Pilgrim's Tour of Mt Olives

A PILGRIM'S TOUR OF THE MT OF OLIVES

See also Mount of Olives for a Biblical overview of the significance of the Mount of Olives

Before walking down the small 1km road just opposite the Seven Arches Hotel in Mt of Olives Rd to Jericho Rd at the bottom, pilgrims should first visit two important sites:

The Chapel of the Ascension of Jesus is just south of the Mt of Olives Hotel in Mt of Olives Rd.

The rock where Jesus ascended into heaven

A rock inside a small octagonal shrine indicates the location where Jesus stood before He was taken into heaven. Open 08:00-16:30. Entrance fee.
The Pater Noster Church, south of the Chapel, is situated in an enclosed garden. It is built over a cave in which Jesus often stayed with His disciples and where He taught them the Pater Noster (Latin for “Our Father”). The prayer is inscribed in 62 languages and the inscriptions can be seen in and outside the Church on tiled panels. Mon-Sat 08:30-12:00 and 15:00-1700.

A few meters further south is the viewpoint opposite the Seven Arches Hotel where pilgrims can overlook the Temple Mount.

Then start the descend down the hill just north of the hotel. The following should be noticed:

The Tomb of the Prophets on the left where it is believed Haggai, Zecharia and Malachi were buried. The keys are held by the family living next door. Mon-Thurs 09:00-15:00. Free.
The popular Jewish Cemetery on the left. The small stones on the graves were left there by loved ones who visited the grave.
The Dominus Flevit Church further downhill on the right. When Jesus walked down the mountain towards the end of his ministry in Israel He stopped here, looked at the City, and wept as he foresaw the fate of Jerusalem. Open 08:00-11:45 and 14:30-17:00.

The Church of St Mary Magdalene
The Russian Church of St Mary Magdalene with its magnificent icons and wall paintings. It is the resting place of several celebrities. Open Tues and Thurs 10:00 to 12:00.
Just before Jericho Rd, on the left is the entrance to the Garden of Getshemane with its ancient olive trees. This is where Jesus came to pray with His disciples before He was betrayed by Judas. Inside the Church of All Nations is a rock believed to be the rock where Jesus knelt to pray, knowing that His cruel death on a cross was near. Daily 08:00-12:00 and 14:00-17:00.
Across the Garden is the Tomb of the Virgin Mary. 06:00-12:30 and 14:30-17:30. Free (but a donation is appreciated by the priest at the entrance).

The Church of All Nations is walking distance from the Lion’s Gate of the Old City.