Located just outside the historic walls of Jerusalem's Old City on the road leading north toward Nablus, St. Stephen’s Basilica (also known as Saint-Étienne) offers you a serene and deeply historical stop. When you visit this Roman Catholic church, you are stepping onto grounds steeped in centuries of Christian tradition. An ancient belief holds that this exact location is where Saint Stephen, the deacon recognized as the first Christian martyr in the biblical Book of Acts, met his martyrdom.
When you explore the site today, you will see a beautiful basilica consecrated in 1900 by French Dominicans, built over fascinating ancient ruins. The land’s history dates back to the fifth century when Empress Eudocia built the original chapel and was buried here. Though Persian invasions and Crusader destructions leveled earlier structures, nineteenth-century archaeological excavations paved the way for the current complex. As you walk the grounds, you will also discover that it stands alongside the convent of St.
Stephen and the renowned French Bible and Archaeology School. Whether you are drawn by religious heritage, fascinating archaeology, or ancient history, St. Stephen's Basilica provides a meaningful glimpse into Jerusalem's layered past.
What to see at St. Stephen's Basilica, Jerusalem
- Site linked by ancient tradition to the martyrdom of Saint Stephen in Acts 7
- Present-day basilica built by French Dominicans and consecrated in 1900
- Historic location of 5th-century Empress Eudocia's original chapel and burial
- Home to the French Bible and Archaeology School and St. Stephen convent
Visiting tips
Keep in mind that while this site holds the ancient tradition of Saint Stephen's martyrdom, a rival post-Byzantine tradition places the event in the Kidron Valley.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Morning
How to get there & what’s nearby
St. Stephen's Basilica, Jerusalem is easy to reach on Jerusalem’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Tower of David and Walls of Jerusalem. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Jerusalem travel guide.
See the full Jerusalem travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.