A sacred crossroad between Abrahamic faiths, the Dome of the Rock stands as a testament to shared heritage and spiritual reverence, echoing the stories and traditions of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam.
Ready to explore the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem? This stunning structure isn’t just an architectural marvel; it’s a profound symbol of faith and history for three of the world’s major religions: Judaism, Christanity, and Islam. Imagine a golden dome reflecting centuries of devotion and a sanctuary that transcends time and faith.
The site is open to non-Muslims Sunday-Thursday 7:30-11:00 AM and 1:30-2:30 PM. Hours are subject to change. Non-Muslims are permitted inside the compound but may not enter the Dome of the Rock itself.
Modest attire is required for both women and men; shoulders and knees must be covered, and women should cover their heads. All visitors are asked to remove their shoes.
Early morning or late afternoon, especially in spring and fall for the most pleasant weather.
A place of deep spiritual connection for Jews, where prayers are offered at the last remnant of the retaining wall that surrounded the Temple Mount.
Believed to be the site of Jesus Christ’s crucifixion, burial, and resurrection, this church is a focal point for Christian pilgrims.
The third holiest site in Islam, located just steps away from the Dome, offering a serene space for reflection and prayer.
During the Crusades, the Dome was converted into a Christian church called Templum Domini.
The Foundation Stone is believed to be where Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac.
The Dome marks where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Night Journey
The Dome’s octagonal base and mosaics reflect significant Byzantine architectural and artistic influence, and is the oldest surviving example of Islamic architecture.
The Dome stands on the site of the First and Second Jewish Temples.
Though primarily Islamic, the Dome has historically been accessible to people of other faiths.
The Dome of the Rock is revered as the site of the Prophet Muhammad's miraculous Night Journey (al-Isra and Laylat al-Miraj). According to Islamic tradition, Muhammad was transported from Mecca to Jerusalem and then ascended to the heavens from this very rock. It is said that he met with prophets such as Moses and Jesus and received instructions on the number of daily prayers. This event, deeply embedded in Islamic faith, marks the Dome of the Rock as the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. 
In Jewish tradition, the Foundation Stone within the Dome of the Rock is of paramount importance. It is the place where Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son Isaac, a moment that tested his faith and obedience to God. This event, described in the Book of Genesis, is one of the most significant in the Hebrew Bible, symbolizing the covenant between God and the Jewish people. The stone is also believed to be the spot where the world was created, making it the holiest site in Judaism.
Early Christian pilgrims believed the site of the Dome of the Rock to be the location of Solomon’s Temple, a structure deeply rooted in the Old Testament and central to Jewish worship. This connection to the Biblical history of the Temple Mount made the site a significant pilgrimage destination for Christians. The belief that Jesus visited the Temple during his time in Jerusalem further solidified its importance within Christian tradition, linking the sacred narratives of the New Testament to this ancient location.
Beneath the Dome of the Rock, the Well of Souls (Bir al-Arwah) is a site of rich spiritual lore that transcends centuries. Located within the Foundation Stone, the cave has long been a place of reverence and mystery for multiple faiths. During the Crusades, Christian forces identified the cave as the "Holy of Holies," believing it to be the inner sanctum of Solomon’s Temple. To them, this space was sacred not only for its Jewish roots but also as the place where John the Baptist’s birth was foretold. They modified the site, enlarging the cave’s entrance and incorporating it into their religious practices.
Islamic tradition imbues the cave with legends of the afterlife, where it is said that the souls of the departed await Judgment Day. Though not a mainstream belief in Sunni Islam, the Well of Souls is revered for the spiritual weight and mysticism it holds. Some accounts describe the echoing of voices within the cave, believed to be those of souls gathering beneath the sacred Foundation Stone, which Muslims also believe is central to the creation of the world.
The Well of Souls serves as a powerful symbol of how Jerusalem’s sacred spaces have been interpreted and reinterpreted across time, embodying the intertwined religious histories of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. This cave, both humble and profound, continues to captivate believers and visitors alike, making it a unique cornerstone in the spiritual landscape of the Dome of the Rock.
The Dome of the Rock is not just a religious symbol but also a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture. The structure’s design reflects a blend of Byzantine and Islamic artistic traditions, symbolizing the cultural exchanges of the time. The octagonal shape, lavish mosaics, and the golden dome are inspired by Byzantine churches, showcasing the sophistication of Islamic art and architecture in the 7th century. This fusion of styles is a visual representation of the Dome’s role as a crossroads of different cultures and faiths.
