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The Mount of Olives, rising majestically east of Jerusalem’s Old City, is a site of profound religious and historical significance. This ridge has been a silent witness to thousands of years of history, playing a crucial role in Jewish, Christian, and Islamic traditions. Its slopes offer breathtaking panoramic views of Jerusalem, while its grounds house some of the most important religious landmarks in the world.

Named for the olive groves that once covered its slopes, the Mount of Olives has been a place of worship, burial, and prophecy for millennia. It’s mentioned numerous times in both the Old and New Testament, and continues to be a place of pilgrimage and reverence for people of various faiths.

This ultimate guide will help you navigate the key sites, understand their deep historical and religious significance, and make the most of your visit to this extraordinary place.

Historical Overview

The Mount of Olives has played a significant role throughout Jerusalem’s history. In biblical times, it was a place of refuge and prophecy. King David fled here during Absalom’s rebellion, and the prophet Zechariah spoke of it as the place where God would stand to redeem the world.  For Jews, it has been a place of burial for over 3,000 years, believed to be where the resurrection of the dead will begin when the Messiah comes. In Christian tradition, it’s associated with many events in Jesus’ life, including his teachings, his triumphal entry into Jerusalem, his arrest, and his ascension to heaven. In Islamic tradition, it’s believed that the Day of Judgment will begin here, with a thin bridge stretching from the mount to the Temple Mount.

Key Sites to Visit on Mount of Olives

The Russian Convent of the Ascension

russian church mount of olivesThe Russian Convent of the Ascension is situated in a serene compound at the summit of the Mount of Olives. Established in 1870, its most striking feature is the 64-meter (210 ft) bell tower which offers sweeping panoramas of Jerusalem. The convent grounds include the Russian Church of the Ascension, adorned with beautiful frescoes and icons. A unique aspect is the indented rock, believed to be from Jesus’ last step on earth before ascending to heaven.  An additional tradition claims to bear in the grounds where the head of John the Baptist was found in 452 CE and transferred to Constantinople.

Church of the Ascension

This small, octagonal chapel marks the site where Christians believe Jesus ascended to heaven. Originally built in the 4th century, the current structure dates mainly from the Crusader period. Inside, you can see what is said to be the imprint of Jesus’ right foot on the rock. Interestingly, this site is also revered in Islamic tradition, and the chapel is now part of a larger Islamic compound. Moreover, the Muslims charge an entry fee of anyone visiting the site.

Tomb of Hulda the Prophetess

hulda pelegia tombA lesser-known site on the Mount of Olives, next to the Chapel of the Ascension. In the late Middle Ages, Jews started pointing to the cenotaph in a crypt next to the Chaple of the Ascension as the tomb of the biblical prophetess Hulda. The archaeological evidence can’t confirm its connection to Hulda, nor a dating to the First Temple Period. Moreover, By Christian tradition, the tomb is attributed to Saint Pelagia, a harlot from the 5th century who repented and became a nun.  And furthermore, according to Muslim tradition, it is the burial chamber of Sit’ Raba’a al-Aduwiyyeh, a Muslim female Sufi poet who died in 815 CE. Combining all traditions it is most likely that the tomb was used to bury a female, whoever she may be.

The Greek Monastery of the Ascension

Another lesser-known site, located opposite the Chapel of the Ascension, the Greek Orthodox Monastery of the Ascension has a tumultuous history. Built on the site of an ancient church destroyed by Persians in 614 CE, the Greek Orthodox church purchased it in the 19th century. In the early 1990s its archimandrite, Joachim Strogilu, attempted to build a two-tier church without proper permits. In 1992, the municipality began demolition it, but local legend claims an icon miraculously stopped the tractors’ engines, preventing the completion of the destruction. The site includes a cave believed to be where Jesus rested. It also houses the relics of Anastasia Panagopoulou-Strogil, Joachim’s mother, who was martyred during an attack on the monastery.

Church of the Pater Noster

pater noster churchThis church is built over the site where Jesus is believed to have taught the Lord’s Prayer to his disciples. Its most striking feature is the collection of tiled plaques displaying the Lord’s Prayer in over 140 languages, adorning the walls of the church and its courtyard. The church is built over a series of ancient caves. They are believed to be where Jesus often met with his disciples and where he taught them “The Lord’s Prayer.”

Bethphage

Often overlooked by tourists, this Catholic Church of Bethphage commemorates the place where Jesus is said to have mounted a donkey to enter Jerusalem. The church contains a stone traditionally identified as the one Jesus stood on to mount the donkey. Inside, you’ll find beautiful frescoes depicting scenes from the Gospels. The church is particularly busy on “Palm Sunday” when a procession starts here and makes its way down to the Old City.

Mount of Olives Viewpoint

jerusalem from mount of olivesThe mountain’s view point provides an unparalleled panoramic view of Jerusalem. This vantage point offers a spectacular photo opportunity, capturing the Old City, the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif, and beyond. On a clear day, you can see as far as the Dead Sea to the east. For a unique experience, consider taking a short camel ride here – it’s a popular activity that adds a touch of Middle Eastern flair to your visit.

Tomb of the Prophets

tomb-of-the-prophets-jerusalemThe Tomb of the Prophets, located on the western slope of the Mount of Olives, is an underground burial complex dating back to the First Temple period. According to Jewish and Christian traditions, it’s believed to house the remains of the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. The tomb consists of a circular chamber with three connecting halls, containing 38 burial niches. A unique feature is its stone-cut staircase leading into the dimly lit interior. While archaeological evidence suggests it was primarily a Jewish burial site from the 1st century BCE, it has been revered by various faiths over the centuries. Today, it’s under the care of a Muslim family who lives on its premises.

