Plizio Visual Lab
Mount Scopus
Mount Scopus, rising to an elevation of 826 meters above sea level, is a prominent mountain located in northeast Jerusalem. Its Hebrew name, Har HaTzofim, reflects its strategic position as a vantage point overlooking both the Old City of Jerusalem and the vast Judaean Desert stretching toward the Dead Sea. The mountain gained significant historical importance when the Hebrew University of Jerusalem was established here in 1925, becoming a center for Jewish intellectual life and scientific research. Following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, Mount Scopus remained an Israeli exclave within Jordanian-controlled territory, protected by the United Nations, until the 1967 Six-Day War. Today, the area is home to the expansive Mount Scopus campus of the Hebrew University and the Hadassah Hospital, which serve as vital educational and medical institutions for the entire region. The mountain's ridge also features the British Military Cemetery, where thousands of soldiers from the First World War are buried, highlighting its role in global history. Its unique geography and institutional presence make it one of the most culturally and politically significant sites in the Jerusalem landscape.
- Location: Israel
- Top sights: Tomb of Simeon the Just · Ammunition Hill Memorial · The Nicanor Tomb
- Nearby: Modi'in (27 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 23 | 18 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 88 | 62 | 37 | 21 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 46 | 83 |
📋 Practical info
Geography
Facts
- The Hebrew University of Jerusalem was officially opened on Mount Scopus in 1925.
- The mountain reaches a peak elevation of 826 meters above sea level.
- Mount Scopus was an Israeli exclave surrounded by Jordan from 1948 to 1967.
- The Jerusalem British War Cemetery on the mountain holds 2,515 burials.
- The Hadassah Medical Center on Mount Scopus was established in 1939.
- The name Har HaTzofim means Mount of the Sentinels or Watchers in Hebrew.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Mount Scopus (14)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Why is it called Mount Scopus?
What is located on Mount Scopus?
Can you see the Old City from there?
Can you also see in the other direction?
Is the place safe for tourists?
Mount Scopus: where is it located?
Mount Scopus: what is there to see?
Mount Scopus: when is the best time to visit?
Mount Scopus: why is it worth visiting?
Nearby cities
History & landmarks
More places
