The way lies through several narrow and dirty streets.

In the lanes near the church are booths like those at Maria Zell in Steiermark, and many other places of pilgrimage, where they sell wreaths of roses, shells of mother-of-pearl, crucifixes, etc.

The open space before the church is neat enough.

Opposite lies the finest house in Jerusalem, its terraces gay with flowers.
Visitors to this church will do wisely to provide themselves with a sufficient number of para, as they may expect to be surrounded by a goodly tribe of beggars.

The church is always locked; the key is in the custody of some Turks, who open the sacred edifice when asked to do so.