Notable Structures

Dome of the Rock

The Dome of the Rock is one of the most iconic and revered structures on the Temple Mount, completed in 691 CE under the patronage of Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik. It is built over the Foundation Stone, a site of immense religious significance in Judaism, Islam, and Christianity. The structure features a distinctive golden dome, intricate tilework, and a richly decorated interior. The inscriptions within emphasize Islamic theological themes, including the finality of Muhammad’s prophethood. While it is not a mosque, it serves as a place of worship and pilgrimage, particularly in connection with the Islamic belief in the Prophet Muhammad’s Night Journey (Isra and Mi’raj). Over the centuries, various Muslim rulers, including the Abbasids, Fatimids, Ayyubids, and Ottomans, contributed to its restoration and embellishment. Today, it remains one of the oldest surviving Islamic monuments, a masterpiece of early Islamic architecture, and a powerful symbol of Jerusalem's religious and political history.

Western Wall

The Western Wall, also known as the Kotel, is the most significant remnant of the Second Temple complex, dating back to the expansion of the Temple Mount under Herod the Great in the late first century BCE. The massive limestone blocks that compose the wall are a testament to Herodian engineering and have remained a focal point of Jewish prayer for centuries. Following the destruction of the Second Temple by the Romans in 70 CE, the wall became a place of mourning and devotion, symbolizing Jewish resilience and longing for Jerusalem. Over the centuries, access to the wall has fluctuated under different rulers, with Jews often facing restrictions. Since 1967, the site has been under Israeli control and functions as an open-air synagogue where thousands of worshippers gather for prayers, religious ceremonies, and national events. The plaza in front of the wall was expanded to accommodate large gatherings, making it a major religious and national site.

al-Aqsa Mosque

The al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the holiest sites in Islam, believed to be the location referenced in the Quran as the "farthest mosque" (al-Masjid al-Aqsa) in connection with the Islamic prophet Muhammad's Night Journey. The current structure, situated on the southern end of the Temple Mount, dates back to the Umayyad period in the early 8th century, though it has undergone numerous restorations and renovations due to earthquakes and historical conflicts. The mosque has a distinctive silver dome and an expansive prayer hall capable of accommodating thousands of worshippers. Over the centuries, it was modified and embellished by various Islamic dynasties, including the Abbasids, Fatimids, Ayyubids, Mamluks, and Ottomans. During the Crusader period, it was temporarily repurposed as a palace and church. Today, Al-Aqsa remains a central religious, political, and cultural symbol in Jerusalem, playing a key role in the region’s ongoing religious and geopolitical dynamics.

Solomon's Stables

The Solomon's Stables is a large subterranean structure located beneath the southeastern section of the Temple Mount. Despite its traditional name, the structure does not date to the time of King Solomon; rather, it is believed to have been constructed during the Herodian expansion of the Temple Mount in the first century BCE. The vast underground halls, supported by dozens of stone pillars and vaulted ceilings, were originally built to reinforce the expanded platform above. During the Crusader period, the space was repurposed as a storage area for horses, leading to its modern name. In the late 20th century, the structure was converted into the Marwani Prayer Hall by the Islamic Waqf, sparking controversy due to concerns over archaeological preservation. The site remains significant for its engineering ingenuity and its historical role in supporting the massive platform of the Temple Mount.

Golden Gate

The Golden Gate, also known as Bab al-Rahma (Gate of Mercy), is one of the oldest and most enigmatic gateways to the Temple Mount. Dating back to the Byzantine or early Islamic period, the gate is sealed and has remained closed for centuries. In Jewish tradition, it is associated with the arrival of the Messiah, who is believed to enter Jerusalem through this gate. In Islamic tradition, it is linked to the Day of Judgment, when the righteous will pass through it. Historically, the gate was sealed by the Ottomans in the 16th century, possibly to prevent any messianic claimants from using it. It has remained a focal point of religious and political significance, with occasional calls to reopen it. In recent years, the area around the gate has been used as a prayer space, further underscoring its ongoing religious and cultural importance.

Western Wall Plaza

The Western Wall Plaza is the large open space in front of the Western Wall, created after the Six-Day War in 1967 when Israeli forces captured the Old City. Prior to this, the area was a dense neighborhood known as the Moroccan Quarter, which was demolished to provide greater access to the wall. Today, the plaza serves as a central gathering space for prayer, national ceremonies, and public events. It is divided into sections to accommodate different religious practices, with separate areas for men and women in accordance with Orthodox Jewish tradition. The plaza is also a focal point for major Jewish events such as Bar Mitzvahs, Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) celebrations, and the priestly blessing during Jewish festivals. In addition to its religious role, the site remains a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year.

Sources

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