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Dome of the Rock
The jewel in the Temple Mount crown is the gold-plated Dome of the Rock, the enduring symbol of the city and undoubtedly one of the most photographed buildings on earth. As its name suggests, the dome covers the slab of stone sacred to both the Muslim and Jewish faiths. It was here that Abraham prepared to sacrifice his son and from which, according to Islamic tradition, the Prophet Mohammed launched himself heavenward to take his place alongside Allah.
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Haram ash-Sharif/Temple Mount
A walk up to the Haram ash-Sharif/Temple Mount is a time-honoured privilege sanctified by the thousands of pilgrims who have trod before you. An open plaza of cypress trees and ancient paving stones, the architecture that exists today dates back to the first Muslim conquest, around 1400 years ago, including the unmistakable Dome of the Rock. But the history of the Mount goes back much further, with the first Jewish Temple having been placed here a thousand years before Christ.
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Herod's Gate
It was just 100m east of this gate that the Crusaders breached the city walls on 15 July 1099. The name was derived from a mistaken belief held by 16th- and 17th- century pilgrims that a nearby building was at one time the palace of Herod Antipas. In Hebrew the gate is Sha'ar HaPerahim and in Arabic, Bab as-Zahra (Flower Gate).
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Tower of David Museum
The Jaffa Gate area is dominated by the Crusader Citadel, which includes Herod's Tower and the Tower of David minaret. It's occupied by the highly worthwhile Tower of David Museum, which tells the entire history of Jerusalem in a concise and easily digestible format. Revolving art exhibits in the halls and gardens add an especially pleasant angle. There are also good views of the city from the highest ramparts.
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Western Wall
The builders of the Western Wall could never have fathomed that one day their modest creation would become the most important religious shrine for the Jewish people. Indeed, when it was built some 2000 years ago it was merely a retaining wall supporting the outer portion of the Temple Mount, upon which stood the Second Temple. (The Second Temple was constructed around 520 BC.)
Showing 1-5 of 5 results
