Augusta Victoria Hospital / Church of the Ascension, Jerusalem

Established in 1910 to serve Palestine's German Protestant community, this hospital, named after Kaiser Wilhelm II's wife, stands as one of East Jerusalem's largest medical facilities and remains the sole specialized-care institution in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Although officially inaugurated in 1910, the construction - architectually inspired by German palaces like the Hohenzollern Castle - was not completed until 1914. Back then, it was the country's first building to be equipped with electricity, powered by a diesel generator.

Within the hospital grounds is the Church of the Ascension, characterized by its distinctive high square tower housing four large bells, including one weighing six tons. This tower serves as a prominent landmark visible throughout the city and offers panoramic views stretching all the way to the Dead Sea. While the church is open to the public from Monday to Saturday (8:30 AM-1 PM), please note that the lift has been out of service for several years, requiring visitors to climb the stairs to reach the top. Standing at 60 meters high, the ascent can be quite challenging for those averse to stairs. Adorned with intricate domes and artwork, the church building itself occasionally hosts choral and classical music concerts, with event details available on the website.