Mount Zion

Sites in Jerusalem

First, Mount Zion is a large hill south of the Old City’s Armenian Quarter and a metaphoric symbol for Jerusalem and the Promised Land. Situated a short walk from Zion Gate, the hill is the highest point in ancient Jerusalem and has had religious significance for centuries. Believed to be the site of King David’s Tomb, Mount Zion is associated with the final days of Christ and is revered by Jews, Muslims, and Christians alike.


In This Photo: The Dormition Abbey at Mt. Zion

Mount Zion – A Mountain with a Rich History

Second, Mount Zion has a rich and exalted history and is a fascinating place to explore. The hill rests just outside the Old City’s walls; which were built by Suleiman the Magnificent over 500 years ago. Legend has it that the architects in charge of designing the city left the revered site of David’s Tomb outside of the city walls by mistake and when the sultan found out; he had the architects executed. Two graves near the Jaffa Gate are said to be the resting place of the two unlucky architects.


Mount-Zion-Upper-Room
In This Photo: The Sign Pointing to the Room of the Last Supper

Moreover, the glorified hill features several significant historical and religious landmarks; including David’s Tomb, where King David is said to be buried; and the Upper Room; which is believed to be where Jesus had his Last Supper. Built-in the 12th century with a magnificent Gothic vault ceiling; the Upper Room; also known as the Cenacle, was once a mosque dedicated to King David (Nebi Daoud). Moreover, the room has a small prayer enclave (mihrab) and beautiful stained-glass windows that feature passages from the Koran.


In This Photo: The Tomb of King David

Important Churches Worth Visiting on Mount Zion

Accordingly, there are other iconic landmarks on Mount Zion. For example, Dormition Abbey and the beautiful Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu. Also built on the site of the Byzantine-era Hagia Zion Church the Dormition Abbey is thought to be the place where Mary passed away. And the Church of St. Peter in Gallicantu is set on the holy place where Jesus was arrested by the Romans and brought before the High Priest Caiaphas before being imprisoned.


In This Photo: The Tomb of Oscar Schindler Found at Mt. Zion

Moreover, there are other interesting sites to visit on Mount Zion; First,  a museum dedicated to Israeli sculptor David Palombo; a small memorial dedicated to the victims of the Holocaust; and a Catholic cemetery where Holocaust hero; Oscar Schindler, is buried.

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arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik Haglili, an Israeli native who decided to dedicate his life to share my knowledge about the Holy Land to those that are interested to know more about this amazing piece of land. My career as a private tour guide started at the International School For the Studying of the Holocaust and the rest is history.

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