🕌 Dome of the Rock
Palestine
About This Sacred Site
The Dome of the Rock, with its gleaming golden dome, is one of the most iconic structures in the world and one of the oldest surviving works of Islamic architecture. Built by Umayyad Caliph Abd al-Malik ibn Marwan in 691 CE, it enshrines the Foundation Stone, from which Muslims believe Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven during the Night Journey, and which Jews regard as the place where Abraham prepared to sacrifice Isaac and where the Holy of Holies of the Jewish Temple stood. The octagonal structure features stunning mosaics, marble, and Quranic inscriptions. The golden dome, originally lead-covered, was replaced with gold-colored aluminum in 1965 and later with actual gold leaf donated by King Hussein of Jordan in 1993.
Key Facts
- •Completed in 691 CE, it is one of the oldest surviving Islamic structures
- •The golden dome was covered with 80 kg of gold leaf donated by King Hussein in 1993
- •The Foundation Stone is sacred to both Islam and Judaism
- •The interior mosaics are among the finest examples of early Islamic art
- •The octagonal design influenced Islamic architecture throughout the world
Location
Coordinates: 31.7781, 35.2354
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