The Dome of the Rock, constructed in the late 7th century, holds profound significance in Islamic tradition. Central to its sacred importance is the Foundation Stone, where it is believed the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Night Journey (al-Isra and Laylat al-Miraj). According to tradition, this stone bears the imprints of the Prophet Muhammad’s feet and the handprint of the Archangel Gabriel, marking their physical connection to this divine event.
The Dome of the Rock stands as a testament to Islamic architectural achievement while also embodying the intertwined religious history of Jerusalem, making it a place of reflection and reverence for people of all three Abrahamic faiths.
Solomon’s Temple (First Temple) is constructed on Mount Moriah by King Solomon, according to Jewish tradition. This temple became the central place of worship for the Jewish people, housing the Ark of the Covenant. Mount Moriah is chosen for its historical and religious significance as the location where Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son, Isaac, demonstrating profound obedience and faith.
The First Temple is destroyed by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar II during the conquest of Jerusalem. The Jewish people are exiled to Babylon, marking a significant period of displacement and religious reflection.
The First Temple is destroyed by the Babylonians under King Nebuchadnezzar II during the conquest of Jerusalem. The Jewish people are exiled to Babylon, marking a significant period of displacement and religious reflection.
The Second Temple is completed on the same site after the return of the Jewish exiles from Babylon, led by figures like Zerubbabel. This temple serves as the religious center for the Jewish people until its destruction.
The Roman Empire, under Emperor Titus, destroys the Second Temple during the Siege of Jerusalem. This event marks a turning point in Jewish history, leading to the widespread Jewish diaspora and the Temple Mount being left largely desolate.
The Roman Empire, under Emperor Titus, destroys the Second Temple during the Siege of Jerusalem. This event marks a turning point in Jewish history, leading to the widespread Jewish diaspora and the Temple Mount being left largely desolate.
The Roman Emperor Constantine I, who converted to Christianity, recognizes the significance of Jerusalem and its sites. A small Christian church is built near the Temple Mount, commemorating locations associated with the life of Jesus Christ. This period marks the beginning of Christian pilgrimages to the site, which is believed to be close to where significant events in Jesus’s life occurred.
The Sasanian Empire, with the support of Jewish forces, captures Jerusalem. This leads to a brief period where the Jewish and Christian control over Jerusalem is contested. During this time, the existing Christian structures, including those near the Temple Mount, are damaged, reflecting the turbulent period before the Islamic conquest.
The Sasanian Empire, with the support of Jewish forces, captures Jerusalem. This leads to a brief period where the Jewish and Christian control over Jerusalem is contested. During this time, the existing Christian structures, including those near the Temple Mount, are damaged, reflecting the turbulent period before the Islamic conquest.
Before the construction of the Dome of the Rock, the Christian community in Jerusalem used the area near the Temple Mount for religious activities. The site, though not housing a major church at this point, remains a significant place for Christians due to its proximity to where the Temple once stood and its connections to the narratives of Jesus’s life.
In 638 CE, the Muslim armies, led by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, peacefully entered Jerusalem after negotiations with the Christian Byzantine rulers. Caliph Umar ensured the protection of Christian and Jewish holy sites, demonstrating respect for the city’s religious diversity. His leadership also allowed Jews, previously banned by the Byzantines, to return to Jerusalem. This event laid the foundation for the eventual construction of the Dome of the Rock on the revered Temple Mount.
In 638 CE, the Muslim armies, led by Caliph Umar ibn al-Khattab, peacefully entered Jerusalem after negotiations with the Christian Byzantine rulers. Caliph Umar ensured the protection of Christian and Jewish holy sites, demonstrating respect for the city’s religious diversity. His leadership also allowed Jews, previously banned by the Byzantines, to return to Jerusalem. This event laid the foundation for the eventual construction of the Dome of the Rock on the revered Temple Mount.
The construction of the Dome of the Rock is completed under the Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan in Jerusalem. The structure is built on the Temple Mount, a site sacred to Jews, Christians, and Muslims. The Dome is cast out of lead, and intricate mosaics reflect the early Islamic architectural style and symbolize the Islamic presence in the city.
During the First Crusade, Jerusalem is captured by Christian forces, and the Dome of the Rock is converted into a church, known as the Templum Domini (Temple of the Lord). The Crusaders add Christian symbols and elements to the structure.
