William Henry Bartlett about Armenian Convent in Jerusalem

Travel writer William Henry Bartlett (1809-1854) was scathing about most of the sites and scenes of Jerusalem.

The only building in the whole city, he wrote, “that presents any considerable appearance of comfort” is the Armenian Convent; its compactly-built façade, the neatly-paved street in front, overshadowed by the noble tree, and the portly and highly respectable looking monks about its doorway, are all redolent of ease, and wealth, and cleanliness—rare in the city of Jerusalem.”

He also wrote that the Armenian Convent was the “best resting place in Jerusalem.”

By Jirair Tutunjian