Nestled on the eastern slope of Mount Zion, overlooking the Kidron Valley, stands the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu, a place of profound spiritual significance and historical importance. This magnificent church commemorates events associated with Peter’s denial of Jesus and the trial of Jesus before the High Priest Caiaphas.
Its name, “Gallicantu,” derives from the Latin word for “cock’s crow,” referencing the biblical account of Peter denying Jesus three times before the rooster crowed.
A Site with Biblical Connections
The Denial of Peter refers to three acts of denial of Jesus by the Apostle Peter as described in all four Gospels of the New Testament.
All four Canonical Gospels state that during Jesus’s Last Supper with his disciples, he predicted that Peter would deny knowledge of him, stating that Peter would disown him before the rooster crowed the next morning. Following the arrest of Jesus, Peter denied knowing him three times, but after the third denial, he heard the rooster crow and recalled the prediction as Jesus turned to look at him. Peter then began to cry bitterly. This final incident is known as the Repentance of Peter.
The name of the Church has been given in commemoration of Peter’s triple denial of being associated with Jesus during the night of his arrest “… before the cock crows twice” (Mark 14:30), and has been introduced by the Crusaders.
The history of this site extends back to ancient times. Excavations have revealed the remains of an ancient fortress believed to be the House of Caiaphas, where Jesus was held and questioned after His arrest. Visitors can explore parts of the excavated fortress, providing a tangible connection to the events of Jesus’ trial.
The Church Architecture
The Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu, with its rich historical and spiritual significance, welcomes visitors through an entrance situated in a parking lot above the main level of the church. As pilgrims step into the courtyard, they are met with a compelling statue depicting the events of Peter’s denial. The figures of the cock, the woman, and the Roman soldier come to life, evoking the biblical passage, “But he denied him, saying ‘Woman, I know him not’!” (Luke 22:57).
The entrance itself is flanked by magnificent wrought iron doors adorned with biblical bas reliefs. To the right, two Byzantine-era mosaics discovered during excavation provide a glimpse into the church’s ancient past, possibly part of the floor of a fifth-century shrine. As visitors enter the main sanctuary, they are met with grand, multi-colored mosaics beautifully portraying figures from the New Testament.
The eye is drawn to a captivating depiction of a bound Jesus being questioned at Caiaphas’ palace, facing the entrance. To the right, Jesus and His disciples are portrayed dining at the Last Supper, while on the left, Peter, revered as the first Pope, is depicted in ancient papal dress. The interior’s crowning feature is a magnificent cross-shaped window, exquisitely designed in a variety of colors, dominating the ceiling.
Adorning the walls, the fourteen Stations of the Cross guide visitors through the solemn journey of Christ’s crucifixion, each marked by a simple cross.
Descending the lower chapel, visitors encounter ancient stone from grottos incorporated into the walls, revealing glimpses of the church’s deep historical roots. Peering through a central hole in the sanctuary floor, one can catch sight of caves believed to have been part of the Byzantine shrine, engraved with crosses left by fifth-century Christians.
On an even lower level, the church reveals ancient underground chambers dating back to the Second Temple period. Traditionally believed to have been the palace of Caiaphas, it is thought that Jesus may have been imprisoned in one of these crypts after His arrest. However, these caves were commonplace in Roman-era homes, serving various functions such as cellars, water cisterns, and baths.
At the bottom of the Steps of Repentance, you will find a dark and haunting dungeon. Tradition holds that Jesus was kept in a similar underground cell during His captivity. This place serves as a poignant reminder of the sufferings endured by Jesus during His arrest and trial.
The only access to the bottle-necked cell was through a shaft from above, so the prisoner would have been lowered and raised by means of a rope harness. A mosaic depicting Jesus in such a harness is outside on the south wall of the church. A small window from the guardroom served as a peephole for a guard standing on a stone block.
Noteworthy is the ancient staircase on the north side of the church, leading down towards the Kidron Valley. This staircase is said to have been a passage from the upper city to the lower city during the First Temple period. Many Christians hold the belief that Jesus followed this very path down to Gethsemane on the night of His arrest, imbuing the site with profound spiritual significance.
The Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu also offers breathtaking panoramic views of Jerusalem’s Old City, the Temple Mount, and the Mount of Olives. These vistas provide a beautiful backdrop for prayer, meditation, and appreciation of the holy city’s historical and spiritual significance.
Visiting the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu
As visitors explore the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu, they are invited to delve into the biblical narrative, reflect on the complexities of human frailty, and contemplate the message of repentance and forgiveness. This sacred site is a testament to the enduring power of faith and serves as a place of pilgrimage for countless believers seeking to connect with the teachings and life of Jesus Christ.
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