The Mount of Olives or Mount Olivet (Hebrew: הַר הַזֵּיתִים, Har ha-Zeitim; Arabic: جبل الزيتون, الطور, Jabal al-Zaytun, Al-Tur) is a mountain ridge east of and adjacent to Jerusalem's Old City. It is named for the olive groves that once covered its slopes. The southern part of the Mount was the Silwan necropolis, attributed to the ancient Judean kingdom. The mount has been used as a Jewish cemetery for over 3,000 years and holds approximately 150,000 graves, making it central in the tradition of Jewish cemeteries. Several key events in the life of Jesus, as related in the Gospels, took place on the Mount of Olives, and in the Acts of the Apostles it is described as the place from which Jesus ascended to heaven. Because of its association with both Jesus and Mary, the mount has been a site of Christian worship since ancient times and is today a major site of pilgrimage for Catholics, the Eastern Orthodox, and Protestants. Much of the top of the hill is occupied by At-Tur, a former village that is now a neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. From Biblical times until the present, Jews have been buried on the Mount of Olives. The necropolis on the southern ridge, the location of the modern village of Silwan, was the burial place of Jerusalem's most important citizens in the period of the Biblical kings. The religious ceremony marking the start of a new month was held on the Mount of Olives in the days of the Second Temple. Roman soldiers from the 10th Legion camped on the mount during the Siege of Jerusalem in the year 70 AD. After the destruction of the Second Temple, Jews celebrated the festival of Sukkot on the Mount of Olives. They made pilgrimages to the Mount of Olives because it was 80 meters higher than the Temple Mount and offered a panoramic view of the Temple site. It became a traditional place for lamenting the Temple's destruction, especially on Tisha B'Av. In 1481, an Italian Jewish pilgrim, Rabbi Meshullam da Volterra, wrote: "And all the community of Jews, every year, goes up to Mount Zion on the day of Tisha B'Av to fast and mourn, and from there they move down along Yoshafat Valley and up to Mount of Olives. From there they see the whole Temple (the Temple Mount) and there they weep and lament the destruction of this House."[7] In the mid-1850s, the villagers of Silwan were paid £100 annually by the Jews in an effort to prevent the desecration of graves on the mount. Prime Minister of Israel Menachem Begin asked to be buried on the Mount of Olives near the grave of Etzel member Meir Feinstein, rather than Mount Herzl national cemetery.
Mount of Olives Tours and Tickets
🎧 Available audio guides (5)
The Mount of Olives or Mount Olivet (Hebrew: הַר הַזֵּיתִים, Har ha-Zeitim; Arabic: جبل الزيتون, الطور, Jabal al-Zaytun, Al-Tur) is a mountain ridge east of and adjacent to Jerusalem's Old City. It is named for the olive groves that once covered its slopes. The southern part of the Mount was the Silwan necropolis, attributed to the ancient Judean kingdom. The mount has been used as a Jewish cemetery for over 3,000 years and holds approximately 150,000 graves, making it central in the tradition of Jewish cemeteries. Several key events in the life of Jesus, as related in the Gospels, took place on the Mount of Olives, and in the Acts of the Apostles it is described as the place from which Jesus ascended to heaven. Because of its association with both Jesus and Mary, the mount has been a site of Christian worship since ancient times and is today a major site of pilgrimage for Catholics, the Eastern Orthodox, and Protestants. Much of the top of the hill is occupied by At-Tur, a former village that is now a neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. From Biblical times until the present, Jews have been buried on the Mount of Olives. The necropolis on the southern ridge, the location of the modern village of Silwan, was the burial place of Jerusalem's most important citizens in the period of the Biblical kings. The religious ceremony marking the start of a new month was held on the Mount of Olives in the days of the Second Temple. Roman soldiers from the 10th Legion camped on the mount during the Siege of Jerusalem in the year 70 AD. After the destruction of the Second Temple, Jews celebrated the festival of Sukkot on the Mount of Olives. They made pilgrimages to the Mount of Olives because it was 80 meters higher than the Temple Mount and offered a panoramic view of the Temple site. It became a traditional place for lamenting the Temple's destruction, especially on Tisha B'Av. In 1481, an Italian Jewish pilgrim, Rabbi Meshullam da Volterra, wrote: "And all the community of Jews, every year, goes up to Mount Zion on the day of Tisha B'Av to fast and mourn, and from there they move down along Yoshafat Valley and up to Mount of Olives. From there they see the whole Temple (the Temple Mount) and there they weep and lament the destruction of this House."[7] In the mid-1850s, the villagers of Silwan were paid £100 annually by the Jews in an effort to prevent the desecration of graves on the mount. Prime Minister of Israel Menachem Begin asked to be buried on the Mount of Olives near the grave of Etzel member Meir Feinstein, rather than Mount Herzl national cemetery.
