Choose from 50 Fun Things to Do in Israel
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Dominus Flevit
Sitting halfway up the Mount of Olives, Dominus Flevit is a prominent Franciscan church in Jerusalem. The name translates from Latin to “The Lord Wept,” with the structure shaped like a teardrop to symbolize the tears of Jesus. It is said to mark the spot where Jesus looked out onto Jerusalem and wept, knowing the city was bound to be destroyed.
The site went unmarked until the Crusader era, when a small chapel was built that eventually fell into ruin. The present day structure was built in 1955 by Italian architect Antonio Barluzzi, standing upon centuries of history and ruins — including the Byzantine era monastery and an ancient necropolis. Today the church has a panoramic, often-photographed view of Jerusalem. The window at the altar provides an overlook of the city focused on the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.
Practical Info
The church is accessed by a steep walkway from the top or base of the Mount of Olives, southeast of the Lion’s Gate of the Old City of Jerusalem. Visitors are welcomed daily free of charge.
Address: Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 35
Caesarea
About 2,000 years ago, Israel’s beautiful fishing port of Caesarea was a Roman capital, dedicated to Caesar Augustus. Today, it is one of the country’s most popular tourist sites, with archaeological ruins, beautiful beaches and an impressive Roman theater.
Caesarea was built by Herod the Great over 12 years, from 25-13 BC, and was one of the grandest cities in the area with a deep sea harbor, aqueduct, hippodrome and amphitheater, which is still utilized today. The site holds concerts and other performances, while the hippodrome, although still identifiable, is now a banana field. It is smaller than the Circus Maximus in Rome but still held 20,000 spectators for chariot races at one point.
Caesarea’s harbor is an engineering marvel with both an inner and outer area. It was constructed using hydraulic concrete to create breakwaters. Caesarea Aqueduct Beach, on the other hand, is considered one of the best beaches in Israel. As its name suggests, there is an ancient aqueduct marking its edge.
If you are interested in museums, Philanthropist Harry Recanti founded the city’s Ralli Museum, which includes galleries that focus on Latin American and Sephardic Jewish artwork. The city even boasts an underwater museum, where visitors can dive through ancient ruins.
Practical Info
Caesarea is located mid-way between Tel Aviv and Haifa, near the city of Hadera. There is an entry fee to Caesarea National Park, and getting to the area via public transportation can be difficult. Most visitors to Caesarea book organized tours from cities like Jerusalem, as it’s the most efficient transportation method. If you plan to lounge on the beach, take note there is no lifeguard on duty.
Address: Caesarea, Israel
From $ 118
Bethlehem
An ancient city in the West Bank in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Bethlehem is home to many significant religious sites, including the Church of The Nativity in Manger Square, believed by Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus.
The Basics
Many visitors to Bethlehem come to experience the Church of the Nativity and Manger Square, thought to be the place where Jesus was born. The ancient structure and adjoining Franciscan Church of St. Catherine are incredible to walk through. Other sights like Rachel's tomb, the Mosque of Omar, and the Milk Grotto Chapel are fascinating to explore and Bethlehem's Old City is fun to wander through with shops, open markets, and beautiful architecture. Many guided tours include a visit to Bethlehem on their itineraries
Things to Know Before You Go
- Always carry your passport with you while traveling to the West Bank, as you’ll be asked to show it at Israeli checkpoints
- Be aware that you will be crossing borders from Israel into the Occupied Palestinian Territories; you’ll need to plan transportation ahead of time as Israeli taxis do not cross the border
- The Church of the Nativity is a religious site and visitors are expected to dress appropriately with covered arms and legs.
How to Get There
Although Bethlehem is only located only 6 miles (9 kilometers) from Jerusalem, it can be difficult to reach. The No. 21 public bus runs from Lions Gate in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem’s Old City to Bethlehem frequently throughout the day. Visitors can also drive if they reserve a car from a Palestinian rental service (Israeli car companies do not insure cars that go to the West Bank). There are also private shuttles, private taxi services, and guided tours which include trips to Bethlehem.
