Mount of Olives

جبل الزيتون

Sacred to Christianity and Judaism with sites including the Church of All Nations and the Garden of Gethsemane where Jesus prayed before his crucifixion. The mount offers panoramic views of Jerusalem and deep spiritual significance.

Things to do

• Visit Church of All Nations — Explore this basilica built over the rock where Jesus prayed in agony before his arrest, featuring stunning Byzantine mosaics and a gold-leaf ceiling.
• Walk through Garden of Gethsemane — Stroll among ancient olive trees said to be over 2,000 years old in this sacred garden where Jesus spent his final night in prayer.
• Ascend to Dominus Flevit Church — Visit this tear-shaped chapel built where Jesus wept over Jerusalem, offering panoramic views of the Old City and Temple Mount.
• Explore Russian Church of Mary Magdalene — Admire the golden onion domes and Byzantine interior of this 19th-century Orthodox church dedicated to Mary Magdalene.
• Visit Church of the Ascension — Pray at the octagonal church believed to mark the site where Jesus ascended to heaven, accessed by climbing to the summit.
• Hike the Palm Sunday Route — Walk the ancient processional path from Bethphage down the Mount's slopes where pilgrims commemorate Jesus' entry into Jerusalem.

Food to try

• Za'atar Bread — Warm flatbread brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with za'atar spice blend, a staple sold by vendors near the churches.
• Hummus and Pita — Creamy chickpea dip made with tahini and lemon, best enjoyed with freshly baked pita from local bakeries on the Mount.
• Olive Oil Tasting — Sample locally-pressed extra virgin olive oil from trees grown on the Mount itself, often sold directly from small producers.
• Fattoush Salad — Mixed greens with tomatoes, cucumbers, and crispy pita chips dressed with lemon and sumac, widely available at Mount restaurants.
• Fresh Pomegranate Juice — Freshly squeezed pomegranate juice sold by vendors throughout the Mount, particularly refreshing after climbing.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress respectfully for sacred sites — Cover shoulders and knees when entering churches and religious areas, and remove shoes before entering certain prayer spaces.
• Observe prayer times and services — Churches hold services at specific times; plan visits accordingly and be quiet and respectful during active worship.
• Learn basic Arabic and Hebrew greetings — Simple courtesies like 'Shalom' (Hebrew) or 'Salaam' (Arabic) are appreciated and help connect with local guides and vendors.
• Bring plenty of water and sun protection — The Mount has limited shade and can be intensely hot; carry water, sunscreen, and a hat, especially for afternoon visits.