Overview
More Info
- Visitors of all faiths are welcome at the Mount of Olives.
- The Mount of Olives promenade and observation point are paved and accessible to wheelchairs.
- Restrooms are available at the top.
More Adventures for You
0$
0$
3000$
Price From
$474.36 USD
When you book with us, you receive not only a local, knowledgeable and friendly tour guide that will plan a day tour in Jerusalem according to your desires BUT also, a Video of your complete day tour and more. You Experience in Jerusalem does not end in Jerusalem. It will go back home with you and beyond. _en-US
Learn More
Price From
$1,049.00 USD
Enjoy your full day tour from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem with a highly qualified tour guide. This exciting Old City Jerusalem tour encompasses most important places for the Christians worldwide - Mount of Olives, The Way of Grief (Via Dolorosa), Holy Sepulcher Church, Last Supper Room, Gethsemane Garden, and additional Christian sites of the Old City of Jerusalem._en-US
Learn More
Price From
4.00 USD
Spend Christmas Eve in the Holy Land on this full-day tour of sacred Christian sites in Jerusalem and Bethlehem from Tel Aviv. See religious sanctuaries such as the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and the Church of the Nativity with a knowledgeable guide. Admire sweeping vistas of Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives and circle the Old City walls before walking through the Christian quarter. End your evening in Bethlehem, where you’ll enjoy a spectacular Christmas dinner and view midnight mass from Manger’s Square._en-US
Learn More
Price From
4.00 USD
Explore the holy cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem on a day tour from Dahab. Visit the Mount of Olives, Jewish and Armenian Quarters and more. Go to the birthplace of Jesus, and drive through the Judean Mountains to the Dead Sea to float in the mineral rich waters._en-US
Learn More
Accessibility for wheels
- Can have severe slope, cobblestones, and/or gravel
- Hilly area
- Only with assistance
- Access with Portable Ramp
- Not accessible for wheelchair and Electric scooters
- Accessible Toilet
For Individuals with Hearing Loss
- Video Guide
- Hearing kits
- Speech To Text
Access for Visually Impaired
- Audio Guide
- Place has Special Guide Service
- Service animals permitted
As you stand at the foot of the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem, a sense of anticipation fills your chest. The air is heavy with the fragrance of blooming flowers, and the gentle rustling of olive trees fills your ears. The ancient stone steps beneath your feet seem to pulse with the heartbeat of centuries of pilgrims who have made this sacred journey before you.
As you begin to ascend the mount, the sun casts long shadows across the path, painting the landscape in a golden hue. A gentle breeze carries the faint sound of distant prayers, mingling with the sweet chirping of birds nesting in the trees above. The soft crunch of gravel beneath your shoes provides a steady rhythm as you climb higher, each step bringing you closer to the peak.
Suddenly, you reach a clearing at the summit, and a breathtaking panoramic view unfolds before you. The city of Jerusalem sprawls out below, a mosaic of ancient stone buildings and bustling markets. The golden Dome of the Rock glimmers in the sunlight, a beacon of hope and faith in a tumultuous world.
As you take in the sight, a sense of awe washes over you, a feeling of being a tiny speck in the vast tapestry of history. You close your eyes and breathe in deeply, letting the timeless energy of this sacred place infuse your being.
