Solomon's Stables
The Temple Mount has a long and complex history, spanning thousands of years and multiple civilizations, each leaving its mark on the site.
Solomon’s Stables is an underground structure located beneath the southeastern corner of the Temple Mount in Jerusalem. Despite its traditional name, there is no historical or archaeological evidence linking it directly to King Solomon (reigned circa 970–931 BCE). The name originates from medieval Crusader traditions, as they believed the vast underground halls were once used to house the horses of King Solomon. The structure consists of a series of vaulted halls supported by massive stone pillars, showcasing a sophisticated architectural style that dates back to the Herodian period (circa 37 BCE–70 CE).
The stables were historically part of the Temple Mount’s substructure, built to support the vast esplanade above. During Herod the Great’s reign, significant expansions were made to the Temple Mount, involving the construction of massive retaining walls and underground vaulted spaces. The structure was likely designed to create a level platform for the Second Temple, allowing for an expanded area of worship. The walls and pillars are composed of large ashlar stones, characteristic of Herodian masonry, and are arranged in a series of parallel vaults that extend over an area of approximately 5,000 square meters.
Golden Gate of the Temple Mount (left). al-Aqsa Mosque (right).
Located beneath Al-Aqsa Mosque, the structure lies within the southeastern section of the Temple Mount, near the Golden Gate. This part of the mount has undergone multiple modifications throughout history, including during the Byzantine, Umayyad, Crusader, Mamluk, and Ottoman periods. The underground halls were largely inaccessible to the public for centuries, serving various purposes under different ruling powers. During the Crusader period (circa 1099–1187 CE), the structure was repurposed as a stable for the Knights Templar, who believed the Temple Mount to be the location of the biblical Temple of Solomon. They modified the space, adding rings and tie points for their horses, reinforcing the name “Solomon’s Stables”.
The architecture of Solomon’s Stables is characterized by its massive stone pillars and high vaulted ceilings, which provide strong structural support for the Temple Mount platform above. The design reflects Herodian engineering techniques, including the use of barrel vaults, a common feature in Roman and Hellenistic architecture. The ashlar masonry blocks used in construction are similar to those found in other Second Temple period structures, reinforcing the idea that the substructure was part of Herod’s ambitious expansion.
The interior consists of a series of large vaulted chambers, supported by a grid of thick stone columns. These vaults were designed to bear the weight of the Temple Mount’s upper plaza while maximizing open space. Over the centuries, the chambers have been repurposed, with various modifications made by subsequent rulers. The Crusaders installed fixtures for horses, while later Islamic rulers used the space for storage and other functional purposes. The flooring and walls retain many original Herodian elements, but sections have been altered by later renovations.
In 1996, the Waqf (Islamic religious authority) converted Solomon’s Stables into the Marwani Prayer Hall, an extension of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. This transformation involved significant renovations, including the installation of modern flooring and lighting. The move sparked controversy due to concerns over excavation activities and the potential impact on the archaeological remains of the Temple Mount. Despite the historical debates, the hall remains an active place of worship, accommodating thousands of worshippers, particularly during Ramadan and Friday prayers.
Solomon’s Stables represents an enduring architectural and historical legacy, reflecting the diverse cultural influences that have shaped the Temple Mount over the centuries. While its exact origins remain debated, its association with Herodian construction and later Islamic modifications highlights the evolving religious and political significance of the site. The structure continues to be a subject of archaeological interest, religious devotion, and geopolitical tension, standing as a testament to Jerusalem’s layered and contested history.
