In the centre of the Dome of the bare rock where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son, surrounded by the beautiful, octagonally shaped building. Its walls are covered with beautiful painted tiles inscribed with verses of the Quran in the extraordinary Arabic calligraphy. The interior was renovated in the 16. Century by the Ottoman sultan Suleiman the Magnificent who brought in Armenian expertise to paint the tiles which we can still see today in all its splendour.

Background Information

The spot where the Dome of the Rock is situated is, according to both Jewish and Muslim tradition, the place where Abraham nearly sacrificed his son Isaac in the book of Genesis and is in Judaism called The Temple Mount. The present building with its golden dome, is a Muslim shrine which was built in year 688 to 691 in memory of the prophet Muhammad's night visit to Jerusalem on his horse Buraq (the Quran, sura 17). The shrine and Temple Mount plaza is the third holiest site in Islam and is visited by a large number of pilgrims every year.

Travelujah Tips

The Temple Mount is under the administration of the Muslim Wakf Trust. Non-Muslim visitors are requested to show respect for the Muslim traditions and non-Muslim prayer is forbidden in any area. Both women and men are requested to dress modestly with covered legs, arms and shoulders while on the plaza.

Nearby Places of Interest

The Western Wall, The Old City's Jewish, Muslim and Armenian Quarters, Damascus Gate, Dung Gate

Hours of Operation and cost

Sat.-Thu. 8.30-15.00, Closed during midday prayers and on Fridays and Muslim holidays.

Cost: 38 Shekels per person.

Useful Links

http://www.sacred-destinations.com/israel/jerusalem-dome-of-the-rock.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dome_of_the_Rock

http://www.bibleplaces.com/domeofrock.htm