Visit Mont des Oliviers: reservations and prices

No way to leave Jerusalem without visiting the Mount of Olives, the holy hill of the city!

The city of Jerusalem has multiple facets to be discovered without moderation. This unique city has an invaluable culture and its appeals are as spiritual as it is historical. But it is also a place of relaxation and entertainment of choice for unforgettable holidays.

Mont des Oliviers is located in the east of the city, at more than 800 meters above sea level. In addition to being a holy place for three religions, it is also a historic site that is full of treasures and offers a breathtaking view of the entire city. Visit the Mont des Oliviers is therefore a true must-have city !

Discover our guide to visit the Mont des Oliviers.

History of the Mont des Oliviers

From the height of its 800 meters of altitude, the Mount of Olives is certainly the most famous hill in Jerusalem. It owes its name to the olive trees that are spreading its flanks (today much less numerous), implanted here for millennia. The valley of the Cedron stretches below, which separates it from the city of Jerusalem.

Much more than a simple hill, the Mount of Olives is a holy place, but also a very symbolic place for Jewish, Muslim and Christian religions. It is used as a place of prayer and burial since the time of the first Israelite temple.

In some Jewish prophecies, the Mount of Olives is designated as the place chosen by God for the Judgement Last . This is reflected in the immense Jewish cemetery on the west side, where more than 150,000 Jews wanted to be buried, in order to “be the first to be raised from the dead.”

Also, the place is the oldest Jewish cemetery in the world, in which many Jewish personalities are buried. Today, the cemetery is almost full. In addition, because of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, many graveyard graves are unfortunately the target of desecration.

The Mount of Olives is repeatedly mentioned in the life of Jesus. Some of these biblical events are commemorated in some of the churches on the hill.

Our tips to visit the Mont des Oliviers

Are you coming to visit the Mont des Oliviers? You are told everything you need to know to fully enjoy it.

The best time to visit the Mont des Oliviers

Le Mont des Oliviers is an outdoor place. Therefore, be careful with the weather . Because your visit can be as spoiled by a day of rain, as by a day of high heat (which is more likely).

At the level of the season and temperatures in Jerusalem, we recommend that you avoid the months of July and August which can be extremely hot, with average temperatures around 35°C. Spring and autumn have more pleasant temperatures, around 20°C.

It is also a high tourist place of the city. You will certainly not be alone. Know that in terms of affluence, the 2 most intense months in Jerusalem are the months of August and October. From April to July, there are people, but this remains more reasonable. Finally, from January to March, or in September, the city is very quiet.

To visit the Mont des oliviers in optimal conditions, we recommend that you prefer, if you can, September .

The duration of a visit

You can visit the Mont des Oliviers at any time and stay there the time you want. If you opt for a guided tour with a guide or a specialized operator, you must count about 3h . Know that there are many religious sites on site, to see or to visit.

Finally, if you want to go on foot from the old town and enjoy it as much as possible, we advise you to for the day , for total tranquility.

Local guides

If you come to visit the Mont des Oliviers by your own means, you will find on site many local guides. It is an excellent way to have a private and complete guided tour of the place. In order not to make you have, Meet before you go to the rates means for these visits, for example at your hotel.

The Information Centre

Le Mont des Oliviers has an information centre, located near “La Tombe d’Absalom”. Here you will find books, maps and leaflets that will help you to circulate in the area. It is here for example that you can get all the information about the location of the people buried in the cemetery.

To take in his backpack

From water (many, especially in summer), sunglasses , one hat and of sun cream . Also think about wearing good walking shoes , especially if you decide to visit Mont des Oliviers on foot.

The rules to be followed

Visiting the Mont des Oliviers is visiting a place that has many religious sites. Therefore, it is important to adopt a discreet and respectful behaviour and wear suitable clothing .

What to see and what to do at the Mont des Oliviers?

From top to bottom, and on all its faces, the Mont des Oliviers is full of religious treasures to discover. In turn, Jews, Christians or Muslims, there are so many that it is almost impossible to quote them all.

