St. Andrew's Scots Memorial Church, Jerusalem

Perched majestically atop a hill southwest of Mount Zion, Saint Andrew's stands as a symbolic Highland castle, honoring one of Jesus's twelve disciples and the patron Saint of Scotland. Since its inception in 1927, this church has served as a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by Scottish soldiers during WWI, with funds raised from across Britain to erect it.

Throughout WWII, Saint Andrew's continued to be a sanctuary for Scots, although the local demographic shifted after the 6-Day War (notice the remnants of battle scars on the building). Today, the site welcomes visitors from diverse nationalities, many drawn to its excellent guesthouse. Nearby, a memorial honors Scottish king Robert Bruce, who, upon his passing in 1329, expressed a wish for his heart to rest in Jerusalem, a wish unfulfilled.

A highlight here are the stunning Armenian blue ceramics adorning fountains and stairwells, their hues mesmerizingly beautiful. Mosaic ceramics and tile work decorate the sanctuary throughout, adding to its allure.

Interestingly, the hill upon which the church stands serves as a water divide: rainfall on the western side flows to the Mediterranean Sea, while the eastern side feeds into the Dead Sea.

In ancient times, this whole area was a Necropolis, and there still are quite a few tombs dating back to 1000 B.C. Below the church lies the former site of a Scottish hospital, now known as the House of Quality, where Jerusalem craftsmen ply their trade.