Jerusalem Attractions
Dome of the Rock © emeryjl
Temple Mount (Al-Haram al-Sharif)
Temple Mount, known by some as Mount Moriah, is a site of
tremendous religious importance to Muslims, Jews and Christians
alike. It is one of Jerusalem's most famous landmarks and can be
found within the walled section of the Old City. The glinting
golden dome of the
Dome of the Rock rises impressively from
Jerusalem's skyline and has become the city's most distinguishable
feature. Temple Mount is of Jewish and Christian historical
importance on two accounts: the large rock is believed to be the
place where Abraham offered his son Isaac up for sacrifice, and the
First Temple is the place where the Ark of the Covenant was housed.
Even though off limits to Jews today, it is still the focal point
of Jewish life and Jews worldwide face the Temple Mount during
prayer. For Muslims the same rock is the place from which Muhammad,
in a dream, ascended to heaven. In commemoration the
Dome of the
Rock was built over the site in the 7th century. It is known to
Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary or Al-Haram al-Sharif, and is one of
the three most important sites in Islam. Also located on the Temple
Mount are the Al Aqsa Mosque and the Islamic Museum, which houses a
collection of Korans and Islamic relics.
Address: Temple Mount, Old City;
Website: www.templemount.org;
Telephone: (02) 628 3393;
Transport: Bus to the Dung Gate;
Opening time: The site is temporarily closed to non-Muslims due to religious tensions. Otherwise Saturday to Thursday 7.30 to 11am and 1.30pm to 3pm (summer; 8am to 10.30am and 12.20pm to 2pm (winter) ; closed Fridays and prayer times;
Admission: IS36 (Dome of the Rock, Al Aqsa Mosque and Islamic Museum); Temple Mount free
