Jerusalem, Israel
Mount of Olives
The ridge east of the Old City where Jesus wept, prayed, was arrested and ascended — and the view every pilgrim photographs.
Biblical significance
A limestone ridge crowded with olive trees, tombs and churches. Gethsemane lies at its foot with olive trees carbon-dated to the twelfth century growing from far older root systems. Dominus Flevit, shaped like a teardrop, marks the traditional spot where Jesus wept over the city. The Jewish cemetery on the western slope is the oldest in continuous use in the world.
Scripture
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Best time to go
Sunrise, for the light on the Dome of the Rock.
Visitor notes
Walk down from the top past Pater Noster, Dominus Flevit and Gethsemane. Steep — good shoes.
Coordinates
31.7784, 35.2455
On the map
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Getting to Mount of Olives
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