Temples & religious sites
Dome of the Rock
What it is
The Dome of the Rock is the gold-domed shrine that dominates the skyline of the Old City, built in the 7th century and standing as one of the earliest surviving works of Islamic architecture. It sits on the elevated plaza known as the Temple Mount (Haram al-Sharif), enclosing the rock that is central to Jewish, Christian, and Muslim tradition. Most visitors come to see the exterior — the tiled facade, the octagonal structure, and the dome itself — rather than to enter, as access inside is generally restricted to Muslim worshippers.
Getting there
From central Jerusalem (Jaffa Road / the New City), it's about a 15-20 minute walk into the Old City and up to the Temple Mount entrances, most of which are reached via the Western Wall plaza area. The light rail also connects the city centre to stops near Damascus Gate or Jaffa Gate, cutting the walk down further. Once inside the Old City, the route to the Mount involves stairs and narrow lanes, so allow extra time if walking with limited mobility.
Time to allow
Seeing the Dome of the Rock and the surrounding plaza typically takes 30-45 minutes, longer if you linger to take in the other structures on the Mount or the views over the Old City.
When to go
Mornings tend to be calmer before tour groups arrive later in the day. The site can close to non-Muslim visitors during prayer times and religious holidays, so it's worth checking locally on the day rather than assuming access. Modest dress is expected for everyone entering the plaza.
Combine it with
Because it sits within the same complex, a visit naturally overlaps with the wider Temple Mount and the area historically referred to as Moriah, just 0.1km away. The Western Wall, 0.2km below the plaza, is the obvious next stop and offers a different vantage point on the same hill.
Updated September 8, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors
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