Exploring the Kidron Valley: Ancient Tombs and Biblical Prophecy
- Sagi Haim Levy
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
The Kidron Valley (also known as the Valley of Jehoshaphat) is much more than just a geographical divide between the Old City walls and the Mount of Olives. It is a 32-kilometer-long wadi that stretches all the way to the Dead Sea, serving for millennia as Jerusalem’s most prestigious burial ground. Walking through this valley feels like navigating a bridge between the physical and the spiritual worlds. From the monumental rock-hewn tombs to the echoes of ancient prophets, the Kidron Valley is the ultimate destination for history lovers and seekers of biblical truth.
Visitor Info - Kidron Valley
Opening Hours: The valley itself is an open public space and is accessible 24/7. However, if you wish to enter the City of David nearby or visit the churches on the slopes of the Mount of Olives, those typically operate Sunday–Thursday: 08:00 – 17:00 and Friday: 08:00 – 14:00.
Tickets: Walking the valley and viewing the monumental tombs is Free.
Top Tip: Access the valley by descending the stairs from the Mount of Olives Information Center or by walking down from the Dung Gate. Wear sturdy walking shoes, as the terrain is rugged. If visiting in the summer, aim for early morning, the valley traps heat and offers very little shade.
5 Places of Interest in the Kidron Valley
1. Absalom’s Pillar (Yad Avshalom)
This is the most iconic structure in the valley. Standing 47 feet tall, this monumental tomb features a rock-hewn lower cube decorated with Ionic columns and a distinct conical roof. Although named after King David’s rebellious son, archeologists date the structure to the 1st century CE long after Absalom lived.
What to look for: Look at the small entrance high up on the structure. For centuries, passersby would throw stones at the monument to show their disdain for Absalom’s rebellion against his father.
2. The Tomb of Benei Hezir
Located just south of Absalom’s Pillar, this is the oldest of the four monumental tombs in the valley (dating to the 2nd century BCE). It features a beautiful porch with two Doric columns carved directly out of the bedrock.
Significance: A Hebrew inscription above the columns identifies this as the burial site of the "Benei Hezir", a prominent priestly family mentioned in the Bible (1 Chronicles 24:15).
3. The Tomb of Zechariah
Unlike the other structures, the Tomb of Zechariah is not a building you can enter; it is a solid monolithic monument carved entirely out of the mountain. It features a pyramid-shaped roof, which in ancient Hebrew is called a Nefesh (a monument for the soul).
Highlight: Because it is a solid block of stone, it has survived nearly perfectly for 2,000 years. It is a masterpiece of ancient Jewish craftsmanship.
4. The Gihon Spring & City of David Connection
The Kidron Valley was the primary water source for ancient Jerusalem. The Gihon Spring, located on the valley’s western slope, was the reason King David chose this site for his capital. From the valley floor, you can see the massive fortifications of the City of David towering above you.
Pro Tip: You can combine a walk through the Kidron Valley with a visit to the Hezekiah’s Tunnel, which starts at the Gihon Spring and ends at the Pool of Siloam.
5. The Garden of Gethsemane
Located at the foot of the Mount of Olives where it meets the Kidron Valley, this is the site where the New Testament records Jesus praying on the night of his arrest. The ancient olive trees here are among the oldest in the world.
The Prophecy: Tradition holds that the Messiah will enter Jerusalem via the Golden Gate (Mercy Gate) directly across from the Kidron Valley, which is why so many people throughout history sought to be buried here.
5 Did You Know? Facts About the Kidron Valley
The Valley of Judgment: The name "Jehoshaphat" literally means "Yahweh shall judge." Many Jews, Christians, and Muslims believe this valley will be the site of the Final Judgment.
A Path of Kings: King David fled through this very valley during the rebellion of his son, and King Hezekiah used the valley to dispose of pagan idols during his religious reforms.
The Scapegoat Tradition: During the Second Temple period, a bridge spanned the Kidron Valley. On Yom Kippur, the "scapegoat" was led across this bridge toward the wilderness to carry away the sins of the people.
A Massive Restoration: Israel is currently leading a billion-shekel project to restore the Kidron stream, diverting sewage into a 1.3 km tunnel to protect the natural environment and the ancient Mar Saba Monastery.
Dusky Origins: The name "Kidron" likely comes from the Hebrew root qadar, meaning "dark" or "dusky," referring to the dark shadows of the deep canyon or the color of the water during winter floods.
Book Your Biblical Journey
The Kidron Valley is a place where you can touch the stones of the Second Temple period and stand in the shadows of the prophets. Because the valley is so dense with archeology and religious layers, it is easy to miss the most important details without an expert to guide you.
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Beyond the valley’s stone lies a prophecy waiting to be decoded. Beyond a tour, this is an excavation of history and spirit, bridging the monumental tombs of the biblical kings with your own personal discovery in the profound silence of the Kidron Valley
Join travelers who have uncovered the hidden levels of Jerusalem with a private Sagi Levy Tours. Let’s move beneath the cobblestones to experience the pulse of history.
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