Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery, Jewish cemetery on the Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel

The Mount of Olives Jewish Cemetery sits on the eastern slope of Jerusalem and spreads across terraced hillsides with tens of thousands of graves accumulated over centuries. The site is divided into distinct sections, with headstones descending down the slope in a dense pattern of varying sizes and styles.

The area has served as a burial ground since the First Temple period, with the current layout taking shape during the 16th century Ottoman rule. This long history made it one of the most significant burial sites in Jewish tradition.

The cemetery reflects centuries of Jewish devotion to Jerusalem, as many people chose specifically to be buried here. The graves are organized by family, and the site shows the deep connection between faith and homeland for Jewish communities from around the world.

The hillside is steep, so good footwear and time for slow walking are necessary, especially on hot days. Visitors can join guided groups to explore the different sections and learn more about individual graves.

The cemetery adjoins the much older Silwan necropolis, whose rock-cut tombs date from the 9th to 7th centuries BCE. Some were later reused as monk cells, churches and cisterns, and the Tomb of the Royal Steward was found beneath a village house.