Mount of Olives

Here you can find the oldest Jewish cemetery in the world, also known as the “City of the Dead,” located near Jerusalem, the “City of Life.” This is the location where the prominent leaders of the Jewish people are buried for generations.

The location of the mountain and its composition (soft limestone relatively easy to dig up) made it an ideal burial location, but less suitable for building structures. The tradition of burial, which began in the days of the First Temple, continues to this day.

You can hear from our guides the fascinating and important stories of thousands of well-known people and revered Rabbis buried on the Mount of Olives.

Despite being researched for many years, the Mount of Olives still holds new stories that are revealed over time, and with new discoveries, ancient mysteries are solved and more of the long history of the Jewish tradition is revealed to us.

The Burial Mapping System at the Cemetery

Over 70,000 names have been already added to the system which is constantly being updated by professionals who are hard at work mapping the graves.

The system allows users to locate the deceased and view the burial place using aerial photography and close-up shots of the grave. One may also add information they have about the deceased.  The system also offers directions and parking options near the grave and provides tour routes in the burial area.

There are many moving stories of people who have rediscovered their dear ones’ graves following the intensive mapping work conducted over the last three years.

The Mount of Olives website provides an online platform for people to easily search and access information. This makes the life stories of these individuals more accessible and not limited to what is written on their gravestones.

For information on tours for groups on the Mount of Olives >>

Website for the Mount of Olives Center >>

The Center’s phone number: 02-6275050

For information on activities in the Kidron Valley >>