Things to Do at Dome of the Rock

Complete Guide to Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem

About Dome of the Rock

The gold catches you from a kilometer away. Eight-sided, clad in Ottoman-era ceramic tiles of cobalt and turquoise, crowned by a dome covered in 80 kg of gold leaf that blazes against the Jerusalem sky like a second sun - the Dome of the Rock is the most visually striking religious building in the Middle East. It sits on the Temple Mount (Haram al-Sharif), sacred to both Islam and Judaism, built by Caliph Abd al-Malik in 691 AD over the Foundation Stone where Muslims believe Muhammad ascended to heaven and Jews believe Abraham nearly sacrificed Isaac. Non-Muslims cannot enter the building. Let that be clear upfront: you can walk the Temple Mount compound, photograph the exterior from every angle, and visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque exterior, but the Dome of the Rock interior is closed to non-Muslims. Visiting hours for non-Muslims on the Temple Mount are restricted: Sunday to Thursday, 7:30-10:30 AM and 12:30-1:30 PM (winter hours may differ). These times change without notice - check with your hotel the morning of your visit. What most people miss: the geometric perfection of the building. The octagonal structure is built on precise mathematical proportions - the dome diameter equals the building's height, and the octagon's geometry references both Islamic and Byzantine design traditions. The ceramic tile work is Ottoman-era (Suleiman the Magnificent, 16th century) and the calligraphy band circling the exterior is the longest Quranic inscription in the world. Best time is immediately when gates open at 7:30 AM. Allow one hour for the compound. Only a local would know: the olive trees on the Temple Mount platform are some of the oldest in Jerusalem, and the stone platform itself (35 acres) is a peaceful contrast to the Old City chaos below. Worth it? Even from outside, the Dome of the Rock is one of the world's great buildings. Manage your expectations on access and go.

What to See & Do

The Golden Dome

80 kg of gold leaf covers the dome, donated by King Hussein of Jordan in 1998. The dome diameter equals the building's height - mathematical perfection from 691 AD. Photograph from the east for the best light. At sunrise, the gold catches fire against the blue sky. The building's proportions make it one of the most photographed structures in the world

Exterior Tile Work and Calligraphy

Ottoman-era ceramic tiles from Suleiman the Magnificent's 16th-century restoration cover the exterior walls - cobalt, turquoise, and white geometric patterns above a marble base. The calligraphy band circling the building is the longest Quranic inscription in the world. The detail rewards close study from the elevated walkways around the platform

Foundation Stone Significance

The stone beneath the dome (visible only to Muslim visitors) is sacred to three faiths: Muslims believe Muhammad ascended to heaven from it, Jews believe Abraham bound Isaac here and the Ark of the Covenant stood above it. The stone protrudes from the bedrock and has a small cave beneath. Understanding its significance transforms the exterior view

Temple Mount Platform Views

The 35-acre raised platform is a world of its own: ancient olive trees, fountains for ritual washing, stone arches (mawazin for Judgment Day), and views across the Old City. Non-Muslims walk freely during visiting hours but cannot enter mosques or pray. The platform is surprisingly peaceful compared to the streets below

Al-Aqsa Mosque Exterior

Islam's third-holiest mosque sits at the southern end of the platform. The silver-leaded dome contrasts with the Dome of the Rock's gold. Non-Muslims cannot enter. The exterior arcade and southern wall are historically significant - Crusaders used it as a palace and stables. The mosque accommodates 5,000 worshippers during Friday prayers

Practical Information

Opening Hours

Generally Sunday-Thursday 7:30-11:30 AM and 1:30-2:30 PM, but hours change frequently and access can be restricted during religious holidays or tensions. Always check current status before visiting

Tickets & Pricing

Access to the Temple Mount is free, but you'll need to go through security screening. Entry is typically only allowed through the Mughrabi Gate near the Western Wall for non-Muslims

Best Time to Visit

Early morning tends to be less crowded and the lighting is beautiful. Avoid Fridays and religious holidays when access is often restricted

Suggested Duration

Plan for 1-2 hours if you can access the interior, or about 45 minutes if you're only viewing the exterior and walking the Temple Mount

Getting There

Access the Temple Mount through the Mughrabi Gate, a wooden bridge ascending from the Western Wall plaza (the only entrance for non-Muslims). Enter the Old City through the Dung Gate (closest) and clear security at the Western Wall plaza first. Non-Muslim visiting hours: Sunday to Thursday, 7:30-10:30 AM and 12:30-1:30 PM. Hours change during Ramadan, Jewish holidays, and security situations - confirm the morning of your visit. No religious items (books, prayer shawls) are allowed. Modest dress required.

Things to Do Nearby

Western Wall
Just steps away at the base of the Temple Mount - this is Judaism's holiest prayer site and you'll often see people placing written prayers between the ancient stones

Church of the Holy Sepulchre
About a 10-minute walk through the Old City, this is where many Christians believe Jesus was crucified and buried - the atmosphere inside is quite intense

Via Dolorosa
The traditional route Jesus walked to his crucifixion winds right through this area - you'll likely encounter pilgrims following the Stations of the Cross

Tower of David Museum
Near Jaffa Gate, this gives you excellent context for Jerusalem's layered history and offers some of the best views over the Old City

Jewish Quarter
A fascinating area to wander with archaeological sites, synagogues, and that particular Jerusalem stone architecture that makes the whole Old City glow

Tips & Advice

Visiting hours for non-Muslims change frequently - confirm at your hotel the morning of your visit. The gates close without warning during security events, Ramadan, and Jewish holidays. Arrive at 7:15 AM for the 7:30 AM opening

You cannot enter the Dome of the Rock or Al-Aqsa Mosque as a non-Muslim. Manage expectations: the visit is the compound and exterior views. The building is spectacular from outside and the platform itself is an experience worth having

No religious items are allowed on the Temple Mount for non-Muslim visitors. Leave prayer books, prayer shawls, and visible religious symbols at the hotel. Security will confiscate them at the entrance checkpoint

Photograph the Dome from the east in the morning for the best light on the gold dome and tile work. The elevated area north of the dome gives a wider perspective. The Mount of Olives across the valley offers the classic aerial view of the entire platform