When to Get There
Bethlehem is a popular destination year round, but many pilgrims and visitors like to visit Bethlehem around Christmas when Manger Square is beautifully strung with lights.
Soloman’s Pools
Soloman’s Pools are legendary reservoirs located in southern Bethlehem on the road to Hebron. The three pools are said to have been built by King Solomon in the 1st or 2nd century to provide water to Jerusalem. In the 17th century a castle called Qal’at al Burak or citadel of the pools was built to protect the pools and today the castle is home to what is possibly the world’s largest collection of Palestinian culture and history.
Address: Israel
Admission: Free
From $ 565
Ein Gedi Nature Reserve
Hemmed in by the rocky peaks of the Judean Desert to the west and the salty shores of the Dead Sea to the east, the Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is the largest and most beautiful oasis in Israel. A popular spot for hikers, it’s also famous for its biblical importance: This is the place where David hid from King Saul around 1000 BC.
The Basics
Ein Gedi has several well-marked hiking trails traversing its wadis, waterfalls, and desert oases, and guided hikes typically take in landmarks like Dodim’s Cave (Lovers’ Cave), Wadi David, Ein Gedi
Springs, and David Waterfall. Most travelers opt to visit on a day trip from Tel Aviv or Jerusalem, often combining a hike at Ein Gedi with a cable-car ride to the mountaintop fortress of Masada and a soak in the Dead Sea.
Things to Know Before You Go
- There is an entrance fee to enter the reserve, and tickets include a map of the park’s hiking trails and attractions.
- Wear comfortable shoes, and bring sunscreen and plenty of water, especially if you plan on hiking; temperatures can reach 100°F (38°C) in the summer months.
- The uneven and often gravelly tracks mean that Ein Gedi is mostly inaccessible to wheelchair users.
- Visitor facilities include restrooms, a kiosk, and a gift shop at the reserve entrance.
How to Get There
The Ein Gedi Nature Reserve is located along Road 90, which runs along the coast of the Dead Sea. To arrive by public transport, take bus 486/487 from Jerusalem or Ein Gedi, or bus 421 from Tel Aviv. The park entrance is at the southeast edge of the park, just off the highway.
When to Get There
An early start is recommended to avoid the midday heat, especially during the summer months (June–August); here is very little shade in the reserve. In winter, the reserve closes early for conservation reasons, so be sure to check the closing times before setting out on an afternoon hike.
Wildlife of Ein Gedi
Covering 6,250 acres (2,529 hectares) and fed by four natural springs—David, Arugot, Shulamit, and Ein Gedi—the park hosts a wealth of tropical flora and native wildlife, with endemic species including Nubian ibex, Syrian hyrax, Afghan fox, and striped hyena, as well as a large population of migratory and resident birds. The reserve is also dotted with archaeological sites, with key attractions including the Chalcolithic Temple of Ein Gedi and a village dating back to the AD first century.
Address: Ein Gedi Reserve, Ezor Yam Hamelah, Israel
From $ 69
Acre
Frequently referred to as 'Akko,' Acre is situated in the Western Galilee region of northern Israel. Populated with beautiful ancient buildings, Old Akko, a subset of Acre, has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and its cultural vibrancy makes it a prime place for visitors. Hosting festivals and markets year-round, the port of Acre is lively and beautiful.
Steeped in history, you can visit the ancient walls and fortresses of the city that tell the complicated story of the area.
Further afield are the Baha'i Gardens, which are meticulously designed and gorgeously preserved. The gardens surround the Bahji mansion northeast of Acre where the Bahaullah is buried (not to be confused with the Bahai gardens on the slope of Mount Carmel in Haifa).
Be sure to visit the astounding Knights' Halls, which are comprised of 6 different joined halls that have been recently excavated from the time of the Knights Hospitallers.
