Mount of Olives

Mount of Olives is a place of significance for people of faith, and the largest hill in the vicinity of Jerusalem, at 826 meters high. The mountain ridge separates the Old City from the blighted neighborhood of the Judean Desert. The Mount of Olives is considered the site of important biblical events and offers an unparalleled panorama of the city. Thousands of pilgrims visit it every year to see the beauty of these places with their own eyes.

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“Silent Witnesses”

For believers, every stone on the Mount of Olives or the Mount of Olives commemorates important events. According to biblical accounts, Jesus loved to climb this hill. Here he had leisurely conversations with people, worried about the fate of Jerusalem, said a prayer and faced the betrayal of Judas. The mountain is also associated with the Olivet Discourse. It was from here that Christ ascended to heaven, leaving only a footprint on a stone.

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This place also conquers with its nature and magnificent views. The foot of the mountain is occupied by the Garden of Gethsemane, where centuries-old specimens of olives can be found. The early morning sun illuminates the garden in a special way: it seems as if the olives are floating in the air. The trees are tended by Franciscan brothers. The Garden of Gethsemane can be seen from afar, located to the left of the entrance to the Church of All Nations. The olive grove is fenced off to preserve the trees from pilgrims who wish to take a piece of Jerusalem away.

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Test for guests

The way to the Mount of Olives is through the Old City. Along the way is the eastern gate of St. Stephen, also called the Lion Gate. As guests approach the foot, they find themselves in a gorge between the Old City and the mountain. The climb is not easy, especially in hot weather. But each level of climbing offers scenic views.

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It is not necessary to travel on foot – a cab or bus can give you a ride. Transportation leaves from the Arab bus station. Cab drivers are always on duty at the foot of the hill offering their services. You can also come on your own, but there are difficulties with parking. Be sure to take care of appropriate clothing: things should cover your shoulders and knees. Women will need a headscarf.

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Jerusalem in the palm of your hand

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From the observation deck on the Mount of Olives, you can begin to explore Jerusalem. From the height you can see the outline of the Old City: the golden gate and mosques are visible. In the distance beyond the river Kedron – ancient fortress walls, golden glow of temples, slender tops of minarets. On the northwest side is the Christian Quarter and its main attraction – the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. It’s worth bringing binoculars with you to get a good look at the city.

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Treasures of the Mount of Olives

The slopes and summit are home to churches, a mosque, stores and cafes. A large part of the mountain is occupied by an active ancient cemetery, which is over 3,000 years old. It is located in front of the observation deck. Travelers can see the tombs of Zechariah and Bnei-Hezir. There are about 150 thousand burials around. Famous names on the tombstones include Absalom the son of King David, politician and Nobel Prize winner Menachem Begin, and Israel’s Chief Rabbi Abraham Kook.

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On the western and southern parts of the hill are the tombs of the prophets, Gethsemane, the Church of All Nations, and Christian shrines. In a cave with burial niches are the tombs of the prophets. On the southern summit is the Russian Ascension Monastery. On the northern one is the campus of the Hebrew University. During a visit, one can catch groups of students.

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Holy Places

There are many churches and monasteries at the summit. Travelers are advised to find out in advance the opening hours of the structures in which they would like to visit. They are not open every day, usually in the morning. Among the most visited places are the Church of Mary Magdalene, made in the Russian style, and the tomb of the Virgin Mary. The Catholic basilica and the Orthodox convent are also of interest. On the eastern slope there is a Greek Orthodox monastery. It is also connected with the legend: on this place Jesus sent one of his disciples for a donkey. Now every year on Lazarus Saturday a procession is held from here using palm branches.

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On the highest place where, according to the legend, the Savior ascended, an octagonal temple crowned with a dome was erected. The Persians destroyed the building, but the structure was restored in smaller dimensions, and then transformed into a mosque. Now the temple belongs to Muslims, who once a year allow to hold a Christian service – on Ascension Day. The chapel’s treasure is the imprint of Christ’s foot.

At the top of the Mount of Olives, near the site of the Ascension, is the Spaso-Voznesensky Nunnery. The main church is the Cathedral of the Savior and Ascension, near which there is a stone where the Mother of God stood during the Ascension. The attraction of the monastery is the highest church building not only on the mountain, but also in Jerusalem – the “Russian Candle”. The bell tower reaches a height of 64 meters.

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The “Treasures” of Mormon University

In addition to churches, tourists visit souvenir and jewelry stores, ride camels, and admire the view of the Judean Desert. The “Mormon University” hall houses an organ, one of the best in the world. Tourists can attend a performance for free. From the concert hall you can see the Old City. The Palestinian mosaics from Byzantine times are also worth a look. On the veranda are models of Jerusalem from different periods, and nearby is a garden of biblical plants. Mormon University offers sightseeing tours for groups.

The Mount of Olives’ “neighbor” is the Temple Mount, with the Kidron Gorge in between. The way back will also lie through it. Crossing the Kidron, one can look into the church of St. Stephen. He is considered to be the first Christian martyr. Further on, the road winds through the Lion’s Gate and returns to the Old City.

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