Tomb of the Prophets

Exploring Jerusalem

The Tomb of the Prophets is a large ancient burial cave on the upper western slope of Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. Jewish and Christian followers believe the catacomb to be the burial site of the Haggai, Malachi, and Zechariah, the last three Hebrew Bible prophets believed to have lived during the 6th to 5th centuries BC. Jews have worshiped the catacomb of the three Hebrews since the Middle Ages.


Tomb of the Prophets

Excavations conducted in the Tomb of the Prophets show that the complex dates from the 1st century BCE when this style of tomb was used for Jewish burial. Some Greek inscriptions show that the site was also used for the burial of Christians in the Byzantine period, the 4th and 5th centuries CE.

The Architecture of the Tomb of the Prophets

The complex has a unique plan, with a central chamber and corridors leading to the burial sites. The burial chamber forms two concentric passages containing 36 and 50 burial niches and two adjoining burial caves.  The entrance to the large rock-cut funerary cave is on the western side of Mount of Olives. A staircase flanked on both sides by a stone balustrade leads into a large circular central vault measuring 24 feet (7.3 m) in diameter. 


Touring-Mt-Olives-and-Old-City-Jerusalem-Viewpoint
In This Photo: Explore Mt. of Olives with Mount of Olives Tour (The View is From Dominus Flevit Church)

Two parallel tunnels run off the vault and continue for 20 yards (18 m) through the rock. A third tunnel runs in another direction. They are all connected by cross galleries. A little higher, on the right, is a terrace from which there is an excellent view of the Temple Mount and the Old City up to the high blocks of western Jerusalem.


Tomb-of-the-Prophets-Entrance-
In This Photo: The Entrance to the Tombs
Credit: CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikipedia – Yaakov

In 1882, a Russian Orthodox church was erected on the cave site with significant protests from the Jewish population. During Ottoman rule, it was decided that the place would remain under the control of the Russian Orthodox Church. However, it would be devoid of Christian symbols and available to followers of all religions. 

Today, the property is owned by the Russian Orthodox church but is kept by a local Arab who lives on top of the tomb.

Haggai, Malachi, and Zechariah

The three prophets, Haggai, Malachi, and Zechariah, are from the Old Testament, who God sent around the world to return people to the right ways of the Lord. Haggai and Zechariah were mainly concerned with rebuilding the temple, which had been destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar and the Babylonians nearly 70 years before during the Babylonian captivity. They were also concerned with the religious obligations of the post-exilic community and getting people to tend to their spiritual responsibilities.

Tomb of the Prophets Opening Hours:

The cave is open for visitors between Monday through Thursday from 09:00 – 15:00

Friday – Closed

Saturday – Closed

Sunday – Closed

arik-about

Hi! My name is Arik, an Israeli native who dedicated his life to sharing my passion for the Holy Land with those interested in knowing more about this incredible piece of land. I’m the Chief Guide at ‘APT Private Tours in Israel’.

Did you know the Hoopoe is Israel's national bird?! For more cool info about Israel, join our ever growing community and get exclusive travel tips, and giveaways!

Shiloh Excavations In The City Of David

RELATED POSTS

Best Dead Sea Beaches

Which are the best Dead Sea Beaches? So here is a very short list of the beaches worth going to while touring Israel and the ...

Davidson Center

Davidson Center is an archeological park in its beauty! The park holds archaeological finds from different periods mostly from the 2nd Temple

Dominus Flevit Church

Dominus Flevit is a church on the Mt. of Olives. According to Luke, it's there where Jesus weeps, lamenting for the destruction of Jerusalem.

Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter

The Church of the Primacy of Saint Peter is a Franciscan church located in Tabgha, Sea of Galilee. Right on the very shores of the ...

Montfort Castle

Montfort Castle is one of the most beautiful sites to visit in Israel. Nestled in the Galilee just above Kziv Stream. It's the place to ...

Caesarea Philippi

Caesarea Philippi was an ancient Roman city located at the southwestern base of Mount Hermon. Caesarea is an archaeological site in the Golan

Israel Aquarium

The Israel Aquarium in Jerusalem is a fascinating attraction that offers visitors an up-close look at the marine life of the Med Sea.

The Golden Gate

The Golden Gate, also known as the Gate of Mercy, is one of the most famous entrances to the Old City of Jerusalem. Don't miss ...

Robinson’s Arch

Robinson's Arch, dated to the 2nd Temple Period, is a remarkable archaeological remnant! A testament to ancient engineering prowess

Museum of Italian Jewish Art

The Museum of Italian Jewish Art is dedicated to telling the story of Jewish life in Italy from the Renaissance to the present.

Need help?