Practical Info
The best way to access Acre is via bus, operated out of any major city in Israel. There are also inner-city buses that run frequently to many of the main destinations and tourist attractions.
Address: Israel
From $ 83
Damascus (Shechem) Gate
Damascus (Shechem) Gate, considered the largest and most beautiful entrance to Jerusalem’s Old City, has served in this capacity since Agrippa ruled during the first century BCE. As it stands today, the gate dates back to 1537. Crusaders referred to it as St. Stephen’s Gate, as it’s located not far from the site of Saint Stephen’s martyrdom.
Flanked by two towers, the gate serves as the main access point to the Old City from East Jerusalem, and once inside, visitors find themselves amid an authentic market in the Muslim Quarter where locals shop for clothing, crafts, spices, baked goods and other food items.
Practical Info
The Damascus Gate is located on the north side of the Old City. The area gets really crowded, so if you’re more than a little claustrophobic, consider entering the Old City through one of the other gates.
Address: Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 325
Armenian Quarter
Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter dates back to the fourth century and remains the oldest Armenian diaspora on earth. Centered around the St. James Monastery, the quarter is ripe with religious, cultural and historical monuments that make it worthy of a visit.
Travelers can explore the Cathedral of St. James and the halls of St. Toros Church—two of the oldest structures in the quarter, or wander the grounds of Alex and Marie Manoogian Seminary—a modern school for those studying holy traditions. The Helen and Edward Mardigian Museum of Armenian Art and Culture highlights the artistic contributions of Armenians and the St. Toros Manuscript Library is home to the second-largest collection of Armenian manuscripts in the world.
Practical Info
The Armenian Quarter is located in the southwestern part of the Old City. Travelers can enter through Zion or Jaffa Gates.
Address: Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 49
Church of St James
One of the most significant sites in Jerusalem’s Armenian Quarter, the walled Church of St James serves as the cathedral of the Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate of Jerusalem. Georgians first built a church on the site — believed to be the location where St. James was beheaded — during the eleventh century. The structure was resorted by Armenians during the twelfth century.
Besides its ties to the martyred disciple, the Church of St James also houses the tomb of another James, the oldest brother of Jesus and the author of the Epistle of James, who was himself martyred in 62 AD.
The church ranks among the most ornate houses of worship anywhere in the holy land, adorned with hanging lamps, gilded icons and colorful woven carpets. The courtyard of the church features a series of interesting carved stone crosses, called khatchkars.
Practical Info
The interior of the Church of St James is only open during services, and modest dress is required.
Address: Armenian Orthodox Patriarchate Rd, Jerusalem, Israel
Hours: Open during services
From $ 73
Chapel of Ascension
This chapel on Jerusalem’s Mount of Olives is a sacred site for both Christians and Muslims. It claims to be the oldest of three churches located on the Mount. Though Jesus is believed to have taken his final steps before ascending to heaven here (there is even a footprint impression on a stone slab that is believed to be from Jesus’s right foot), the site has since been converted to a mosque, after being captured by the Muslim sultan Saladin in the 10th century. It remains under the control of an Islamic group, though all faiths are welcome.
Many believe Jesus’s Assumption, 40 days after his resurrection, had taken place inside a cave. Nonetheless a church was built in this spot in the 4th century. Its exterior is marked by archways and slim marble columns, built in a Romaneque style.
Practical Info
The chapel is located in the At-Tur district of Jerusalem. It is open to visitors daily during daylight hours.
Address: Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 35
Church of the Holy Sepulchre
Set within the Christian Quarter of the old walled city of Jerusalem – which it itself the larger World Heritage Site -- this church is considered by many Christians to be the site of Jesus’ crucifixion, burial and resurrection. A popular stop on the pilgrimage trail since the 4th century, the church itself is now the headquarters of the Greek Orthodox Church.
Commissioned between 325-6 by Emperor Constantine I, and his mother, Saint Helena, the church was built on the former site of a temple dedicated to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and war; initial excavations for this construction, according to Helena, revealed the Holy Sepulchre, or the tomb of Jesus.
