Sacred Sites

The Cenacle
By
Anya Fogel
For Mr. Appleby
4th Period
AP Human Geography
December 17, 20
On the periphery of old Jerusalem lays the remains of a revered building known as the Cenacle, a
site sacred to several religions. Although the building was constructed in the first century as a
Jewish synagogue, Muslims and Christians also find religious significance in the history of the
building, explaining its status as a sacred site.
What is its religious significance? Why is it important to the religion?

The Cenacle is sacred to Jews, Muslims, and Christians for distinct reasons. On the ground level
of the building is the Jewish shrine venerated as the tomb of King David, though he is not
actually buried there. (Cenacle See the Holy Land). The minaret of a Muslim mosque was at
some point added to the roof, hinting that they too find something in the building. For Christians,
the importance of the Cenacle arises from an upper room on its second floor. It is considered by
some to be the room in which Jesus held the last supper with his disciples, mentioned in Mark
14:15 and Luke 22:12.
Are there any requirements for visiting the site?
Although there are no formal requirements for visiting the Cenacle, some are discouraged or
prevented from visiting because of religious tension. Jews and Christians each believe that they
have exclusive claim to the building and feel that the other should not be allowed inside.
Is there controversy surrounding the site? Why or why not?
The history of the Cenacle is laced with controversy that continues today. Although there is
general agreement that the original building was a first century synagogue, both Jews and
Christians claim it as their own. (The Cenacle Archeological Sites). Throughout history, the
Cenacle has been shunted between religions and altered to fit their varying beliefs. It is currently
owned by the Franciscans, the largest religious order in the Roman Catholic church.
(Franciscan Encyclopedia Britannica Online). The Franciscans respect the rights of Jews,
Muslims, and Christians to practice their respective religions and pray inside the sacred building.
Recently, however, Orthodox Jewish extremists began a campaign charging that Israel was
about to turn over the site to the Vatican, displaying the fear implanted in those that hold the
Cenacle sacred. (Sudilovsky Struggle for Rights).

How does the site affect the sacred sites economy of the local area? Does it benefit the
community?
The location of the Cenacle and other sacred sites, such as the Western Wall and the Dome of the
Rock, should draw tourism that benefits the local economy. However, Jerusalem tends to have a
higher incidence of poverty than surrounding cities, such as Tel Aviv and Haifa, due in part
to the number of Orthodox Jewish and Muslim families with single income households.
(Jerusalem Economy Cities of the World). Jews, Muslims, and Christians are drawn to
Jerusalem as working residents as well as tourists. Doctrine in Islam and Orthodox Judaism
prevent or, at the very least, discourage women from working and providing income to their
families, leading to poverty.
Other Information
The architecture of the Cenacle is imbedded with religious symbols, as well as history. Among
the many subtle details is a slender marble column. The column is carved with two
young pelicans feeding on the blood their mother has drawn from her breast, symbolizing Christ
giving his blood for the salvation of humankind. (Cenacle See the Holy Land). This reflects
on the influence Christianity has had on the Cenacle, as Jews recognize Jesus as a prophet and
martyr, but not the Son of God.
Works Cited
1. "The Cenacle." Archeological Sites. The Bible Arch, 2006. Web. 17 Dec. 2015.
2. "Franciscan." Encyclopedia Britannica Online. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2015. Web. 18 Dec.
2015.
3. "Jerusalem Economy." Cities of the World. City Data, 2008. Web. 18 Dec. 2015.

4. "Last Supper Room." Jerusalem. Sacred Destinations, 2015. Web. 18 Dec. 2015..
5. Sudilovsky, Judith. "Struggle for Rights at Cenacle Shows Issues with Jerusalems Holy
Sites." Catholic News. Franciscan Monastery, 2015. Web.