The Holy Land sites form the beating heart of Christianity: it was here that Jesus of Nazareth lived, and these are the places where his disciples witnessed his death and resurrection, bringing the joyous message of the Gospel to the world.
Where Jesus walked, an immense historical, artistic, and cultural wealth has flourished, made visible and tangible by the beauty of the places of worship that preserve its memory. There are more than thirty sacred buildings - including chapels, churches, and basilicas - that bear witness to and recount moments from the life of Jesus: from the humility of Bethlehem to the enchantment of Tabor, from the mystery of Nazareth to the enigma of the Holy Sepulchre. The Association Pro Terra Sancta, alongside the Franciscan Custody, is committed to the maintenance and preservation of the sanctuaries of the Holy Land, which bear witness to the millennia-old faith centered around its pivotal heart: Jerusalem.
Israel/Palestine - Jerusalem – Holy Sepulchre
Pro Terra Sancta supports the Custody of the Holy Land in managing the restoration project of the floor of the Holy Sepulchre. The project includes the three main Christian denominations that care for and guard the Basilica of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem: the Greek Orthodox, the Armenians, and the Franciscans on behalf of the Catholics. This context of meeting, dialogue, and collaboration frames the work of restoration and maintenance of the common areas of the basilica: the Orthodox oversaw the restoration of the Edicule, while the recent repaving work is managed by the Franciscan Custody. The refurbishment of the flooring and the renovation of the underlying systems have provided the opportunity to carry out new archaeological excavations, conducted by experts from the University of La Sapienza. Pro Terra Sancta has managed the project expenses and provided adequate assistance to the Italian archaeologists and scholars. Moreover, the restoration work of the Holy Sepulchre has allowed the guesthouse Dar Mamilla, which had emptied after the outbreak of the war in Gaza, to remain active: since the end of December 2023, it has been reoccupied by the archaeologists and restorers from the University of La Sapienza engaged in the Holy Sepulchre project, which continues to move forward.
Palestine - Bethany – House of Lazarus In Bethany
Pro Terra Sancta has an active project for the conservation and enhancement of the area, which is described in the Gospels as a place of friendship and the setting for many important events in the life of Jesus. On the dedicated page, we provide more detailed information about the project's objectives and its results.
Jordan - Mount Nebo – A New Memorial on the Mountain of Moses
In the Book of Deuteronomy, God commands Moses to ascend Mount Nebo and view from there the Promised Land, which he would never enter. According to the Old Testament, it was on the summit of this mountain that God called Moses to Himself. The site of Mount Nebo in Jordan has thus become a place of great religious importance, revered by Christians, Jews, and Muslims alike. In 1932, the Custody of the Holy Land took over its care, which enabled the commencement of successful archaeological campaigns that uncovered extraordinarily important historical and religious remains. Pro Terra Sancta supports the Custody by financing archaeological excavations to aid in the discovery of new significant findings. The Association is also committed to preserving and enhancing the sanctity of the area, guiding pilgrims of all major religions to reflect on the biblical stories of the Old Testament and renewing the fascination with the figure of Moses.
