The Mount of Olives and Mount Zion
A pilgrimage in two acts: down the Mount of Olives, up Mount Zion. The last week of Jesus, all within walking distance.
The shape of the day
We open our day on the peak of the Mount of Olives at the Chapel of the Ascension, a fascinating site shared by multiple Christian streams and with an attached mosque.
We then start our descent down the mountain, taking in the Pater Noster Church, believed to be the location where the Lord’s Prayer was taught for the first time.
We continue down, taking in a stunning panorama of the Old City, the Dominus Flevit Church (with its remarkable architecture) and finishing at the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus had his last moments of freedom before being arrested.
After passing through the Kidron Valley, and exploring the ancient tombs from the Second Temple period, we ascend to Mount Zion. Here we visit the Last Supper Room (also known as the Cenacle) and King David’s Tomb.
We continue to the imposing Dormition Church, believed to be where Mary took her final breaths, before concluding our day at the Church of St Peter in Gallicantu, which marks the location of Jesus’s trial by the High Priest.
Sites we visit
- Chapel of the Ascension
- Pater Noster Church
- Panorama of the Old City
- Dominus Flevit Church
- Garden of Gethsemane
- Kidron Valley & ancient tombs
- Last Supper Room
- King David’s Tomb
- Dormition Church
- Church of St Peter in Gallicantu
Who it’s for
This day is for anyone drawn to the events surrounding the end of Jesus’ life, as described in the Bible. It’s a fantastic way to get a sense of the biblical geography, both through walking the sites of the last week of Jesus, and seeing them all laid out in front of you from the Mount of Olives viewpoint.
There’s a fair amount of walking, some of it steep, both downhill and uphill, but I set the pace to whoever’s in the group. There is an option to do this day with a vehicle which saves the steepest ascents and descents.
FAQ
How much walking does this day involve?
It’s quite a bit of walking and some of it is pretty steep, but shouldn’t be an issue for anyone in reasonable fitness. If this is a concern, we can get a car for the day which will help with the steepest sections, just let me know.
What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes you can walk downhill in, and a hat to protect you from the sun. To enter the holy sites, you need to have covered knees, shoulders and chests. It’s fine to bring a shawl or scarf to wrap around you at the relevant times.
Is it suitable for children, or for less mobile travellers?
Most people do this as a walking tour. It’s a good way to get a sense of the physical geography and also significantly cheaper than having a car with us for the day. But the car is an option if needed and can cut out all the hardest walking sections.
It’s a long day for kids and so I’d suggest choosing a few of the sites to focus on. On the Mount of Olives I think the most visually stimulating are the Chapel of the Ascension, the Dominus Flevit church and the Garden of Gethsemane with its ancient olive trees. On Mount Zion I’d prioritise St Peter in Gallicantu and maybe the Dormition Church.
How is this different from your Old City pilgrimage day?
They’re companion days. This one follows the last week of Jesus around the edges of the Old City, on the Mount of Olives and Mount Zion, without stepping inside the walls. The Old City pilgrimage day goes within them, from the Temple Mount down the Via Dolorosa to the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
If you have limited time, it’s possible (and quite common) to combine elements of both days into one. Get in touch and I’ll help you plan a custom itinerary.
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Having been on trips in Israel with seven different tour guides, Samuel stood above all the rest.
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