Overview
The Mount of Olives ridge provides the quintessential Jerusalem panorama and links numerous biblical events. From the summit, groups trace the Kidron Valley, Temple Mount, and Mount Zion before descending toward Gethsemane and the Old City gates.
Key Stops
- Observation terrace for orientation talks and photography
- Chapel of Ascension and Pater Noster Church (Lord’s Prayer translations) near the summit
- Dominus Flevit chapel—tear-shaped sanctuary commemorating Jesus weeping over Jerusalem
- Church of All Nations (Basilica of Agony) and Garden of Gethsemane at the base of the slope
- Jewish cemetery on the western slope—one of the oldest and most significant in the world
Logistics
- Coaches drop at the top; groups walk downhill on steep, sometimes slippery paths—encourage sturdy footwear
- Arrange smaller shuttle vans for guests who need assistance or to avoid the descent
- Early morning or late afternoon visits offer softer light and fewer crowds
- Pair with Kidron Valley tombs, City of David, or Mount Zion for full-day Jerusalem narratives
FAQs
- Q: Can we start the Palm Sunday walk inside the private convents?\n A: Most groups begin at the public terrace; ETS can request access to specific chapels when available.
- Q: Are restrooms available?\n A: Limited facilities exist near the top and at certain churches; plan accordingly.
For Churches
How Churches Use the Mount of Olives
- Orientation devotions overlooking the Old City skyline, linking prophecy to present-day Jerusalem
- Palm Sunday route walks with stations of prayer at Dominus Flevit and the Jewish cemetery terraces
- Quiet worship or reading times in the Chapel of Ascension or Pater Noster courtyards
- Evening vigils in Gethsemane paired with the day’s reflections
What Works Well
- Early morning visits before tour buses crowd the terraces
- Provide walking sticks or shuttle options for guests uncomfortable with the steep descent
- Integrate with Mount Zion or City of David later in the day to keep narrative flow
Sample Ministry Focus
- Sunrise devotion → group photo → slow walk to Dominus Flevit for prayer → end at Church of All Nations for guided reflection
What ETS Tours Provides Here
- Terrace reservations, local musicians, or pastors for guided worship\n- Shuttle vans for mobility needs and staggered walking groups\n- Timed entries at Gethsemane chapels and nearby tombs
We’ll coordinate the descent and chapel access so your leaders can shepherd well.
See also: Israel — Fundraising for Churches