Tomb of Absalom
Archaeological Site Ancient monumental rock-cut tomb in Jerusalem
The Tomb of Absalom in Jerusalem’s Kidron Valley is a monumental rock-cut tomb traditionally linked to the biblical figure Absalom. Visitors come for its distinctive stone façade, inscriptions and proximity to Old City sites.
The Tomb of Absalom is a freestanding ancient rock-cut monument and funerary facade in the Kidron Valley, Jerusalem. It dates to the 1st century CE and is traditionally associated with Absalom, son of King David.
The monument was carved into the limestone cliff in the 1st century CE and is thought to mark a tomb or memorial of a wealthy local family rather than the biblical Absalom. Over centuries it acquired the popular attribution to Absalom and has been noted in travel accounts and antiquarian studies since the Ottoman period.
The tomb sits in the Kidron Valley on the eastern slope of Jerusalem’s Old City, immediately below the Mount of Olives and a short walk from the eastern walls of the Old City.
- Access and viewing: Found on a paved path that runs along the Kidron Valley, the site is easily viewed from the valley path and from terraces on the Mount of Olives.
- Also known as Yad Avshalom: The monument is commonly referred to by its Hebrew name Yad Avshalom and is part of a cluster of ancient tombs often visited together.
What to See #
- Kidron Valley cluster: Located on the east side of the Kidron Valley immediately below the Mount of Olives, this cluster includes adjacent rock-cut monuments commonly visited together.
- Tomb of Zechariah: Tomb of Zechariah - a distinct square monument with a conical top standing a short distance northwest of the Absalom monument, carved into the same cliff face.
- Tombs of Benei Hezir: Tombs of Benei Hezir - an ancient rock-cut family tomb with an inscribed facade located nearby in the same cemetery area.
How to Get to Tomb of Absalom #
The Tomb of Absalom sits in the Kidron Valley at the foot of the Mount of Olives, immediately adjacent to the Old City of Jerusalem. From inside the Old City exit via Lion’s Gate and it is about a 5-10 minute walk south along the Kidron Valley to the monument; from Jaffa Gate expect a 15-25 minute walk uphill. It is also easily reached by taxi or by local East Jerusalem buses that stop near the Mount of Olives; most visitors arrive on foot from the Old City.
Tips for Visiting Tomb of Absalom #
- Go early in the morning to avoid tour-group peaks and to catch softer light on the monument's carved façade; the site sits in a functioning cemetery so quieter hours are also more respectful.
- Approach on the Kidron Valley/Mount of Olives side and follow the footpaths that run along the valley - this gives the clearest, least obstructed views and links naturally to nearby highlights like the Tomb of Zechariah, which many visitors miss.
- Be mindful that this is a religious cemetery area: keep noise low, avoid stepping on graves, and check opening times or local restrictions around Jewish holidays.
Best Time to Visit Tomb of Absalom #
Visit the Tomb of Absalom in spring or autumn (March-May, Sept-Nov) for comfortable weather and manageable crowds.
Weather & Climate near Tomb of Absalom #
Tomb of Absalom'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 (105 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 (51 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 (80 mm).
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