Mount of Olives
Mount of Olives is a prominent hill located to the east of Jerusalem’s Old City. It is named after the olive groves that once covered its slopes. The mount has great religious significance in both Christianity and Judaism. According to the New Testament Mount of Olives is where Jesus preached the “Little Apocalypse” (Matthew 24-25). It is also where he ascended to heaven after his resurrection (Acts 1). By Jewish belief, Mount of Olives is the dwelling place of the Heavenly presence (the ‘Shechina’) since the destruction of the temple.
Mount of Olives Jewish Graveyard
Since the first century AD, the Mount of Olives has also been used for Jewish burials, especially along its Western slopes. Today, over 300,000 Jewish graves are spread around the mountain. During the 1948 Israel-Arab war Jordan gained control over Mount of Olives and Eastern Jerusalem. Following the war, Israel and Jordan signed an agreement for access to the Mount of Olives. However, Jordan did not respect the treaty. About 38,000 graves were desecrated, some completely removed for road construction and a hotel. Following the Six-Day War in 1967, Israel gained control over the Mountain. In the following decades Israel restore the damaged tombs and enable burials in the cemetery again.
Touring Mount of Olives
Mount of Olives viewpoint offers stunning panoramas of Jerusalem’s Old City. Aside the sweeping views, consider visiting some of its main holy sites and points of Interest:
Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery – The slopes of the mountain are adorned with hundreds of Jewish tombs, reflecting Jerusalem’s Jewish community since the Middle Ages.
The Church of Pater Noster – Built by in the 4th century CE, this church is believed to be where Jesus taught his disciples “The Lord’s Prayer” (Luke 11).
Chapel of the Ascension – Located at one of the mountain’s highest points, this chapel marks the traditional site where Jesus ascended to heaven (Acts 1).
Dominus Flevit – A chapel along the western slopes of Mount of Olives commemorating Jesus’ prediction of the fall of Jerusalem (Luke 19).
A tour of Mount of Olives can be combined with a guided day tour of Jerusalem.
