Mount of Olives
The Mount of Olives is also called the Mount of Olives, as in ancient times it was completely planted with olives. This hill is located in the east near one of the walls of Old Jerusalem. An important place for all believers, significant biblical events took place on this mountain. If you look from the Mount of Olives, you can see an incomparable panorama of the city. Tens of thousands of pilgrims travel to this holy place every year.
Short description
There are three peaks on the Mount of Olives. Important landmarks have been built on them: a university campus, a hospital, and a monastery. On the slopes of the mountain are located:
- The ancient holy cemetery includes more than 150,000 graves.;
- The tomb;
- Christian shrines;
- the graves of the prophets.
Religious significance
Believers honor every stone of the Mount of Olives. According to biblical legends, Jesus Christ himself ascended this mountain. Here he preached and prayed. Judas betrayed him on the same mountain, and it was from this mountain that Jesus ascended to heaven and left his mark on one of the stones. The Mount of Olives also has an incomparable nature. There are gardens with century-old olive trees at the foot. As the sun rises, the garden takes on an unusual color and it feels like the olives are floating above the ground. This garden is visible to pilgrims from afar, but it is fenced off from visitors.
The road to the Mount of Olives
She passes by Old Jerusalem. Along the way, you can meet the Lion Gate. At the foot of the holy mountain, people find themselves in a gorge formed between the Old Town and the sacred mountain. The mountainside is difficult to overcome, and hot weather often affects travelers, but the beautiful views give them strength.
You can also make your journey by taxi. Buses depart from the Arab station, on which you can climb to the top. If you decide to get to the top by car on your own, then you need to take into account that there may be difficulties with packing places. Clothing during travel should be as closed as possible. Shoulders and knees should be covered, and women should wear a headscarf.
Observation deck
An observation deck has been built on the Mount of Olives. From it you can observe the city, mosques, ancient walls, temples and gilded gates. It offers a view of the Christian Quarter, with an important Christian landmark - the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Binoculars will help you view the most remote corners of the panorama.
Holy places
Travelers should know in advance the hours and days of operation of historical buildings, as there are a large number of temples and churches on the peaks. Most of the facilities are open in the morning. You can also attend a religious procession on Lazarus Saturday. Palm branches are used in this event. The Mount of Olives remains a landmark for believers, it is the largest hill in the vicinity of Jerusalem, which the whole world knows about. Not only believers can come here, but you can find peace and tranquility in this place.