During a Muslim uprising in 1009, the church was razed to the ground, an act that provoked Europe to begin the Crusades. It was eventually rebuilt via collaboration between the Muslims and Byzantines, and additions were later made by Crusaders, Franciscan monks, Greek Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic elders. Fire damaged the church’s dome and other features in 1808, and archeological excavations throughout the 1970s revealed that the church’s site had, even before the temple of Aphrodite, been a limestone quarry.
The main features of the church include a stairway that climbs to the Golgotha, or rumored site of Jesus’ crucifixion; a rotunda containing the Holy Sepulchre; and the Greek Orthodox catholicon, the church’s main altar.
Commissioned between 325-6 by Emperor Constantine I, and his mother, Saint Helena, the church was built on the former site of a temple dedicated to Aphrodite, the Greek goddess of love and war; initial excavations for this construction, according to Helena, revealed the Holy Sepulchre, or the tomb of Jesus.
During a Muslim uprising in 1009, the church was razed to the ground, an act that provoked Europe to begin the Crusades. It was eventually rebuilt via collaboration between the Muslims and Byzantines, and additions were later made by Crusaders, Franciscan monks, Greek Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic elders. Fire damaged the church’s dome and other features in 1808, and archeological excavations throughout the 1970s revealed that the church’s site had, even before the temple of Aphrodite, been a limestone quarry.
The main features of the church include a stairway that climbs to the Golgotha, or rumored site of Jesus’ crucifixion; a rotunda containing the Holy Sepulchre; and the Greek Orthodox catholicon, the church’s main altar.
Address: Between Suq Khan e-Zeit and Christian Quarter Rd, Jerusalem, Israel
Hours: Open daily from 5am - 8pm in the summer (April to September) and from 5am - 7pm from October to March.
From $ 32
Church of the Nativity
The oldest continuously operating church in the world, the Church of the Nativity was commissioned in the year 327 by Emperor Constantine I and his mother, Saint Helena, built over the site considered by most Christians to be the birthplace of Jesus. Destroyed by fire and then rebuilt in the 6th century, the church was used until 1131 as the coronation site for European Crusades-era kings, and has since been widely expanded.
The 4,000-foot complex now includes the main basilica, run by the Greek Orthodox Church; the Roman Catholic, Gothic Revival-style Church of St. Catherine; the Grotto, an underground shrine to the birth of Jesus; and a bas-relief sculpture of the Tree of Jesse, a symbol of Jesus’ genealogy, bequeathed to the church by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.
Listed as a Heritage Site in 2012, this is first UNESCO site to be set in Palestine; its nomination sparked fierce opposition from both the United States and Israel. Presently in a state of worrisome disrepair due to ongoing water damage, the church has been placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger and approved by the Palestinian Authority for a multi-million dollar restoration.
In the meantime, the church is open to the public, and visitor information can be found here: http://www.bethlehem.custodia.org/
The 4,000-foot complex now includes the main basilica, run by the Greek Orthodox Church; the Roman Catholic, Gothic Revival-style Church of St. Catherine; the Grotto, an underground shrine to the birth of Jesus; and a bas-relief sculpture of the Tree of Jesse, a symbol of Jesus’ genealogy, bequeathed to the church by Pope Benedict XVI in 2009.
Listed as a Heritage Site in 2012, this is first UNESCO site to be set in Palestine; its nomination sparked fierce opposition from both the United States and Israel. Presently in a state of worrisome disrepair due to ongoing water damage, the church has been placed on the List of World Heritage in Danger and approved by the Palestinian Authority for a multi-million dollar restoration.
In the meantime, the church is open to the public, and visitor information can be found here: http://www.bethlehem.custodia.org/
Address: Israel
Hours: Summer: 6:30am - 7:30pm. Winter: 5:30am - 6pm.
