Gehenna
Valley Biblical valley near Jerusalem associated with purification
Near Jerusalem’s Old City, the Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) carries biblical associations and archaeological remains; visitors trace ancient ritual sites, walk hillside paths and view historic cemeteries while exploring Jerusalem’s religious landmarks.
Gehenna, historically the Valley of Hinnom, is a deep valley immediately outside the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem with strong biblical associations dating back to the Iron Age. It is notable both as an archaeological landscape and as the source of the word translated as ‘Gehenna’ in later religious literature.
In the Hebrew Bible the valley is recorded in texts as a place associated with idolatrous practices in the first millennium BCE; later historical descriptions note its use as a site where refuse and burning refuse contributed to an image of perpetual fire. Over centuries the valley became a literary and theological symbol of punishment in Jewish and Christian traditions.
The valley runs along the southern and southwestern edges of Jerusalem’s Old City, descending from the area around the Armenian and Jewish quarters toward the west; it forms part of the broader topography that includes the Kidron Valley to the east.
- Name and significance: The name comes from the Hebrew 'Gei Hinnom' - the Valley of Hinnom - and is the origin of the later religious concept of Gehenna or hell in Jewish and Christian texts.
How to Get to Gehenna #
The Valley of Gehenna (Ge-Hinnom) is immediately adjacent to Jerusalem’s Old City and is commonly reached on foot from the Old City (depending on the exact entry point, roughly a 5-20 minute walk from the Jaffa Gate / City of David area).
Local Jerusalem buses and shared minibuses serve stops around the Old City and the City of David; taxis and walking from central Jerusalem locations are the usual ways visitors reach the valley.
Tips for Visiting Gehenna #
- The Valley of Hinnom (Gehenna) skirts the southwest and south sides of Jerusalem's Old City-approach it as part of a walking route from the Dung Gate or from the Yemin Moshe/Armon Hanatziv promenade to get historical context and good viewpoints.
- Many visitors walk past without reading the interpretive panels; take time at the established park viewpoints and archaeological signage to understand the valley's long history and how its landscape relates to the Old City.
Best Time to Visit Gehenna #
Visit Gehenna (the Valley of Hinnom) in spring or autumn to avoid summer heat and winter rains while enjoying comfortable walking conditions.
Weather & Climate near Gehenna #
Gehenna's climate is classified as Hot-Summer Mediterranean - Hot-Summer Mediterranean climate with warm summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 5°C to 29°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (104 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (88 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (71 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 25°C and lows of 14°C. Almost no rain and mostly sunny skies.
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June
June is mild with highs of 27°C and lows of 16°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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July
July is mild with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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August
August is the warmest month with highs of 29°C and lows of 18°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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September
September is mild with highs of 28°C and lows of 17°C. The driest month with just 0 mm and clear sunny skies.
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October
October is mild with highs of 24°C and lows of 15°C. Light rainfall and clear sunny skies.
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November
November is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (79 mm).