During the First Crusade, Jerusalem is captured by Christian forces, and the Dome of the Rock is converted into a church, known as the Templum Domini (Temple of the Lord). The Crusaders add Christian symbols and elements to the structure.
Saladin, the Muslim leader, recaptures Jerusalem from the Crusaders. The Dome of the Rock is restored as an Islamic shrine, and the Christian additions are removed. Saladin’s restoration marks the return of Islamic control over the site.
Under the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the Dome undergoes significant restoration. The exterior tiles are replaced, and the golden dome is refurbished. These renovations reinforce the Dome’s importance in the Islamic world.
Under the Ottoman Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent, the Dome undergoes significant restoration. The exterior tiles are replaced, and the golden dome is refurbished. These renovations reinforce the Dome’s importance in the Islamic world.
After British forces captured Jerusalem from the Ottomans during World War I, the British collaborated with the Supreme Muslim Council to restore the Dome of the Rock and al-Aqsa Mosque. This restoration effort stabilized the structures and revived the mosaics and stained glass, preserving the sanctity and beauty of these iconic religious sites during a pivotal time of transition for Jerusalem.
A major earthquake strikes Jerusalem, causing significant damage to the Dome of the Rock.
A major earthquake strikes Jerusalem, causing significant damage to the Dome of the Rock.
After the Six-Day War, Israel gains control over East Jerusalem, including the Temple Mount. However, the Islamic Waqf retains administrative authority over the Dome of the Rock. The site becomes a focal point of increased religious and political tensions.
UNESCO designated the Old City of Jerusalem, including the Dome of the Rock, as a World Heritage Site. This recognition highlighted the global cultural and historical significance of the Dome and the surrounding sacred sites, ensuring international efforts to protect and preserve them for future generations.
UNESCO designated the Old City of Jerusalem, including the Dome of the Rock, as a World Heritage Site. This recognition highlighted the global cultural and historical significance of the Dome and the surrounding sacred sites, ensuring international efforts to protect and preserve them for future generations.
The Dome of the Rock was covered in 24-karat gold after King Hussein of Jordan sold his England home and raised $8.2 million for the restoration. Workers replaced modern materials with traditional mahogany and lead.
The Second Intifada (meaning rebellion or uprising), a period of intensified Israeli-Palestinian conflict, begins after Ariel Sharon’s visit to the Temple Mount. Access to the Dome of the Rock becomes restricted, and tensions over the site escalate.
The Second Intifada (meaning rebellion or uprising), a period of intensified Israeli-Palestinian conflict, begins after Ariel Sharon’s visit to the Temple Mount. Access to the Dome of the Rock becomes restricted, and tensions over the site escalate.
The Dome of the Rock remains a site of deep religious significance and a symbol of the intertwined history of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. It continues to be a place of pilgrimage, prayer, and reflection for millions around the world.
The history of the Dome of the Rock begins long before its construction in the 7th century. The site, located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, has been a focal point for religious activity and conflict for millennia.
The Temple Mount is believed to be the location where the First Temple, built by King Solomon in the 10th century BCE, stood. This temple housed the Ark of the Covenant and served as the central place of worship for the Jewish people. The First Temple, also known as Solomon’s Temple, was the focal point of Jewish religious life and rituals, including the offering of sacrifices. It was considered the dwelling place of God on Earth, making it the most sacred site in Judaism. The temple is also traditionally believed to be located on Mount Moriah, where Abraham was prepared to sacrifice his son, Isaac. This site remained central to Jewish identity until the temple’s destruction by the Babylonians in 586 BCE, an event that marked the beginning of the Jewish exile to Babylon.
After the return from Babylonian exile, the Jewish people rebuilt the temple on the same sacred site, completing the Second Temple around 516 BCE. This Second Temple became the heart of Jewish worship and a symbol of Jewish resilience and faith. It stood for nearly 600 years, enduring through various periods of foreign rule, including Persian, Greek, and Roman control. However, in 70 CE, during the First Jewish-Roman War, the Romans, led by Emperor Titus, besieged Jerusalem and destroyed the Second Temple, effectively ending the central temple worship in Jewish practice. The destruction of the Second Temple was a catastrophic event in Jewish history, leading to a widespread diaspora and deepening the significance of the Temple Mount in Jewish memory and longing for restoration.
After the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans, the Temple Mount area saw significant changes. During his restructuring of Jerusalem, Emperor Hadrian may have built a Roman temple to Jupiter on the ruins, symbolizing the dominance of Roman polytheism. During the Byzantine period, the focus shifted towards Christian worship, particularly at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, leaving the Temple Mount largely neglected. This era marked a transition from a Jewish to a Christian emphasis in Jerusalem, setting the stage for later Islamic developments.
