The Judean Mountains, also known as the Judaean Hills, are a significant mountain range located in Israel and the West Bank. This range extends from the region around Ramallah in the north to the Be’er Sheva Valley in the south. It forms a natural divide between the coastal lowlands of the Shfela to the west and the arid Judean Desert and the Jordan Rift Valley to the east.
Geographically, the Judean Mountains are characterized by high peaks that reach up to about 1,000 meters (3,280 feet). The terrain is composed primarily of hard limestone and dolomite, which have shaped the rugged landscape of steep slopes and valleys. This area was historically the heartland of the ancient Kingdom of Judah and includes several important biblical cities, such as Jerusalem, Bethlehem, and Hebron.
Jerusalem, which is situated within the Judean Mountains, lies approximately 60 kilometers (37 miles) east of Tel Aviv and the Mediterranean Sea, and about 35 kilometers (22 miles) west of the Dead Sea. The region is not only of great historical and religious significance but also of ecological and cultural importance, featuring a mix of natural beauty, archaeological sites, and modern urban development.
The Judean Mountains also play a vital role in the region’s wine production, with a history of viticulture dating back thousands of years. Today, this area is known for its high-quality boutique wineries, benefiting from the unique Mediterranean microclimate and the region’s elevation.
In terms of its broader geography, the Judean Mountains are part of the central highlands of Israel, which include several other significant ranges and hills, each contributing to the diverse topography of the region.
