Basilica of St Stephen
The Basilica of St Stephen, also known as the Church of St. Stephen or Saint-Étienne, is a Catholic church located outside Jerusalem's Old City. An ancient tradition identifies it as the site of Saint Stephen's martyrdom, the deacon mentioned in the Book of Acts.
Key Facts
- ›An old tradition identifies the site as the location of Saint Stephen's martyrdom.
- ›The first sanctuary, a chapel dedicated to St. Stephen, was built in the fifth century by Empress Eudocia.
- ›The chapel was destroyed by the Persians in 614.
- ›A small church was built in 638 by St. Sophronius and later restored and enlarged by the Crusaders.
- ›The Crusaders destroyed their church to prevent it from falling into the hands of Sultan Saladin.
- ›The current basilica was built by French Dominicans in the 19th century after archaeological excavations and was consecrated in 1900.
Stephen
Dominicans
Ermete Pierotti
About Basilica of St Stephen
The Basilica of St Stephen, also known by its French name Saint-Étienne, is a Catholic church situated outside the Old City walls of Jerusalem, on the route heading north towards Nablus. It stands adjacent to the convent of St. Stephen, which houses the French Bible and Archaeology School (École biblique et archéologique française de Jérusalem) and its convent church. An ancient tradition associates this location with the martyrdom of Saint Stephen, the deacon mentioned in the Book of Acts (Acts 7:54–60). A competing site, linked to a later post-Byzantine tradition, is located in the Kidron Valley.
History and Construction
The history of a sanctuary at this site begins in the fifth century when Empress Eudocia initiated the construction of a chapel dedicated to St. Stephen. This chapel served as her burial place and was destroyed by the Persians during their siege of Jerusalem in 614. In 638, St. Sophronius built a small church on the site, which was later restored and enlarged by the Crusaders. However, the Crusaders themselves destroyed this structure to prevent it from falling into the hands of Sultan Saladin.
In the 19th century, the French Dominicans acquired the land containing the ancient ruins of the Crusader church. Following archaeological excavations, they constructed the current convent and the basilica. The present church was consecrated in 1900. Italian architect and engineer Ermete Pierotti, while serving under the governor of Jerusalem, Surraya Pasha, proposed that the Basilica of St. Stephen marked the tomb of Queen Helena, a theory now largely discounted in favor of the Tombs of the Kings.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Basilica of St Stephen located?
The Basilica of St Stephen is located outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem, on the road leading north to Nablus. It is situated next to the convent of St. Stephen.
What is the significance of the Basilica of St Stephen?
An old tradition holds that this site is where Saint Stephen, the martyr deacon mentioned in the Book of Acts, was martyred. A rival site in the Kidron Valley is also connected to this tradition.
What is the history of the site?
The first sanctuary, a chapel built by Empress Eudocia, dates to the fifth century. It was destroyed by the Persians in 614, rebuilt as a small church in 638 by St. Sophronius, and later enlarged by the Crusaders before being destroyed by them. The current basilica was constructed by French Dominicans in the 19th century.
When was the current basilica consecrated?
The current basilica was consecrated in 1900.
Who built the current basilica?
The current basilica was built by the French Dominicans in the 19th century, following archaeological excavations on the site of ancient ruins.
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