Things to Do at Mount of Olives

The Mount of Olives is a sacred mountain ridge overlooking Jerusalem's Old City from the east, holding profound religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Rising 818 meters above sea level, this historic site offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Temple Mount, Dome of the Rock, and the ancient walls of Jerusalem. The mountain has been a place of pilgrimage for millennia and is mentioned numerous times in biblical texts. The Mount of Olives is home to one of the world's oldest and largest Jewish cemeteries, with over 150,000 graves dating back over 3,000 years. According to Jewish tradition, this is where the resurrection of the dead will begin in the messianic age. For Christians, the mount holds special significance as the place where Jesus prayed before his crucifixion, ascended to heaven, and where he is prophesied to return. The mountain is dotted with churches, chapels, and holy sites that commemorate these events.

The Mount of Olives is easily accessible from Jerusalem's Old City. Walk through Lion's Gate and continue east, or take bus lines 75 or 275 from central Jerusalem. Taxis and shared taxis (sheruts) are readily available from the Old City. For the best viewpoint, head to the Seven Arches Hotel area. The walk from the Old City takes about 15-20 minutes uphill, or you can drive/taxi to the top and walk down through the sites.