Temple Mount

Temple Mount, a walled section of the Old City of Jerusalem, is a site of tremendous religious significance to Jews, Muslims and Christians.

The area, which is one of Jerusalem's most famous landmarks, is believed to be the site of the holy rock where Abraham offered his son Isaac for sacrifice. It is also reputedly the site where Solomon erected the First Temple to house the Ark of the Covenant, which had been brought to Jerusalem by his father David, and also the area from where Mohammed ascended to heaven.

Temple Mount (Har Habayit in Hebrew, Al Haram ash-Sharif in Arabic), also called Mount Moriah, is a natural hill, which was built up artificially to support the huge Jewish Temple that stood here for a thousand years in Biblical times.

Temple Mount has remained the focus of the Jewish religion ever since - when praying, Jews worldwide still face Temple Mount. It was from a black rock within the complex, that, according to the Koran, Muhammad made his ascension to Heaven at the conclusion of his dreamt ‘Night Ride' from Mecca, and, according to the Bible, it was here that Abraham offered Isaac for sacrifice.

With the arrival of Islam in the seventh century, the octagonal, blue-tiled Dome of the Rock, with its huge gold dome, was built over the large black rock. Dominating the skyline of the Old City, its dome glinting in the sunshine, this beautiful building is Jerusalem's most famous landmark and an absolute must for visitors.

Also on Temple Mount is the Al Aqsa Mosque, the oldest mosque in Israel and (unlike the Dome of the Rock) an actual place of Muslim worship. Its silver dome dates from the 11th century. The Islamic Museum, the third building within the complex, contains Islamic artefacts and relics.

Only one of the 10 gates to the complex, Al-Mughradia (Moors) gate, allows entry for non-worshippers. This is located to the right of the Western Wall and is accessed from Western Wall Plaza.