St. George’s Church in Lod, Israel, stands as a testament to centuries of religious devotion and architectural evolution, reflecting the city’s rich and complex history.​

Byzantine Period (5th–7th Centuries)

The origins of the church trace back to the Byzantine era, specifically between the 5th and 7th centuries. During this period, a basilica was constructed in Lod, traditionally identified as the birthplace of St. George. This basilica was characterized by a three-aisled design, each aisle terminating in semi-circular apses. Adjacent to the main basilica, a smaller church was situated to the southwest. This complex served as a significant pilgrimage site, attracting Christians venerating St. George. However, in 614 CE, the church suffered destruction during the Sasanian invasion, which led to the Persian conquest of Jerusalem. ​

Crusader Period (12th Century)

Centuries later, during the 12th century, Crusaders reconstructed the church on the original Byzantine foundations. The new structure mirrored the basilica’s initial dimensions, measuring approximately 47 meters in length and 24 meters in width. This iteration featured three aisles ending in semi-circular apses, with the second of five bays forming the transept. The church also functioned as a fortified refuge; notably, in 1177, during an attack by Saladin’s forces, inhabitants sought shelter on its stone roof. However, following the Battle of Hattin in 1187, Saladin ordered the demolition of the cathedral in 1191. Despite this, the eastern section of the church, housing the choir and the tomb of St. George, remained in use by the Greek Orthodox community. ​

Mamluk Period (13th–15th Centuries)

Under Mamluk rule, the western ruins of the Crusader church were repurposed into a congregational mosque, with the earliest mention of this transformation dating to the early 15th century. The mosque’s prayer hall incorporated remnants of the smaller Byzantine basilica, including its apse. A pillar from the original nave, inscribed in Greek, still stands within the mosque. The mosque’s northern façade utilizes the southern wall of the Crusader church, and its vaulted ceiling is cross-shaped. Beneath the mosque lie underground halls, originally built by the Crusaders as reservoirs for the church and local residents. 

Ottoman Period (19th Century)

In the latter half of the 19th century, the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem obtained permission from Ottoman authorities to reconstruct the church. The current structure, completed in 1872, was built over the remains of the 12th-century Crusader church, specifically occupying the east end of its nave and northern aisle. This reconstruction incorporated surviving architectural elements, such as the apses. The church’s crypt houses a sarcophagus venerated as the symbolic tomb of St. George, continuing its legacy as a pilgrimage destination.

Throughout these periods, St. George’s Church has endured cycles of destruction and restoration, symbolizing resilience and the enduring significance of sacred spaces in the region’s cultural and religious landscape.