Church of St. Alexander Nevsky, Jerusalem

Another intriguing church to explore in the Christian Quarter is that of Alexander Nevsky, also known as the Alexander Hospice, situated just across from the Lutheran Church of the Redeemer. This Russian Orthodox temple, built in 1859 and named after the 13th-century Russian warrior-prince, offers a compact yet fascinating visit that can be conveniently squeezed into a tight sightseeing schedule.

Upon entering, among other items of interest, you will find portraits of members of the Russian royal family in the first room near the entrance. The second room holds an impressive iconostasis, along with wall paintings and various cased items on display.

However, the real highlight lies in the archaeological excavations initiated in 1883, even before the church's construction, which garnered worldwide attention and earned the site the "Russian Excavations" moniker. These excavations have unearthed sections of a Herodian city wall dating back to the 2nd century A.D., as well as remnants of a colonnade street and arch structure. Of particular significance is the city wall structure, which supports the belief that the nearby Church of the Holy Sepulchre was originally located outside the city wall and is purportedly the site of Jesus's crucifixion. Archaeology enthusiasts will find this aspect of the visit especially rewarding.