Things to Do at Mount Of Olives

The Mount of Olives rises east of Jerusalem's Old City, offering what might be the most iconic view of the Temple Mount and Dome of the Rock you'll find anywhere. This ridge has been sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims for millennia - you're looking at one of the world's oldest continuously used cemeteries, dating back some 3,000 years. The hillside is dotted with ancient olive trees (obviously) and churches marking significant Christian sites, while Jewish graves cascade down the western slope in what feels like an endless sea of white stone. What strikes most visitors is the sheer density of history here. You'll find yourself walking past 2,000-year-old tombs, Byzantine churches, and modern memorials all within a few steps of each other. The panoramic views are genuinely breathtaking, particularly at sunrise and sunset when the golden Jerusalem stone seems to glow. That said, it's worth noting this isn't just a tourist site - it's an active cemetery and pilgrimage destination, so you'll want to be respectful of the ongoing religious significance for locals.

You can walk up from the Kidron Valley, though it's a steep climb that takes about 20-30 minutes from the Old City. Most people take bus #275 from the Central Bus Station or a taxi to the top, then work their way down - much easier on the legs. If you're driving, there's limited parking near the main viewpoint. The walk down to Gethsemane and back up to the Old City via Lions' Gate is actually quite pleasant and gives you the full experience of the mount's geography.