The Valley of the Cross, at the foot of the national park of David's City, was covered in recent weeks with a red bloom of thousands of anemones. A short walk from the Dung Gate and the Western Wall, in the channel of the Kidron Valley between David's City and the Mount of Olives, lies the Valley of the Cross. Ancient olive trees, the walls of the Old City rising in the background, and the distant sounds of bells create a magical and breathtaking atmosphere.
The ancient Kidron Valley channel, once full of water, forms the eastern border of the narrow jurisdiction of David's City and preserves within it many discoveries and chapters of history from the distant and recent past. In the northern part of the valley, near the Mount of Olives Cemetery, lie burial caves and ancient stone tombs, including the Tomb of Avshalom, the Tomb of Benei Hezir, and the Tomb of Zechariah. During a visit to the valley, you can also be impressed by the massive and ornate stone tombs from the Second Temple period, known as the Tomb of Avshalom, the Tomb of Zechariah, and the Tomb of Benei Hezir. These three magnificent monuments were carved into the rock of the mountain over two thousand years ago and were dubbed the "Petrified of Jerusalem".
The red anemones, which are currently covering the hillsides, serve as a wonderful backdrop not only for a flower hike or a picnic. You can combine a visit to the blooming valley with a tour of the City of David National Park and the Western Wall, which are a short walk away.
Among the flowers that fill the valley every spring: Cyclamen persicum, Anemone coronaria, Muscari comosum, Iris hermona, Buttercup, Wild Tulip, Gladiolus italicus, Israeli Peony, and various anemones and marigolds.
Directions: Parking is available on the sides of the road near the Mount of Olives Information Center, via Road 52 from Jerusalem to Jericho.