As a producer and provider of production services in Israel, I am always on the lookout for that one ultimate shoot that captures the breathtaking beauty of Jerusalem. No crew leaves Israel without filming in Jerusalem, and through all the years that I have been providing professional production services in Israel, no crew has left untouched by the city’s history, monumental architecture and eternal spirit.
I have compiled a list of locations across the city of Jerusalem, which offers you the best panoramic shots. I regard this list as unfinished – even after many years of producing and filming in Israel, there will always be a new spot with a good angle that offers great light and a stunning view.
Kibbutz Ramat Rachel
At this Kibbutz you can find a lookout point with wonderful views of the city, stretching all the way to Bethlehem, the Herodian, and the Judean hills. When you reach the Kibbutz you make first a left and then a right. From the parking lot you continue to a small amphitheater, and at the edge you will find this enchanting hidden lookout.
The Haaz Promenade
This promenade is located in the Talpiot neighborhood, just ten minutes from the town center. It offers a great lookout point over the old city of Jerusalem, the Hinnom Valley, and the ruins of the City of David. The promenade is also known as Tayelet, and in fact there are three different promenades to discover. Film crews travel here often to catch a good shot in the afternoon sunlight.
The Y.M.C.A.
In the town center on King David street, across from the famous King David Hotel, you find the Y.M.C.A. hostel which offers a remarkable balcony with wonderful views of the old city, the new city and the Mount of Olives. When filming in Israel, film crews often look for symbols of the three religions and this is definitely a location to visit.
The Jerusalem Municipality Building
The building is located right in the center of town in Jaffa Street. If you take the elevator to the sixth floor you will find a wonderful panoramic balcony looking out to the east and the west of the city.
Mount Scopus
On your way to Mount Scopus, every point on the road around the Hebrew University provides you with a view of the old city and the Judean Desert. The lookouts also offer an almost birds eye view of the old city. This is the highest and closest point from where you can observe the old city: 830 meters above sea level.
Mount of Olives
Some say that the view at the Mount of Olives is the most beautiful in the world. The lookout terrace is on top of the mountain under the Seven Arches Hotel and above the large Jewish cemetery. During sunset and sunrise the city is painted in different shades of red, yellow, pink and orange and the Dome of the Rock sends rays of color all over the city. Shooting at the Mount of Olives when filming in Israel helps you to understand where the phrase ‘Jerusalem of Gold’ comes from. It is an unforgettable experience for thousands of filmmakers who travel to the Holy Land every year for filming in Israel.
The Tower of David
The Tower of David is located next to Jaffa Gate, the busiest and most well-known gate of the old city. The top balcony of the Tower of David provides a stunning 360° view of the old city and the new city. Filming at the Tower of David is a great location for film crews coming from overseas for filming in Israel.
As mentioned above, this list is unfinished. Filming in Israel, and especially filming in Jerusalem, is a journey that takes you to surprisingly beautiful locations even after years. For anyone interested in further information about filming in Israel, I recommend our website http://www.biblicalproductions.com/index.htm with a comprehensive location guide to the best filming locations in Israel.