Dome of the Rock – Israel
One of the most recognizable landmarks in the world rises above the skyline of Jerusalem: the magnificent Dome of the Rock. Its brilliant golden dome can be seen from many vantage points across the Old City, making it one of the most enduring symbols of Jerusalem.
The structure stands on a hill known as the Temple Mount, a site that has held deep religious significance for thousands of years. For Muslim, the Dome of the Rock marks the place where the Prophet Muhammad is to have ascended to heaven during the Night Journey. Because of this connection, this side is one of the most sacred locations in Islam.
The building itself dates to the 7th century and was completed around 691. Unlike a traditional mosque, the Dome of the Rock was designed as a shrine built to enclose the sacred rock at its center. Its striking octagonal structure is decorated with intricate tilework.
The golden dome sits above the rock that has long been revered in several religious traditions. In Jewish history, this site is associated with the location of the ancient First and Second Temples of Jerusalem, making it one of the holiest places in Judaism. For Christians, Jerusalem and the events connected to the hill remain central to the story of their faith.
Few places in the work carry such a deep concentration of history, faith and cultural significance. This shining dome had remained one of the most powerful and recognizable features of Jerusalem and it stands as an enduring monument for more than thirteen centuries.
Read More From Nancy
Jukulsarlon Glacier Lagoon – Iceland
As we drove along Iceland’s Ring Road in the southeastern part of the country, we stopped at Jokulsarlon Glacier Lagoon, one of the well-known natural sites in Iceland. This lagoon is filled with floating icebergs that have broken off from an outlet glacier of Vatnajokull. Vatnajokull is the largest glacier in Europe by volume, and it […]
Triple Natural Bridge – Aruba
Along the rugged northern coastline of Aruba, the landscape changes dramatically. The calm, clear waters of the island’s beaches give way to something far more powerful, wind, waves, and rock shaped over time. It is here that we came across what is known as the Triple Natural Bridge. This formation is a series of smaller limestone […]
Sacre-Coeur Cathedral – Paris, France
Rising above the rooftops of Paris from the summit of Montmartre, the domes of Sacre-Coeur dominate the skyline. From almost anywhere in the city, the basilica’s white stone catches the light by day and glows softly at night, anchoring the northern horizon. The church was conceived in the emotional aftermath of France’s defeat in the […]
