Gaza City, February 3, 2022
Photo: xinhuanet.com
The Palestinian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in the Gaza Strip opened an ancient Byzantine church to the public as a museum late last month.
The church, discovered by chance in 1998, located in the Jabalia refugee camp, is dated to about 1,530 years ago, reports Al-Monitor.
The graves of emperors and parishioners, together with coins and pottery pieces have also been discovered at the site.
Photo: prokerala.com
“This church is one of the most important churches in the Levant, as it was established in the era of Byzantine Emperor Anastasius I in 497. It was located on the ancient trade land route linking Gaza with the Levant and was a rest stop for Christian pilgrims heading to the Holy Land,” explains Jamal Abu Rida, Director General of Antiquities for the Palestinian Ministry.
The site consists of a church, a chapel, and a baptistery, spanning an area of 8,600 square feet.
“This church is the only one in the Middle East with 17 scripts in Old Greek inscribed on mosaic pavements, which prove that it was expanded and renovated several times over several eras,” Abu Rida said.
Photo: greekreporter.com
The Ministry’s project included excavation, restoration and maintenance works, unearthing graves and monks’ cells, and permanent covering and protection works of the mosaic floors. An exhibition hall, a meeting hall, and entrances to the church were also equipped.
The church has now become a tourist site, fully equipped to receive local and foreign visitors, according to Abu Rida.
The report below shows scenes from the church-museum:
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