Dominus Flevit Church

dominus-flevitThis teardrop-shaped Franciscan church commemorates the spot where Jesus is said to have wept over Jerusalem, foreseeing its future destruction. Its unique architecture and the stunning view of the Old City through its west window make it a must-visit site. The church was designed by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi in 1955. During its construction, important archaeological finds were uncovered, including an ancient necropolis of what was once believed to be early Christians. You can see some of these finds displayed in the church grounds.

Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery

Mount of Olives Jewish cemetery is one of the world’s oldest and most important Jewish cemeteries, with tombs dating back thousands of years. Moreover, many Jews believe that the Messiah will appear here and bring about the resurrection of the dead. Notable figures buried here include the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi, as well as prominent rabbis and modern Israeli figures. The cemetery contains an estimated 150,000 graves. Walking through it, you’ll notice many small stones placed on top of graves – this is a Jewish custom to show respect for the deceased.

Church of Mary Magdalene

mary magdalene russian church jerusalemThe Church of Mary Magdalene, with its distinctive golden onion domes, is a jewel of Russian Orthodox architecture on the Mount of Olives. Built in 1886, it’s dedicated to Mary Magdalene, the patron saint of Tsarina Maria Alexandrovna. The church’s stunning exterior is matched by its interior, adorned with beautiful frescoes and intricate icons. It houses the remains of two Russian Orthodox saints: Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna and her fellow martyr, Nun Barbara. Notable burials also include Princess Alice of Battenberg, mother of Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh. The church is open to visitors only twice a week, on Tuesdays and Thursdays. It offers a glimpse into Russian Orthodox traditions and its gardens provide a serene spot for reflection amidst the bustling holy sites.

Garden of Gethsemane

gethsemane gardenThis garden, whose name means “oil press” in Aramaic, is where Jesus is said to have prayed the night before his crucifixion. Don’t miss the ancient olive trees, some of which are believed to be over 2,000 years old. Recent scientific studies have confirmed that these trees are indeed among the oldest known in Jerusalem’s region. The garden also provides a peaceful place for reflection and prayer.

Church of All Nations

Also known as the Basilica of the Agony, this church is built over the rock where Jesus is believed to have prayed in agony the night before his crucifixion. Its beautiful mosaics and the preserved section of bedrock are particularly noteworthy. The church’s facade features a stunning golden mosaic, and inside, the dim lighting and stained-glass windows create an atmosphere of somber reflection.

Grotto of Gethsemane

grotto of gethsemaneAdjacent to the Garden of Gethsemane lies the Grotto of Gethsemane, a natural cave believed to be where Jesus stayed with his disciples after the Last Supper. This dimly lit cavern offers a stark contrast to the sun-drenched garden above. According to tradition, it’s next to where Jesus was arrested after being betrayed by Judas. The grotto contains several altars and is adorned with mosaics and frescoes. Its cool, hushed atmosphere provides a deeply contemplative space for visitors.

Tomb of the Virgin Mary

Mary's TombLocated at the foot of the Mount of Olives, the tomb of Virgin Mary is a dimly lit church reached by descending a wide stone staircase. According to Christian tradition, it’s the burial site of Mary, Mother of Jesus. The tomb itself is a small chapel within the church, venerated by both Christians and Muslims. The site’s history dates back to the 5th century, with the current structure largely from the Crusader period. Inside, visitors find a simple stone bench believed to have held Mary’s body. A carved mihrab next to the tomb indicates former Muslim worship in the past.  Today, the church’s walls are adorned with Greek and Armenian-style icons, creating a mystical atmosphere. The peaceful ambiance of this site makes it a popular spot for prayer and reflection.

Orson Hyde Memorial Park

orson hyde park 1The Orson Hyde Memorial Park, located on the western slope of the Mount of Olives, offers a unique blend of religious significance and natural beauty. Established in 1979 by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), it commemorates Apostle Orson Hyde’s 1841 prayer dedicating the Holy Land for the return of the Jewish people. The park features terraced gardens and walking paths, providing a peaceful retreat with panoramic views of Jerusalem’s Old City. Olive trees and native plants adorn the landscape, symbolizing peace and renewal. A stone monument at the park’s center bears the text of Hyde’s dedicatory prayer in English and Hebrew. This serene space welcomes visitors of all faiths for reflection and enjoyment of its stunning vistas.

Church of St. Stephen (Staphanos) in the Kidron Valley

The Church of St. Stephen, also known as the Church of St. Staphanos, is located at the foot of the Mount of Olives in the Kidron Valley. This Greek Orthodox church commemorates the site where tradition holds that St. Stephen, Christianity’s first martyr, was stoned to death. The current structure, dating from the 19th century, is built over the ruins of a 5th-century Byzantine church. Its simple exterior belies a richly decorated interior, featuring intricate icons and frescoes depicting scenes from St. Stephen’s life and martyrdom. A crypt in its courtyard is said to be the actual spot of Stephanus’ execution. The site provides visitors with a tangible connection to early Christian history.

Kidron Valley Tombs

kidron-valley-tombs 800 600At the base of the Mount of Olives, you’ll also find a set of impressive ancient rock-cut tombs. These include The Tomb of Absalom; The pyramid-topped tomb of Zechariah; and the Tomb of Benei Hezir, which belonged to a family of priests from the Second Temple period. These monumental tombs showcase the burial practices of the wealthy class of Jerusalem in the first century.

By following this guide, you’ll experience the rich history and spiritual significance of the Mount of Olives, gaining a deeper understanding of its importance in world religions while enjoying spectacular views of Jerusalem. Whether you’re a pilgrim, a history enthusiast, or simply a curious traveler, the Mount of Olives offers an unforgettable journey through time and faith.

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