Just beyond the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, a sweeping vista of silver-green olive trees is interspersed with landmarks of the past. The Mount of Olives holds special significance for Jews and Christians alike. From the prophecies of Zecharia to the anguish of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane, the Mount of Olives stands as a historic monument to the living faiths it inspires in our age, and for all time.

On the slopes of the Mount of Olives, the magnificent gilded domes of the Church of Mary Magdalene sparkle in the sunlight. One of the most ornate sites in Jerusalem, this church of seven turrets is located near the Garden of Gethsemane, where Jesus is said to have uttered his final prayer before the crucifixion. From the Temple Mount itself the Church of Mary Magdalene is plainly visible, its shining white a sharp contrast to the green of the mountainside.

For more than a thousand years, the Church of the Holy Sepulchre has been a pilgrim destination for Christians around the globe. For these pilgrims, the site is a nexus of their faith, marking the place where Christ was crucified, buried, and later resurrected. Built by the Roman Emperor Constantine in the 4th century in place of a Temple of Venus, the Church also stands as a symbol of the victory of Christianity over paganism—in Jerusalem, and soon after in much of the world.

Not all Christians believe that Jesus was crucified and buried on the site of the Church of the Holy Sepulchre. Some believe instead that the Garden Tomb, a peaceful site outside the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, once set the scene for one of the most pivotal moments in history.

Towering amid the bustling action of Jerusalem’s city center, the Great Synagogue is a majestic symbol of the Jewish faith as it endures today. A repository of Judaic art and music, the Great Synagogue is a touchstone of Jewish tradition in the heart of the Holy City. Its sumptuous stained glass windows and rich furnishings are testament to a labor of love.

The holiest site in Judaism, the Temple Mount is the crown jewel of Jerusalem. In ancient times, the Jewish people would journey on foot from all over the country to worship in the Temple, and to celebrate the Temple festivals. But even before Solomon built the First Temple, the mountain which is otherwise known as Mount Moriah held paramount importance in the Jewish tradition. In Judaism, the sanctity of Mount Moriah predates the Temple—and in fact predates all of history.

Jews all over the world pray towards Jerusalem. But in the Holy City itself, they pray towards the Western Wall, one of the holiest sites in Judaism. For thousands of years, this wall that flanks the Temple Mount has been the scene of much yearning and heartfelt prayers. For centuries, Jews from around the world have been visiting the Western Wall—to pray, to discover their roots, and to dream of the long-lost days of the Temple. Above all else, they pray for peace and a world redeemed by their Messiah.

On lofty Mount Zion in Jerusalem stands the Dormition Abbey, a palatial structure of medieval inspiration. Mount Zion itself is charged with religious significance: here on this mountain is where Jesus is said to have eaten his Last Supper before being crucified. Here is where it is said the ancient Judean kings are buried, most notably the famed King David. And the Dormition Abbey itself is dedicated to the Virgin Mary, who was said to have slipped into her final sleep (dormitio) in this same spot.

Located in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City, the Tower of David is a jewel of an archaeological site, with each facet reflecting a different period in the history of the Holy City. The annals of the fortress encapsulate over 3,000 years of turbulent wars and powerful rulers. Soaring higher than any other point in the Old City—even higher than the Temple Mount—the Tower of David is more than a ruined fortress: it combines the multiple influences of Jewish, Christian and Muslim Jerusalem in a single structure.

Located beside the idyllic Garden of Gethsemane just outside the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City, the Church of All Nations houses the Rock of Agony. This is said to be the bedrock beside which Jesus prayed on the eve of his crucifixion. In the dim-lit interior of the church, pilgrims gather about the stone and silently attune themselves to empathy for the agony endured by their Savior. It is one of several holy sites that stand upon the Mount of Olives.

Once a vital part of the ancient city of Jerusalem, Mount Zion is now located just outside the Old City walls. A number of important holy sites are located on this mountain, including David’s Tomb, the Dormition Abbey, and the Room of the Last Supper. There is also a macabre tale that links this mountain with the architects of Suleiman the Magnificent—and the dark fate they earned for disappointing him.

Dominating the landscape of Jerusalem is the gleaming gold Dome of the Rock. Located on the Temple Mount, the Dome enshrines the Foundation Stone and stands upon a site that Jews and Muslims believe is the holiest spot on earth. While the Dome of the Rock itself was built hundreds of years ago, the significance of its location spans thousands of years.