Mount Zion Walking Tour (Self Guided), Jerusalem

For those interested in religion and history, Mount Zion offers several unique sights that are situated in close proximity to each other. An important place for Christians, Jews as well as Muslims, it holds important constructions dating from the 20th century as well as a compound built by the Crusaders that marks the spot of both King David’s tomb and the Room of the Last Supper. How interesting is that!?

Exit the Old City through the Zion Gate and head up the hillside to the mount. Before long, you will find the lovely Dormition Abbey and great vistas of the city from multiple vantage points. Explore the area around King David’s Tomb and make sure to wear proper attire if you want to peek inside. The Chamber of the Holocaust, a six-room cellar whose walls are covered with gravestones, sits right beside.

Across the main road to the south, the Protestant cemetery just below Mount Zion houses the tomb of German-born Oskar Schindler, the Holocaust’s most famous “righteous gentile”, an industrialist who managed to save an estimated 1200 Jews from the Nazi death camps, and who, before dying in 1974, asked to be buried in Jerusalem. His efforts were made into a successful film by Steven Spielberg – “Schindler’s List”.

Finally, on the slopes overlooking the City of David, don’t miss the Church of St Peter in Gallicantu commemorating the traditional site of St Peter’s denial of Christ which fulfilled the prophecy, “Before the cock crows twice, thou shalt deny me thrice”.

After completing your visit of Mount Zion, feel free to make your way east along the wall of the Old City, taking in the ruins of the City of David, the monumental tombs of Kidron Valley as well as numerous impressive places at the Mount of Olives nearby. To make the most of these experiences, follow this self-guided tour!