Is the Mount of Olives walk difficult?

Yes, it is considered a challenging walk due to the very steep incline. You will be climbing from the Kidron Valley floor to the ridge summit, rising about 100 meters in elevation over a short distance.

What is the best time to visit the Mount of Olives?

Early morning is best to avoid the heat and the largest crowds. Late afternoon is also excellent because the sun shines directly onto the Old City walls, providing the best photography lighting.

Do I need to pay to enter the churches on the Mount of Olives?

Most churches like Gethsemane and Dominus Flevit are free to enter, though some sites like the Pater Noster or the Chapel of the Ascension may charge a small nominal entrance fee (usually 10-15 NIS).

Is there a dress code for this walking route Jerusalem visitors should know?

Yes, modest dress is mandatory. Both men and women should ensure their shoulders and knees are covered to enter any of the religious sites along the path.

Can I do this walk in reverse, starting at the top?

Yes, many people prefer to take a taxi or bus to the summit and walk downhill to Gethsemane. This is much easier on the legs, though the descent can still be taxing on the knees.

Are there places to eat along the route?

There are very few restaurants on the slope itself. It is best to eat a meal in the Old City or East Jerusalem before starting, though small kiosks at the top and bottom sell snacks and drinks.

Is it safe to walk the Mount of Olives alone?

Generally, it is safe during daylight hours as it is a high-traffic area for travelers. However, it is always recommended to stay on the main paved roads and be aware of your surroundings.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

About This Tour

Rising above the Kidron Valley, the Mount of Olives is a sacred ridge that has served as a silent witness to three millennia of history. This self-guided walk invites you to traverse one of Jerusalem's most significant landscapes, where the air is thick with the scent of ancient olive trees and the weight of prophecy. From the golden-domed churches of the Russian Orthodox tradition to the stark, sun-bleached stones of the world’s oldest active cemetery, this neighborhood stroll offers a profound encounter with the city's spiritual heritage. The route is physically demanding, featuring steep inclines that mirror the intensity of the stories embedded in the soil. As you begin your self-guided adventure at the base of the hill, you will encounter the Church of All Nations and the Garden of Gethsemane, where twisted, ancient trunks are said to date back centuries. The path then winds upward, passing the subterranean Tomb of the Virgin and the striking Church of Mary Magdalene, whose seven golden domes dominate the skyline. Further up the slope, the Dominus Flevit Church offers what is arguably the most famous view in the region, looking through a window that perfectly frames the Dome of the Rock. This walking route Jerusalem visitors find most rewarding culminates at the summit, providing a panoramic vista of the Old City walls, the Temple Mount, and the sprawling Judean Desert to the east. It is a journey through architectural styles ranging from Byzantine to Crusader and Modernist, all set against a backdrop of unparalleled religious significance. Whether you are interested in the historical layers of the Romanov influence in the Holy Land or the archaeological wonders of the Kidron Valley, this self-guided walk provides the context and quietude needed to appreciate this iconic landscape. Be prepared for a challenging trek that rewards every step with a new perspective on the eternal city.

Highlights

The ancient, gnarled olive trees of the Garden of Gethsemane

Stunning golden-domed architecture of the Church of Mary Magdalene

Breathtaking framed views of the Old City from Dominus Flevit

The subterranean atmosphere of the Tomb of the Virgin

Panoramic vistas over the world's oldest Jewish cemetery

The Modernist mosaic masterpieces within the Church of All Nations

Tour Stops (6)

Church of All Nations

Also known as the Basilica of the Agony, this 20th-century masterpiece was designed by the 'Architect of the Holy Land,' Antonio Barluzzi. As you stand before the facade, note the stunning mosaic depicting Christ as the link between God and humanity. The interior is deliberately kept dim to reflect the somber night of the Agony. Look up at the ceiling to see the twelve domes, each decorated with the coat of arms of the nations that contributed to its construction. The church is built over the rock where Jesus is believed to have prayed before his arrest, a site that has hosted Byzantine and Crusader churches long before this modern structure was erected.

Gethsemane

Adjacent to the church lies a small but profoundly significant grove of olive trees. The word Gethsemane translates to 'oil press' in Aramaic, indicating the agricultural history of this slope. While it is difficult to date olive trees precisely due to their regenerative nature, carbon dating has suggested that the root systems of some of these trees are nearly 900 years old, with the trees themselves likely being descendants of those that stood here 2,000 years ago. This peaceful garden serves as a living monument to the enduring nature of the landscape, offering a moment of quiet reflection away from the bustle of the nearby Jericho Road.

Tomb of the Virgin

Step down into the cool, subterranean depths of this Crusader-era structure. According to Eastern Christian tradition, this is the burial place of Mary, the mother of Jesus. The grand staircase, dating back to the 12th century, leads you deep underground to a dimly lit cavern filled with the scent of incense and the glow of hundreds of hanging oil lamps. The atmosphere here is markedly different from the hilltop churches; it is damp, ancient, and deeply atmospheric. This site is shared by various Christian denominations and remains one of the most important pilgrimage sites in the Kidron Valley.

Church of Mary Magdalene

The seven golden onion domes of this church are a striking piece of Russian architecture in the Middle East. Built in 1888 by Tsar Alexander III in memory of his mother, Empress Maria Alexandrovna, the church is a brilliant example of the Muscovite style. Inside, you can find the remains of Grand Duchess Elizabeth Feodorovna, a member of the Romanov family who was martyred during the Russian Revolution. The church is surrounded by a beautifully maintained garden, offering a serene vantage point. Note the intricate brickwork and the traditional Russian icons that decorate the interior, which feels like a piece of St. Petersburg transported to the Judean hills.

Dominus Flevit Church

This small church, also designed by Antonio Barluzzi, is shaped like a teardrop to commemorate the Gospel story of Jesus weeping over the future of Jerusalem. The most iconic feature is the west-facing window behind the altar. Unlike most churches that face east, this one faces west toward the Old City. The window is fitted with a delicate iron screen that frames the Dome of the Rock and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre perfectly, making it one of the most photographed spots in Jerusalem. Outside, you can explore ancient burial caves dating back to the Second Temple period, highlighting the layers of history beneath your feet.

Mount of Olives Overlook

You have reached the summit of the ridge. From this vantage point, the entirety of Jerusalem unfolds before you. Directly below is the Jewish Cemetery, the oldest and most important Jewish burial ground in the world, with over 150,000 graves spanning 3,000 years. Beyond the cemetery, the Golden Gate (Mercy Gate) is visible in the eastern wall of the Old City. Legend and prophecy suggest that this is where the Messiah will enter the city. To the east, you can see the landscape drop away toward the Judean Desert and the mountains of Moab in Jordan. This is the ultimate place to understand the topography of the Holy City.

Frequently Asked Questions

The full self-guided walk typically takes 2.5 to 3 hours. This includes time to explore the interiors of the churches and take in the viewpoints at a steady pace.