As the Christian world celebrates the Easter season, the CBRL Digital Repository invites you to explore a curated collection of remarkable imagery from Jerusalem, featuring churches with deep religious and historical significance. These digitised slides from the Crystal Bennett Collection offer researchers and enthusiasts a unique perspective on the sacred landmarks of the Holy City.

The Church of the Condemnation
CMBA, Jerusalem, Slide 017 | discoverygarden
CMBA, Jerusalem, Slide 018 | discoverygarden 

A significant Roman Catholic church in Jerusalem, located within the Old City at the second station of the Via Dolorosa, this site marks where Jesus began His journey toward the Cross according to Christian tradition. The digitised slides capture the ancient architecture and atmosphere of the location, echoing the footsteps of faith and endurance along Jerusalem’s historic stone alleys. This path resonates profoundly during Easter, reflecting the journey of devotion commemorated by Christians worldwide. 

The Monastery of the Cross  
CMBA, Jerusalem, Slide 078 | discoverygarden 
Hidden in Jerusalem’s Valley of the Cross to the west of the city, this Greek-Orthodox monastery traces its origins, by tradition, to the 5th century. The present monastery complex, built in the 11th century by Georgian monks, stands as a fortress-like sanctuary in a peaceful valley. According to tradition, it marks the site of the “Holy Tree”—a triplet of olive, cypress, and cedar—that was later used to craft the Cross of the Crucifixion. A room inside the monastery commemorates this sacred tree, making the site a profound symbol of sacrifice and redemption.

We are proud to offer this digital window into Jerusalem’s ancient history, and invite you to explore the Crystal Bennett Collection to discover the landmarks that have shaped the city’s memory and spiritual identity throughout the ages.