In Christian tradition, the Temple Mount holds deep significance due to its proximity to key events in the life of Jesus Christ. After the destruction of the Second Temple, the area became associated with Christian worship, especially during the Byzantine period. Emperor Constantine I recognized Jerusalem’s importance to Christianity in the 4th century CE and established churches near the Temple Mount, initiating Christian pilgrimages to the city. Although the Dome of the Rock itself is not a Christian site, its location on the Temple Mount ties it closely to Christian history, as it is near where Jesus is believed to have preached and performed miracles.
The Dome of the Rock was constructed between 685 and 691 CE under the Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik. It is one of the earliest and most iconic examples of Islamic architecture. The site is revered in Islam as the location of the Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey (al-Isra and Laylat al-Miraj), during which he is believed to have ascended to heaven from the rock at the center of the structure. The Dome of the Rock is considered the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina, and its golden dome has become a symbol of the Islamic faith worldwide.
In 1099 CE, during the First Crusade, Jerusalem was captured by Christian forces, and the Dome of the Rock was repurposed as a Christian church, known as the Templum Domini. The Crusaders, seeing the Dome’s architectural beauty and its location on the Temple Mount, believed it to be a fitting monument to Christianity. They added Christian symbols and inscriptions to the building, reinterpreting the site’s significance to align with Christian theology. This period saw the Dome of the Rock become a focal point of Christian worship in Jerusalem until the city was recaptured by Saladin in 1187 CE, who restored it as an Islamic shrine.
The Ottoman Empire, under Sultan Suleiman the Magnificent in the 16th century, undertook extensive renovations of the Dome of the Rock, ensuring its preservation and enhancing its beauty. Suleiman replaced the exterior tiles with vibrant Iznik tiles from Turkey and restored the dome, which had suffered damage over the centuries. This period of restoration was not only about preserving the structure but also about reinforcing Islamic identity in Jerusalem at a time when the Ottoman Empire was at its peak. These renovations have largely defined the appearance of the Dome of the Rock as it is known today.
During the British Mandate of Palestine (1920-1948), the Dome of the Rock underwent further restoration efforts. The British authorities, along with Muslim leaders, collaborated on the restoration project, which included reinforcing the dome and repairing the mosaics. However, this period was also marked by growing tensions between Jewish, Christian, and Muslim communities over access to and control of the Temple Mount, foreshadowing the conflicts that would intensify after the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.
In 1993, King Hussein of Jordan funded a major renovation of the Dome of the Rock, which included replacing the dome’s covering with a new gold-plated covering. This act of dedication underscored the ongoing significance of the Dome of the Rock within the Islamic world, while also highlighting the importance of preserving this sacred site within Jerusalem. The Dome’s golden dome, now visible from many parts of the city, has become a powerful symbol of Islamic faith and identity, reflecting the deep historical and spiritual ties to the Temple Mount. King Hussein’s efforts were not only about enhancing the Dome’s beauty but also about maintaining the integrity of a site that holds profound meaning for multiple faith traditions.
While the Dome of the Rock stands as a symbol of faith for Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, its long history has been marked by both reverence and tension. The religious significance of the Dome, much like Jerusalem as a whole, is layered with deep devotion and spiritual reverence, but it is also a place that has seen centuries of conflict and tension. Despite these challenges, the Dome of the Rock remains a place of beauty and spiritual reflection.
Recent years have seen heightened tensions, particularly in relation to the broader Israel-Palestine conflict, with the site becoming a flashpoint for political and religious disputes.
As a symbol of divine glory, the Dome reflects the historical interactions between different dynasties and cultures. Its architectural magnificence attests to these cross-cultural influences, blending elements from the Byzantine, Islamic, and even Crusader periods. This complex history underscores the Dome’s importance not just as a religious symbol but also as an enduring monument to the intertwined spiritual heritage and intricate relationships between the Abrahamic faiths.
Many religious leaders and organizations continue to advocate for its role as a place of reflection, peace, and dialogue. As an architectural monument, the Dome of the Rock speaks to centuries of cross-cultural interaction, symbolizing not only the complexity of its history but also the enduring hope for reconciliation and mutual respect. Its presence on the Temple Mount is a reminder of the possibility of shared understanding in the midst of ongoing conflict.
