In the heart of Jerusalem Al Aqsa is a amazing art Beautiful structure wondering how was made hundreds year back In the heart of Jerusalem old town is a must see
Al-Aqsa Mosque
A common misconception regarding the Dome of the Rock, which is perhaps the image most associated with the Temple Mount, is that it is a mosque.
In fact, it is a shrine whose significance is derived from the Foundation Stone, which lies at its heart. Indeed, the Al-Aqsa Mosque (Al Masjid Al-Aqsa in Arabic), often confused with the Dome of the Rock, is where Muslims worship when they come to the Mount, which is considered the third holiest site to Islam after Mecca and Medina.
The mosque is the second oldest in the world, after the Kaaba in Mecca. Although Muslim tradition dates Al-Aqsa back to Isaac’s son, Jacob, the mosque was first built at its present location by the Ummayad Caliph Abd al-Malik and his son al-Walid, and completed in 705 CE. In the ensuing centuries, the structure was destroyed by earthquakes several times, always to be restored by the ruling caliph.
The mosque’s name, Al-Aqsa, literally means “the farthest,” and is a reference to Muhammad’s “Night Journey” from Mecca. In this context, “farthest” means “farthest from Mecca” and is widely believed to connote Jerusalem, although the Koran does not mention the city by name.
Besides the different usages, another thing that distinguishes the Al-Aqsa Mosque from the Dome of the Rock is its design. As opposed to the Dome of Rock’s Byzantine style, Al-Aqsa Mosque is characteristic of early Islamic architecture. It is 35,000 square meters in size and its larger precincts can contain up to 400,000 worshipers. It has four minarets and a beautiful, tile-covered facade with 14 Romanesque arches. The Al-Aqsa Mosque’s main ablution fountain, known as al-Kas (“the cup”), which is used by worshipers to wash their arms and legs, is located between Al-Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock. It dates back to 709 CE.
The mosque is on the southern end of the Temple Mount, which visitors can access from the Western Wall plaza. Tourists must dress modestly, and women should cover their hair. Shoes are not allowed inside the mosque, but instead are left outside on shelves or carpeting.
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TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 268 traveler reviewsNew
“A Mosque With History”
The Aqsa Mosque, one of the top holiest sites in Islam is built on top of Temple Mount. It is forbidden for non moslems to enter however since I spoke Arabic, I was able to persuade the kind gentleman to let me in and have a look around. Of course, a little monetary donation...
MoreThe Aqsa Mosque, one of the top holiest sites in Islam is built on top of Temple Mount. It is forbidden for non moslems to enter however since I spoke Arabic, I was able to persuade the kind gentleman to let me in and have a look around. Of course, a little monetary donation was requested. I paid him, covered myself up, and got in. Architecturally speaking it was a beautiful structure . Initially built as a small prayer house on top of King Harod's square, it has been rebuilt and expanded several times after being destroyed by several earthquakes. The current structure dates back to the 11th century. During the crusaders, the Mosque was used as a palace. I loved the inside structure with the mosaics and the carvings and the not to be missed ceiling. If you can figure out a way to go in, then by all means go in. I give it my GoldnAdvice seal of approval.
Less“Beautiful historic monument”
“The third most sacred site for Muslims”
the dome of the rock is in the same complex. the al aqsa mosque itself is magnificent and sprawling with gardens and fountains. entry is restricted to muslims so know your prayers if you hope to enter and women need to wear a long skirt and men full trousers. we were very disappointed that...
Morethe dome of the rock is in the same complex. the al aqsa mosque itself is magnificent and sprawling with gardens and fountains. entry is restricted to muslims so know your prayers if you hope to enter and women need to wear a long skirt and men full trousers. we were very disappointed that we were made to shell out a few hundred NIS by a local tout to be able to visit inside. this is not to be done. report this if it happens to you. our guide was amazing but wasnt allowed to enter as he wasnt muslim. however, he found a way for us to get to the all aqsa without going via the western wall and waiting in huge que's.
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