Visible from just about anywhere in Jerusalem, the Dome on the Rock is a must see up close. The mosaics are as good as they look and the dome on a sunny day is spectacular. This is a great photo op so make the most of it. Highly recommend.
The Dome of the Rock – Jerusalem
Islam’s third holiest site after Mecca and Medina, the Dome of the Rock is built on top of the Temple Mount in the Old City. At the heart of the sanctuary is the Foundation Stone where, according to Islamic tradition, the prophet Muhammad ascended to Heaven.
The Dome, which was completed in 691-692 A.D., and has since come to define Jerusalem’s skyline, is an excellent example of middle Byzantine art. The man who initiated the construction, Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan, hoped that the building, a shrine for pilgrims rather than a mosque for public worship, would “house the Muslims from cold and heat.” The structure was restored many times throughout the centuries, coated once with gold, then with tiles.
The most recent restoration of the site was carried out in 1998 by Jordan’s King Hussein II, who sold one of his houses in London to help fund the 80 kilograms of gold required to coat the dome. The sanctuary’s lavish interior is decorated with mosaic, marble and inscriptions. One of the reasons why the sanctuary has remained intact through the centuries, withstanding earthquakes that destroyed many nearby structures, is its octagonal shape.
Non-Muslim visitors are not allowed to enter the Dome of the Rock, but can get a close look from the Temple Mount courtyard during regular non-Muslim visiting hours.
As with other holy sites in Jerusalem, visitors to the Temple Mount are asked to dress modestly.
TripAdvisor Reviews
Based on 746 traveler reviews“The most iconic dome in the world!”
“depends on how much time you have”
I felt sad standing outside the dome. It was not appealing. I went inside 22 years ago. At least, there was some excitement at seeing the actual rock. You can see the dome from anywhere in Jerusalem.There are many, many other places I would rather see. It seems that the guides think this is...
MoreI felt sad standing outside the dome. It was not appealing. I went inside 22 years ago. At least, there was some excitement at seeing the actual rock. You can see the dome from anywhere in Jerusalem.There are many, many other places I would rather see. It seems that the guides think this is obligatory. I don't think so.
Less“Just stunning”
This is a special place. Being located next to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, on Temple Mount, there is significant security. But if you can get past that, you will find stunning architecture and a view of Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives that cannot be seen elsewhere. Beautiful.