The Convent & the Hidden Ruins: Where to Stay in Jerusalem
Walking through the streets of Jerusalem crowded with believers of several faiths, you know you’re in a holy place. During my visit, I wanted to stay in the heart of the old city so that I could experience this energy and spirit. My early morning walks with mothers taking their children to school and evening strolls among the prayerful were everything I had hoped for. While in Jerusalem, I stayed at a guesthouse for pilgrims run by an order of nuns which was located on the Via Dolorosa (or the Way of the Cross). Besides being a welcoming home, the convent had a surprisingly beautiful but quirky church and a basement of archaeological remains dating to the Roman occupation of the city. What more could I ask for?!

The Franciscans and Catholic pilgrims heading down the Via Dolorosa for the Friday afternoon Stations of the Cross. Note the aptly named alley (“The Nun’s Ascent”) and the public entrance to the Lithostrotos at the right.