalem, 10 min west, from ₪300/night).
• Upscale: Jerusalem hotels (15 min west).

Religious souvenirs (crosses, icons, olive-wood carvings) are sold near the Tomb of Lazarus. The market is good for fresh produce and Palestinian olive oil. Bargaining expected at souvenir stalls.

• Jerusalem Old City (3 km, 10 min west) — The Dome of the Rock, Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and the Western Wall.
• Mount of Olives (2 km, 8 min west) — The panoramic viewpoint and the Garden of Gethsemane.
• Abu Dis (3 km, 5 min east) — Al-Quds University and the separation barrier.
• Bethlehem (12 km, 20 min south) — The Church of the Nativity.
• Jericho (22 km, 25 min east) — Tell es-Sultan and Hisham's Palace.