Mount Zion

The location of Mount Zion has been changed and has shifted many times throughout history. Mount Zion is a location in Jerusalem that was a Jebusite fortress known as “the stronghold of Zion.” This location was overtaken by King David and renamed The City Of David. It was the site where King David built his palace.

There are two hills that extend from Old Jerusalem, and during an archaeological dig done by Yigal Shiloh on the east hill, the remains of a building were found that are thought to be “fortress Zion.” Thus, this is believed to be the original location of Mount Zion.

Over time, the location of Mount Zion shifted several times, as evidenced throughout the Bible. At some time after King Solomon’s Temple was built, Mount Zion became the name used for the Temple Mount. This shift occurs in several Old Testament books including Psalms, Isaiah, and 1 Maccabees.

After the destruction of the Second Temple, the location known as Mount Zion moved once again. It moved to the west hill south of Old City Jerusalem, as this was considered a more appropriate site for the palace of King David.

Currently, Mount Zion is considered to be just outside the Old City on the southern end. The current site known as Mount Zion is home to King David’s Tomb, The Room of the Last Supper, Dormition Abbey, and The Chamber Of The Holocaust. One can travel the famous Pope’s Way to get to Mount Zion, as pictured above.