The Mount of Olives

The bone-dry slopes of the Mount of Olives (Har haZeitim in Hebrew), to the east of the Old City, are dotted with churches marking the sites of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem, his teaching, his agony and betrayal in Gethsemane, and his ascension to heaven. That the Mount of Olives has three gardens of Gethsemane and two points of Ascension may cast doubt on the accuracy of the locations, but nothing can detract from the splendor. In Jewish tradition, the Mount of Olives holds importance for the future as well: the thousands buried in the cemetery here will be the first to greet the Messiah on Judgment Day.

A walk down the hill, with pauses at the numerous churches, tombs, and gardens, is most enjoyable in the morning when the sun shines at your back, permitting clear views and photographs of the Old City. Since most churches are closed on Sundays and afternoons from about noon-3pm, mornings are also the most practical time to come. Arab bus #75 runs from the station across from Damascus Gate to At-Tur, the Arab village on top of the Mount of Olives.