Standing East and above Jerusalem’s Old City, the Mount of Olives is a landmark steeped in history and significance. Its name reflects the ancient olive groves that have graced its slopes for millennia, but its importance transcends its picturesque past. Mount of Olives serves as a sacred space for both Jews and Christians.

The oldest Jewish cemetery in the world, functioning as such for over 3,000 years, the Mount of Olives is the final resting place for countless individuals, including prominent biblical figures and modern Israeli leaders of state.  It holds profound religious significance to Christians as the place of Jesus’s accension and profesized return, and offers the best panoramic view of Jerusalem and the Temple Mount compound below.

Modern era and the 20th century saw the Mount of Olives become a point of contention. During Jordan’s control of the area between 1948 and 1967, many graves were destroyed and Har Hamenuchot (“Mountain of Resting”) in West Jerusalem became the main burial place for the residents of the city.  Following the Six-Day War, the land was restored to Israel, and efforts were made to reuse and reclaim the activity of the cemetery.

Today, the Mount of Olives remains a significant landmark and draws visitors of all faiths, seeking a spiritual connection or simply marveling at the breathtaking views.