From $ 55
Coral Beach Nature Reserve
The Coral Beach Nature Reserve in Eilat is home to a unique coral reef with more than 100 types of coral and 650 species of fish, making it a popular spot for snorkelers. It is the only coral reef in Israel, and one of the most densely populated in the world.
Running parallel to the beach, the reef is over a kilometer in length and can be accessed right from the beach via a pier. Once underwater, trails are marked by buoys, and spectacular underwater gardens created by unique and colorful coral are immediately revealed. Along the way, snorkelers will spot a variety of fascinating tropical fish, including the parrot fish, butterfly fish, nocturnal fish, and many more besides.
Running parallel to the beach, the reef is over a kilometer in length and can be accessed right from the beach via a pier. Once underwater, trails are marked by buoys, and spectacular underwater gardens created by unique and colorful coral are immediately revealed. Along the way, snorkelers will spot a variety of fascinating tropical fish, including the parrot fish, butterfly fish, nocturnal fish, and many more besides.
Practical Info
Guided snorkeling tours can be booked in advance and are available from 9am until 5pm, April through September. (The reserve closes an hour earlier in the months from October through to March.)
Address: Eliat, Israel
Hours: Apr-Sep 9am - 6pm, Oct-Mar 9am - 5pm
Admission: Adult NIS 35, Child NIS 21
From $ 59
Garden of Gethsemane
In Jesus’ day, the Garden of Gethsemane at the base of the Mount of Olives was an olive grove, and according to some botanists, some of the ancient olive trees still growing in the gardens likely predate Christianity itself. While the word “gethsemane” means “oil press,” the Garden of Gethsemane is much better known for its prominence in New Testament scripture as the site where Jesus was betrayed and arrested after the Last Supper.
In the center of the garden sits the Church of All Nations, a mosaic-covered church built in 1924 by architect Antonio Barluzzi. Within the church sits the Rock of Agony, believed by some to be the place where Jesus wept and prayed for the city of Jerusalem.
Practical Info
The entrance to the garden and church is on a narrow alleyway behind the church, and most visitors access the Garden of Gethsemane by taking the steep path down from the top of the Mount of Olives.
Address: Jericho Rd, Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 35
Church of All Nations
The Church of All Nations is a prominent Roman Catholic church perched on the Mount of Olives in Jerusalem. It is also known as the Basilica of Agony, with its walls golden mosaics depicting the suffering of the world as assumed by Jesus. Tradition has it that Jesus kneeled on a rock here in the Garden on Gethsemane prior to his arrest by the Romans. The slab of rock is now encompassed by a circle of iron thorns.
Historically the site of a Byzantine church, it was converted to a basilica in the 4th century by Crusaders. The present stone structure has domes, walls, and pillars built in Byzantine style although built from 1919 to 1924. Its construction was fueled by donations of Catholic communities from all over the world. Symbols of each nation that donated were built into the glass of the church’s ceiling.
Practical Info
The Church of All Nations is located at the base of the Mount of Olives and is open daily from 8:30 to 11:30 am and 2:30 to 4 pm.
Address: Mount of Olives, Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 35
Dead Sea
The Dead Sea, home to the lowest point in the world at 1,269 feet (383 meters) below sea level, also ranks as one of the world’s saltiest bodies of water. This hyper-salinity that is so unique to the Dead Sea attracts visitors from all over the world to experience the unusual buoyancy, as well as access the nutrient-rich mud on its banks.
The Basics
Many travelers visit the Dead Sea on a day trip from Amman in Jordan, or from Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Herzliya, or Eilat in Israel. A full-day tour to the area makes getting there simple, and offers plenty of time for swimming, sunbathing, and soaking in a therapeutic mud bath. You can also combine a quicker visit to the Dead Sea with other regional highlights, including Masada, Ein Gedi Nature Reserve, Jericho, Jerusalem, or Bethlehem, depending on the option you choose.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Dead Sea is a must-see for any first-time visitor to the region.
- Dead Sea tours can last upwards of 10 hours.
- Pack some water shoes to protect your feed from the rough salt at the bottom of the sea.
