Mount of Olives, Biblical mountain in East Jerusalem, Israel
Mount of Olives is a limestone ridge east of Jerusalem's Old City that stretches several kilometers and includes a series of summits. The slopes are covered with churches, chapels, monasteries, and sprawling burial grounds connected by narrow roads and footpaths.
The slopes served as a burial place for influential families during the Kingdom of Judah, with rock-cut tombs from that era preserved in the south. Over the centuries, Christian sanctuaries and Jewish burial sites developed, shaping the appearance visitors see today.
The name comes from olive groves that once covered these slopes and still grow in patches today. Visitors see three major religious traditions side by side here, with cemeteries, churches, and pathways that pilgrims have walked for centuries.
Visitors reach the different sites along the ridge on foot or by taxi, though the climb from the Old City can be tiring. On hot days, a morning visit works well when the sun is not yet strong and the paths are less crowded.
From the highest point, visitors see the golden dome of the Dome of the Rock directly opposite, with the entire Old City appearing like a stage set below. The perspective shows the tight mix of residential neighborhoods, religious sites, and ancient walls in a single glance.
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