Lutheran Church of the ascension on the Northern slope of the mount of olives is part of a large complex of Augusta Victoria, which includes the hospital. Most often the whole complex is called "Augusta Victoria". This is the name of the wife of the last German Kaiser Wilhelm II: and the hospital and Church were founded here after the visit of the Imperial couple in Jerusalem in 1898 and named after the Empress.

Kaiser and his wife wanted to build on the mount of olives (according to legend, this is where Jesus ascended to heaven), guest house, hospital and Church for Christian pilgrims. The work was entrusted to Robert Leibnitz, who was inspired by the architecture of medieval German castles. Money for the construction were collected throughout Germany, the contributors were awarded to established award – cross of the mount of olives.

The complex, completed in 1910, became not only a prominent architectural monument, but also the first in Jerusalem building with electric lighting (it worked by a diesel generator). During the First world war the hospital was a military hospital and headquarters (the Turkish commanders, the German, and after the arrival of the British troops of General Allenby). After the Arab-Israeli war of 1947-1949 years it housed a hospital for soldiers from the Arab Legion. During the six day war in 1967 the complex was on areas where there was fighting, its walls still can be seen Jordanian stone bunker.

Now Augusta Victoria is a peaceful place: hospital among olive serving the Arab population of East Jerusalem, offices and a Church.

The building in neo-Byzantine style marked a huge (65 meters) powerful tower in the skyline of Jerusalem it is one of the defining verticals. The Church is guarded by statues harsh eagles with folded wings, symbolizing the German Empire. Inside, at the entrance, exposed historical subjects: Bible with the inscription, made by the hand of Empress Augusta Victoria, and tools used in the ceremony of laying.

The magnificent interior of the temple is richly decorated with mosaics, marble and paintings. Luxury mosaic on the ceiling of the nave depicts Christ Pantocrator on the throne, surrounded by the archangels, the evangelists and apostles. The choir visible double portrait of Wilhelm II and Augusta Victoria, which hold in your hands the layout of the Church of the ascension.

Make sure you climb up the bell tower, it offers an incredible panorama of Jerusalem and its environs, including the Judean desert. The Elevator does not always work, but the stairs are comfortable, on the grounds you can relax at the exhibition stands and shop Windows depicting the history of the Church and of the entire complex. Observation deck at the top were barred, but they have small Windows for photography.

The tower is remarkable and brought from Hamburg huge bells (the largest weighs six tons). For transport from Jaffa to Jerusalem had to specifically widen the road, and in some places rebuild it. It cost twice as much as shipping the bells from Hamburg to Jaffa.