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Dome of the Rock
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- Name
- Dome of the Rock
- Continent
- MIDDLE-EAST
- Alt Name:
- -
- Country:
- Israel
- Period:
- Umayyad Caliphate
- Sub-Region:
- -
- Date:
- 600AD - 699AD
- City/Town:
- Jerusalem
- Figure:
- -
- Resorts:
- Jerusalem,
- Related:
- Temple Mount,
about Dome of the Rock
The Dome of the Rock, known in Arabic as Qubbat as-Sakhrah, in Jerusalem is one of the world’s most famous holy sites. Not only is its iconic golden dome an integral part of the Jerusalem landscape, but the Dome of the Rock and its location are of great significance to Muslims and Jews.
The building of the Dome of Rock is considered the oldest existing Islamic structure, having been completed in 691 during the Umayyad Dynasty. The site chosen for its construction is believed by Muslims to have been that of the Prophet Muhammad's ascent to heaven. Despite being open for prayers, the Dome of the Rock is not a mosque but rather a shrine.
The name “Dome of the Rock” alludes to a further reason for its religious significance and is derived from what lays within its walls .The dome houses what Jews believe is the Foundation Stone, the site where Abraham (Ibrahim) was to sacrifice his son Isaac. The stone has a piercing which leads into a cave which also houses two shrines. Moreover the rock has two imprints, one of which is said to belong to the Prophet and the other to the angel Gabriel.
In the 16th century Suleiman the Magnificent amongst his various architectural renovations added to the blue and green marble the texts and patterns which are on the walls of the Dome of the Rock today. The interior of the dome, which is only accessible to Muslims, is said to be equally lavish.
The Dome of the Rock is a UNESCO World Heritage site, part of the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls.
Just as empires rise and fall so do entry fees and opening hours! While we work as hard as we can to ensure the information provided here about Dome of the Rock is as accurate as possible, the changing nature of certain elements mean we can't absolutely guarantee that these details won't become a thing of the past. If you know of any information on this page that needs updating you can add a comment above or now.
contact details
Address: Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, Israel
Phone: Contact local tourist office
useful information
Directions:
The Dome of the Rock is located on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem and is accessible through the southern gate of the Western Wall (Bab al-Magharaba gate).
Ticket Information:
Currently open only to Muslims. Open Sunday-Thursday, 7:30am -10am and 12:30pm- 1:30pm (times subject to change). Closed during Islamic holidays. For those who are permitted, access to the Dome begins just before dawn to allow worshipers entrance before morning prayers (fajr) and closed after the nightly prayer (issha'a) All those entering the Temple Mount are required to be dressed modestly and for women headscarves are mandatory.
Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dome_of_the_Rock
http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/148
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