Dome of the Rock
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.
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