- Address: Temple Mount
- Hours: Currently open only to Muslims, 8:30am - 3pm daily. Closed to tourists during midday prayers
- Admission: Combined admission ticket for Al-Aqsa Mosque, Dome of the Rock, and Islamic Museum: NIS 38
Dome of the Rock
As both the oldest and most famous Islamic shrine in the world, the Dome of the Rock is one of the most sought pilgrimage destinations in the world. Constructed on top of the site of the Second Jewish Temple around 690 CE, its historical and religious value is unprecedented.
The exterior detail of the dome is in the shape of a Byzantine martyrium, built for the purpose of housing holy relics. It is also jacketed in over 100,000 melted Dinar gold coins, covering the entire done and making it a gem of middle Byzantine art.
The Dome of the Rock’s famous wooden dome has a diameter of about 60 feet (20 meters) and is mounted on a drum consisting of 16 piers and columns circularly placed beneath. The entire shrine has a 66.27 ft (20.20 m) diameter by 67.19 ft (20.48 m) in width.
Practical Info
Access to the Dome of the Rock can be a bit tricky, as particular entrance points are guarded and do not allow stragglers in and out. Also, hours for visitation is limited between Muslim prayer services, holidays, and religious tension, so be sure to check a head of time. There is also a problem with tourists not being able to see the interior of the complex, access being restricted only to Muslims, so the closest one may get to it is via the Temple Mount.
Tours & Tickets
2-Day Best of Israel Tour: Old Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Masada & the Dead Sea
Indulge both body and soul on the 2-Day Best of Israel Tour. After an action-packed day exploring the ancient biblical cities of Jerusalem and Bethlehem, ... Read more
Location:
Jerusalem, Israel
Duration: 2 days (approx.)
Jerusalem Half Day Tour: Dome of the Rock and Western Wall
Get inspired by Jerusalem and combine ancient history with spiritual sanctity in this half-day tour. Discover the quarters of the Old City by exploring Holy ... Read more
Location:
Jerusalem, Israel
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