In the distance, you hear the haunting strains of a violin, its melancholy melody weaving through the air like a thread connecting past and present. A lone figure sits on a nearby rock, lost in reverie, the music of the ages flowing through their fingertips.
You approach the musician, drawn by the raw emotion in their performance. As you listen, tears prick at the corners of your eyes, the music stirring something deep within your soul. The notes rise and fall like waves crashing against the shore, carrying you on a journey of remembrance and reflection.
In this moment, surrounded by the beauty and history of the Mount of Olives, you feel a sense of peace wash over you. The weight of the world lifts from your shoulders, replaced by a profound sense of connection to something greater than yourself.
As the sun dips below the horizon, casting a fiery glow over the landscape, you know that this visitation has left an indelible mark on your heart. You carry the memory of this emotional journey with you as you descend the mount, grateful for the opportunity to experience the transformative power of this sacred place.
Audio descriptive guides are available for visitors with visual impairments at the Mount of Olives. Sensory-friendly hours may be available on request, but it is recommended to inquire with the site directly for specific information and scheduling.
The Mount of Olives, located just east of the Old City of Jerusalem, holds a special place in the hearts of locals and visitors alike. Its significance in various religious traditions, stunning views of the city, and serene atmosphere make it a must-visit spot for many.
Many local writers and artists find inspiration in the Mount of Olives. For them, it is not just a geographical location but a place rich in history, spirituality, and natural beauty. The olive trees that dot the landscape are not only a symbol of peace and prosperity but also serve as a muse for many artists.
One local artist, Miriam, frequently visits the Mount of Olives to paint its breathtaking views. She says that the changing light throughout the day creates a unique and mesmerizing atmosphere that she tries to capture on canvas. The ancient tombs and historic churches that line the hillside also provide a sense of timelessness and continuity that inspire her work.
For writers like Youssef, the Mount of Olives is a place of reflection and introspection. Sitting among the olive trees and overlooking the city below, he finds a sense of peace and connection to the land. The stories and legends associated with the Mount of Olives, from biblical tales to historical accounts, fuel his imagination and creativity.
Local residents also hold personal connections to the Mount of Olives. For many, it is a place for quiet contemplation, prayer, and spiritual renewal. Walking along the ancient paths and gazing out at the cityscape, they feel a sense of awe and reverence for the place where so much history has unfolded.
In recent years, efforts have been made to preserve and protect the Mount of Olives, ensuring that its natural beauty and cultural significance endure for future generations. Local artists and writers play a crucial role in capturing the essence of this sacred place and sharing it with the world, allowing others to appreciate its timeless allure.
### Mount of Olives, Jerusalem: Directions and Transportation
#### By Car:
- Take the HaMasger Street which leads to the Mount of Olives.
- There is a parking lot available near the summit for your convenience.
#### By Public Transportation:
- Bus services are available from various locations in Jerusalem to the Mount of Olives.
- You can also use the light rail service to reach the Mount of Olives.
#### Accessibility:
- The Mount of Olives is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
- There are ramps and lifts available to access various sites on the Mount of Olives.
---
### Mount of Olives, Jerusalem: Ticket Booking and Discounts
#### Ticket Booking:
- Tickets can be purchased on-site at the entrance to various sites on the Mount of Olives.
- Online booking options may also be available depending on the site you wish to visit.
#### Discounts:
- Seniors, students, and children may be eligible for discounted rates at some of the sites on the Mount of Olives.
- Group discounts may also be available for larger parties.
---
### Mount of Olives, Jerusalem: Local Amenities
#### Parking:
- There is a parking lot available near the summit of the Mount of Olives.
- Parking fees may apply, so it’s recommended to check beforehand.
#### Restrooms:
- Restrooms are available at various sites on the Mount of Olives for visitors’ convenience.
#### Dining Options:
- There are dining options available near the Mount of Olives catering to various dietary needs.
- Vegetarian, kosher, and other culinary preferences can be accommodated.