From the First Station to the Agricultural Farm in the Valley

What Makes This Route Special?

We will begin at a bustling, modern entertainment center and from there, walk toward the ancient industrial center of Jerusalem.  Along the way, we will encounter stories and sites that remind us that we are on the way to the ancient city.

Tour Description

First Station Complex

In 1892, a pivotal moment in Jerusalem’s history occurred with the opening of the railway connecting the city to Jaffa. For nearly a century, the station served as a central gateway to the holy city, through which thousands of visitors and immigrants passed, including key figures in Zionist history such as Binyamin Ze’ev Herzl. Today, the carefully restored complex has been transformed into a vibrant hub for dining and entertainment. However, the original railway line still remains on site, serving as a reminder of the historical significance of Jerusalem’s first station.

Bible Hill: A Green Terrace Overlooking the City

From the First Station, we will head to David Remez Street (named after the first Minister of Transportation in the State of Israel), cross the road, and near the bus station, we will ascend to the Bible Hill.

We are now standing on an exposed, empty hill, a unique green space in this bustling area. This is Bible Hill, an urban nature site where, in the winter and spring, carpets of vibrant flowers can be seen. The hill’s name is inspired by the vision of David Ben-Gurion, the first Prime Minister, who wished to establish an international bible museum here.

To the left of Hebron Road, one can see the houses of the Abu Tor neighborhood – a picturesque and beautiful area, through which the border between Israel and Jordan once passed. Below us, to the east, is the St. John Eye Hospital, which today serves as the Mount Zion Hotel.  Behind it lies the Hinnom Valley, which we will visit later.

To the northeast of the hill, Mount Zion and the walls of the Old City are visible. Near the hill to the north stands St. Andrew’s Church, and nearby, ancient burial caves were uncovered, one of which contained an inscription of the “Priestly Blessing.”

On the Way to the Valley

We will continue along the path, crossing the hill toward the east, descending to Hebron Road, and then turning north. Along the way, we will pass the Menachem Begin Heritage Center, and shortly after, we will ascend to the B’nai B’rith Bridge, designated for pedestrians.

Before crossing the bridge, it’s worth stopping to admire the “Peace Monument,” an impressive work by artist Yigal Tumarkin. From the bridge, we will descend the nearby stairs to the Cinematheque, eventually reaching the large lawn area of the Hinnom Valley.

Hinnom Valley

As we enter the streambed of the Hinnom Valley, we will be greeted by green expanses of grass, which are part of the Walls of Jerusalem National Park, an area undergoing impressive renewal and development in recent years. In ancient times, the valley marked the boundary between the tribes – Judah to the south and Binyamin to the north. Steep slopes rise on both sides of the valley, making it a natural obstacle and defensive border for ancient Jerusalem. At the end of the First Temple period, the valley became infamous for a severe form of idolatry known as the worship of Molech, an Ammonite god.

After crossing the valley toward the east, we will reach the road that runs through the valley. We will cross the road and arrive at the Agricultural Farm.

 The Agricultural Farm

In this part of the valley, an Agricultural Farm was established to tell the story of ancient Jerusalem’s agriculture. Here, one may see ancient farming facilities such as an olive press, a winepress, a water reservoir, and irrigation channels leading from it. From here, you can continue to the longest suspension bridge in Israel. Entrance to the Farm is free.