In
Bethany a monastery and church mark the place where Mary and Martha
lived. On the road nearby is the tomb of Lazarus. Lazarus it is stated
became Bishop of Cyprus, and was buried in Larnaca. This spot is marked
by a church.
According to tradition on Mt. Olivet Jesus footmarks are still to be seen on the spot from which he ascended into heaven.
Jericho remains a ruined city with many palm trees. A sycamore tree there is supposed to be the one into which Zaccheus
climbed. From Jericho the mountains of the temptations can be seen.
He
went on the Jordan, and followed down to the Dead Sea. The water here
is peculiar. It is very bitter, and leaves a stain on the skin which
takes a few days to wear off. To prove the fact that the water could be
used, his two guides bathed in it. However no fish can live in it. In
the same valley are Sodom and Gomorrah.
A church stands where Mary the Virgin was met by Gabriel at a well in Nazareth; and a Greek Church shows where the synagogue
was that Jesus preached.
Capernaum is in ruins, with huge square stones, scattered around in abundance. On the road thither are Bethsaida and Nazareth.
The country he described on the whole as being filthy. The land he said is over-run with dogs, according to Mohammedan
custom.