Here is a list, non-exhaustive, of some places you must not miss if you are going to visit the Mont des Oliviers :

• The Jewish cemetery: the largest and oldest Jewish cemetery in the world, with 150,000 tombs, including some notable illustrious and religious figures;
• The cloister of Pater Noster: This soothing and flowering place houses more than a hundred mosaics citing the Christian prayer “Our Father” in dozens of different languages and dialects;
• The Byzantine crypt: located at the foot of the Mont, it would house the tomb of the Virgin;
• The Dome or the Church of Ascension: at the top of the Mount of Olives, it commemorates the rise in the sky of Christ. Its huge bell tower, beautiful mosaics and frescoes make it one of the most remarkable buildings in the region;
• The garden of Gethsemane : the place described in the Bible as the place where Christ was betrayed by Judas and then arrested;
• The Tombs of the Prophets: a funeral cave that has 38 niches in the basement. According to legend, it is here that the three prophets Aggean, Zechariah and Malachi would be buried;
• The church Dominus Flevit: In addition to an incredible architecture, it has a sort of esplanade from which the view of the old city of Jerusalem is sumptuous;
• The Church of All Nations or the Church of Mary Magdalene: This building, built in 1895 in the traditional Russian Orthodox style, adorned with vaulted ceilings and stained glass windows, is an active convent;
• The view: You should not forget to enjoy the incredible panorama that offers you the hill, the city and its surroundings. For this, go to the observation point at the top.

How much does a ticket cost to the Mont des Oliviers?

Visit the Mont des Oliviers in itself, by its own means is entirely free . However, you will have to free yourself from an entry ticket if you want to visit some of the religious sites it counts.

Some specialized operators offer group or individual guided tours, starting from the Jaffa Gate in Jerusalem. Count about 30€ for 3h of visit, transport included, but not entrance of the monuments visited.

Others offer guided tours of Jerusalem, during the day or half-day, including the Mont des Oliviers, but also other sights of the city. Prices vary by duration, 50 to 100€ .

Finally, a third option is possible if you are not in Jerusalem and want to visit the Mount of Olives. Day trips from Tel Aviv are proposed by some operators, for an average price 80€ .

How to book an online ticket for the Mont des Oliviers?

It is possible to book an on-line guided tour or tour with specialised operators to visit Mont des Oliviers. Once on the rendezvous, you will climb into a shuttle that will take you directly to Mont des Oliviers. You will then be taken care of by a guide that will make you visit the places with passion.

Opening hours

Le Mont des Oliviers is a open space at any time of day or night . But you'll have to. individually check each site that you wish to visit on site, all having different times.

How to get to Mont des Oliviers?

To visit the Mont des Oliviers, you can visit:

• On foot: You can easily reach the foot of Mont des Oliviers from the Lions Gate, located in the Muslim quarter of the old town. A succession of stairs and paved roads awaits you to the cemetery. The Porte des Déchets also allows you to reach the Mont des Oliviers via a slightly longer but charming walk.
• By bus: Several buses stop at the foot of the mountain (on 1, 3, 51, 83 and 84). line 275, for her part, takes you to the top of Mont des Oliviers.

Are there combined visits with other locations?

Many agencies specializing in guided tours include the Mount of Olives in a full visit to Jerusalem, or during a several day trip to the most beautiful sites of Israel .

There is also a visit combining the Mont des Oliviers with the Mount of the Temple .

Where to stay near Mont des Oliviers?

There is only one hotel in Mont des Oliviers: the Seven Arches Hotel . It is a magnificent hotel, recognized for its view. To stay there, you will have to pay about 150€ for one night.

The most extensive and varied offer of accommodation is in the Jerusalem city centre , located less than 5 km from Mont des Oliviers. Here, there will be for all tastes and budgets: palaces, Airbnb , boutique hotels, hostels... And if you want to enjoy the nightlife, it’s the perfect neighborhood!

You now know everything you need to know to visit the Mont des Oliviers in the best conditions!