- Wear an old bathing suit, as the salty water and mineral-rich mud can discolor fabrics.
- Don’t shave for at least a day or two before your Dead Sea swim, as the salt can sting.
How to Get There
The remote Dead Sea is situated fairly far from any major city, making public transportation a tricky option. There are bus services from Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, but many visitors find it more convenient to join a guided small-group or private tour.
When to Get There
The best times to visit the Dead Sea are during the spring and autumn months, when milder temperatures make it a good time to explore some of the Judean Desert’s other outdoor sights. Expect temperatures over 100°F (38°C) during July and August.
A Dead Sea Skin Routine
The water and mud of the Dead Sea are believed to do wonders for your skin, and there’s a set routine that those in the know follow. Start by getting into the water (fall backward, not forward) for a 10-minute float. Make your way toward shore and give yourself a mud rubdown. Once the mud dries on your skin, get back in the water for another floating session before rinsing off in the showers.
Address: Israel
Admission: Free
From $ 69
Ashdod Cruise Port
Ashdod is Israel’s largest seaport and a popular stop for cruise ships from lines like Azamara, Celebrity, Silversea, and Oceania. Strategically located along the Mediterranean Sea coast, the Ashdod Cruise Terminal is the gateway to Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and the Holy Land.
The Basics
The most popular day trip destination from Ashdod is Jerusalem, 44 miles (71 kilometers) east, which is about a 1-hour drive. Shore excursions typically take in the highlights of the holy city, including the Temple Mount, Western Wall (Wailing Wall), the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Many tours also combine a tour of Jerusalem with nearby Bethlehem, where sacred sites include the Church of the Nativity, the Milk Grotto, and Manger Square; or a visit to the Dead Sea coast to float in the mineral-rich waters. The beachfront metropolis of Tel Aviv is also easy to visit on a half- or full-day tour, located just 30 minutes north of the port. In Ashdod itself, the main attraction is the archaeological site of Givat Yonah (Hill of Jonah).
Things to Know Before You Go
- Shore excursions typically include port pickup and drop-off.
- Modest dress is required to visit many of the holy sites, so be sure to pack accordingly.
- Direct trains run from Ashdod to Tel Aviv, while buses connect the port with Jerusalem.
- Taxis are available from outside the cruise terminal.
How to Get to Ashdod from the Port of Ashdod
Ashdod is located around 3 miles (5 kilometers) from the cruise terminals and walking is prohibited in the port area, so you must take a taxi or catch one of the shuttle buses. The most convenient way to reach Tel Aviv or Jerusalem is to visit as part of a guided shore excursion.
Port Information
The official currency is the new Israeli shekel (NIS). Arabic and Hebrew are the official languages, but English is widely spoken, especially around the main tourist areas. The passenger area at Ashdod cruise terminal has a cafeteria, two duty-free shops, and a currency exchange counter.
Port Information
The passenger at Ashdod port offers a cafeteria, two duty-free
shops and a currency exchange counter. The official currency is the New
Israeli Shekel (NIS), and you’ll find ATMs at Ben Yehuda Pedestrian
Mall. Arabic and Hebrew are the official languages, but English is
widely spoken, especially in the tourist areas.
Address: Ashdod, Israel
From $ 83
Church of St Anne
The stunning white and gray façade of St. Anne’s Church is one of the best-preserved Crusader churches in Jerusalem. It’s also recognized as the site of the birthplace of the Virgin Mary, and the original home of Jesus’s maternal grandparents.
This fortress-like structure was built around 450. Religious pilgrims journey to this destination, which provides quiet respite from the energy of the Muslim Quarter, for prayer and contemplation. The uniquely asymmetrical building offers up incredible acoustics, and visitors who are lucky enough to catch the small local choir performing will find their voices sound like a massive crowd inside the halls of the Church of St Anne.
Practical Info
The church is located north of the Temple Mount, just inside St Stephen’s Gate, near the Pools of Bethesda, where Jesus is said to have healed the sick.
