Church of All Nations and Gethsemane olives

The Church of All Nations, also called the Basilica of the Agony, stands at the foot of the Mount of Olives beside Jericho Road in Jerusalem, Israel, at about 31.7794 N, 35.2398 E. Beside it, the Garden of Gethsemane holds a grove of very old olive trees, some of which are thought to be centuries or even many centuries old. The church was designed by the architect Antonio Barluzzi and completed in 1924, and its façade is decorated with a gold mosaic beneath a triangular pediment. The frame combines the façade, the twisted trunks and silvery foliage of the olive trees, and the garden's flower beds. Morning light falls on the front of the basilica and gives warm colour to the mosaic, while the olive grove is best photographed in soft, filtered light before the harsh midday sun. The site is open throughout the year, and spring brings garden flowers and mild weather, while summer afternoons can be hot and glaring. It is a pilgrimage site, so crowds of tour groups arrive during the mid-morning, and the garden and interior are quieter early. Photography inside the basilica is restricted in some cases, and visitors should follow posted rules and keep quiet. Tripods are generally not suited to the garden paths and church interior, and drones are restricted over Jerusalem. There is no ticket for the basilica, though donations are welcome, and opening hours include a midday closure that should be checked locally. Modest dress is required in the church. A 35mm lens suits the garden, and a wide-angle helps capture the façade from the narrow forecourt. The location is close to the Mount of Olives viewpoint and the Church of Mary Magdalene, and restrooms and cafes are available nearby.