Mount Herzl Plaza
Plaza National cemetery and memorial plaza in Jerusalem
A public plaza on Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl national cemetery, visited for state memorials, military graves and ceremonial events; it sits near civic monuments and viewpoints over the city.
Mount Herzl Plaza is the paved forecourt and assembly area associated with Mount Herzl, Israel’s national cemetery and memorial site in Jerusalem. It functions as the public entrance and ceremonial space for official commemorations.
The plaza is used for state ceremonies, memorial services and for visitors assembling before entering the cemetery and adjacent memorial sites. It provides open space for organized events and access routes to the national cemetery and other memorial installations on Mount Herzl.
The plaza was developed as part of the broader Mount Herzl complex, which was established in the mid 20th century as Israel’s national cemetery and site for state remembrance. It has since been the locus for official national ceremonies, including Memorial Day and state commemorations.
Situated on the western slope of Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl, the plaza adjoins the national cemetery and lies within the Jerusalem municipal area, immediately accessible from main roads and public transport serving the Mount Herzl complex.
- Ceremonial role: Serves as the formal forecourt for national remembrance ceremonies and state events held on Mount Herzl.
How to Get to Mount Herzl Plaza #
Mount Herzl (Har Herzl) is served directly by the Jerusalem Light Rail (Red Line) - disembark at the Mount Herzl/Har Herzl stop and walk about 5 minutes to the plaza. The site is also served by multiple Egged bus routes that stop in the Har Herzl area. By car it is reached via Har Herzl Road on the western side of Jerusalem with nearby parking; from central Jerusalem it is a short drive.
Tips for Visiting Mount Herzl Plaza #
- Aim for weekday mornings to see Mount Herzl Plaza quietly and to get unobstructed views across the city-national memorial ceremonies (especially around Yom Hazikaron/Yom Ha'atzmaut) draw large crowds and should be avoided if you want a peaceful visit.
- Use the main visitor‑centre entrance on the Mount Herzl approach (near the Herzl Boulevard/bus stops) to pick up maps and audio‑guide information; the entrance organizes access to the ceremonial plaza and the cemetery sections.
- Check the national-ceremony calendar before you go and, if you want context, allow time to follow the marked pathways that lead through the military cemetery and the adjacent memorial installations-many casual visitors stick only to the plaza and miss the explanatory panels and overlooks.
Best Time to Visit Mount Herzl Plaza #
Visit in spring or autumn for milder weather; expect very large crowds during national memorial and independence-day ceremonies (dates vary).
Weather & Climate near Mount Herzl Plaza #
Mount Herzl Plaza'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 28°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (110 mm).
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February
February is cold with highs of 12°C and lows of 5°C. Regular rainfall (92 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
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March
March is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 7°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).
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April
April is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 10°C. Light rainfall.
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May
May is mild with highs of 24°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 28°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 28°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 27°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 14°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 (55 mm) and mostly sunny skies.
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December
December is cold with highs of 13°C and lows of 6°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm).
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