Address: Church of St Anne, Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 80
Christian Quarter
The walled Old City of Jerusalem is divided into four major quarters: the Jewish Quarter, the Muslim Quarter, the Armenian Quarter, and the Christian Quarter. The city’s Christian Quarter contains around 40 religious sites holy to Christianity, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre at its heart. The church is venerated as the site where Jesus was crucified, buried, and resurrected and remains a place of pilgrimage for Christians from all over the world. For many it is regarded as the religion’s holiest site.
Pilgrims often follow the Via Dolorosa, the path Jesus walked to his crucifixion, stopping at shrines and small sites along the way. Many churches, monasteries, schools, and museums are dotted throughout. You’ll also find residences, souvenir shops, cafes, and other pieces of daily life from those presently residing in the area. There is also an iconic, colorful market patched between the stone walls and narrow streets.
Practical Info
The Christian Quarter is situated in the northwest portion of the Old City of Jerusalem, extending from the New Gate past the Jaffa Gate to the Damascus Gate in the east.
Address: Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 32
Al Aqsa Mosque
Within Old Jerusalem’s al-Haram al-Sharif, or the Noble Sanctuary, lies the third holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina. The Al Aqsa Mosque, which translates to “the farthest mosque,” sits beside the Dome of the Rock, and it is believed that Muhammed ascended to heaven from this spot after being transported from Sacred Mosque in Mecca.
Over the centuries the silver-domed mosque has been destroyed in several different earthquakes and subsequently rebuilt. With four minarets, the present day structure is characteristic of early Islamic architecture. The interior contains 121 stained glass windows, its massive dome painted with 14th-century designs. The dome was recovered in lead in 1985 to replace the aluminum cover with its original cover. Though Israel maintains control of the space, it is overseen by the Waqf, a Jordanian and Palestinian authority of the Muslim holy sites in Israel.
Practical Info
The Al Asqa Mosque is located on Temple Mount in Old Jerusalem, next to the Dome of the Rock. The mosque holds daily prayers and Friday service, though at present time Non-Muslims visitors are not permitted to enter the mosque.
Address: Jerusalem, Israel
From $ 32
Dome of the Rock
Built in the seventh century, the Dome of the Rock is one of the most famous Muslim shrines in the world. The iconic gilded wooden dome and ornate octagonal base marks the location where the Prophet Muhammad was believed to have ascended to heaven. Located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City, the shrine is also home to the Foundation Stone and is an important holy site.
The Basics
Visitors to Jerusalem’s Old City can tour the Temple Mount and the outside of the Dome of the Rock outside of Muslim prayer times. Although non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the shrine, they may respectfully admire the mosaics, ancient architecture, and calligraphy that surrounds the shrine. The Dome of the Rock is open to Muslims during prayer times.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The Temple Mount is located within a 35-acre compound known as Al-Haram Al-Sharif, which is controlled by the Islamic Trust.
- The Dome of the Mount is a sacred, religious site, and non-Muslims are not permitted to enter the shrine.
- Guided tours to the Dome of the Rock can help visitors explore the area respectfully
- Visitors are expected to dress respectfully with covered legs and arms.
- There are many steps and hills to get to the area, so relative physical health (and good walking shoes) are important.
How to Get There
The Dome of the Rock is located on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old Town. Many tours include visits to the Temple Mount and can help visitors avoid cultural faux pas.
When to Get There
Visitors are permitted to visit the Temple Mount outside of Muslim prayer times, which change seasonally; be sure to check the schedule in advance.
Al-Aqsa Mosque
Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City is considered to be Islam’s third holiest site. It is located on the Temple Mount inside the 35-acre compound that also houses the Dome of the Rock. The compound is controlled by the Islamic Trust: Non-Muslims are not allowed inside the mosque, but may visit the compound outside of prayer times.
Address: Temple Mount, Jerusalem, Israel
Admission: Varies
From $ 32