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Mount of Olives

Har HaZeitim (הר הזיתים) in Hebrew, Jabal az-Zaytun (جبل الزيتون) in Arabic

Also known as: Mount Olivet

Jerusalem, Israel|View on Map (31.7784, 35.2456)

Religions: Judaism, Christianity, Islam | Place Type: Mountain | Region: Middle East

Overview

The Mount of Olives is a mountain ridge east of Jerusalem's Old City, rising about 60 meters (200 feet) above the Temple Mount. It is sacred to Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, serving as an ancient Jewish burial ground, the site of key events in Jesus's life, and a location of significance in Islamic eschatology.

Present

The Jewish cemetery remains an active burial site, though many graves were desecrated during Jordanian control (1948-1967). Restoration and maintenance continue.

Multiple churches and religious sites on the mountain are administered by various Christian denominations:

Garden of Gethsemane and Church of All Nations - Franciscan. Church of Mary Magdalene - Russian Orthodox. Chapel of the Ascension - Islamic Waqf (open to Christians). Dominus Flevit - Franciscan. Church of the Pater Noster - Carmelite Sisters.

The mountain provides the most famous panoramic view of Jerusalem's Old City and is a popular destination for tour groups and pilgrims.

Religious Significance

Judaism

The Mount of Olives holds deep significance in Jewish tradition. It is home to the oldest and most important Jewish cemetery in the world, with burials dating back 3,000 years. Over 150,000 graves cover the hillside.

The prophet Zechariah (14:4) states that the Messiah will stand on the Mount of Olives when arriving in Jerusalem. For this reason, being buried here is considered a great honor, and the cemetery contains the graves of many notable Jewish figures throughout history.

Christianity

During Jesus's time (1st century CE), the mountain was covered with olive groves - hence its name. Jesus frequently crossed this mountain when traveling between Jerusalem and Bethany. The mount is the setting for many key events in the life of Jesus, including his entry into Jerusalem, the Agony in the Garden at Gethsemane, and his Ascension into heaven. Many Christians believe Jesus will return to this site.

Islam

Muslims believe this is one of the places where the resurrection will occur on the Day of Judgment. It is also home to the Maqam (shrine) of Rabia al-Adawiyya, a highly revered 8th-century female Sufi saint.

History & Structure

The Mount of Olives features prominently in the final week of Jesus's life.

Key sites include:

Garden of Gethsemane: Where Jesus is said to have prayed the night before his crucifixion while his disciples slept. Church of All Nations (Basilica of the Agony): Built over the rock where Jesus is believed to have prayed before his arrest. Chapel of the Ascension: Traditional site where Jesus is said to have ascended to heaven 40 days after his resurrection. Dominus Flevit Church: A church built in the shape of a teardrop, commemorating the site where Jesus is said to have wept over the future destruction of Jerusalem. Church of the Pater Noster: Where Jesus is said to have taught the Lord's Prayer to his disciples. Tomb of the Prophets: A burial cave traditionally associated with the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi. Absalom's Pillar: A 1st century BCE rock-cut monument. Tomb of Zechariah: An ancient monument carved from rock.

Practical Information

Admission: - Cemetery and outdoor viewing areas: Free - Churches: Free (donations welcome) - Chapel of the Ascension: Small fee
Dress Code: Modest dress required at all religious sites. Cover shoulders and knees.
Getting There: Take bus to the Mount of Olives viewpoint, or walk up from the Old City (steep climb). Many visitors walk down the mountain visiting sites along the way.
Hours: Outdoor areas accessible anytime. Individual churches have varying hours, typically 8 AM - 5 PM or 6 PM. Closed during services.
Key Sites to Visit: 1. Seven Arches viewpoint for panoramic photos 2. Chapel of the Ascension 3. Church of the Pater Noster 4. Dominus Flevit Church 5. Church of Mary Magdalene (distinctive golden onion domes) 6. Garden of Gethsemane and Church of All Nations 7. Tomb of the Virgin Mary
Location: East of Jerusalem's Old City, across the Kidron Valley from the Temple Mount.
Tips: - Visit in morning for best lighting on photos of Old City. - Wear comfortable walking shoes (steep terrain). - Allow 2-3 hours to visit main sites.