Al-Aqsa Mosque

Al-Aqsa Mosque which includes heritage architecture, a ruin and wild flowers
Part of the sacred Temple Mount site, this lead-domed structure is a fully functioning mosque. It is among the holiest sites in the Islamic world.

A long-venerated place of worship for Muslims, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the important religious structures located on the Temple Mount. The site is known in Arabic as Haram esh-Sharif (the Noble Sanctuary). View the rectangular, Islamic-influenced design of the building and learn about its long and fascinating history.

The mosque was built in the early 8th century and was subsequently destroyed and rebuilt after a series of earthquakes. Following the Crusaders’ conquest in A.D. 1099, the mosque was temporarily used as a headquarters for the Knights of Templar. In 1951, King Abdullah of Jordan was assassinated here. To find out more details about the history of the site, consider joining a guided tour of the Temple Mount.

Discover why the site of the mosque is so important to followers of Islam. The mosque’s Arabic name translates as “the farthest mosque.” The name references a chapter of the Quran known as “The Night Journey,” which describes Muhammad’s travels from Mecca to “the farthest mosque,” and ultimately to paradise.

Look for the mosque’s large dome, identifiable by its dark lead coating. Inside, the mosque features more than 100 stained-glass windows, a carved mihrab (prayer niche) and a ceiling decorated with Islamic and Byzantine designs.

Listen for the call to prayer, which you will hear coming from loudspeakers mounted on the mosque’s minarets five times a day. During prayer times, up to 5,000 worshippers enter to perform their daily prayer rituals.

Non-Muslims should enter Temple Mount through the Mughrabi Gate near the Western Wall in Jerusalem’s Old City. Dress modestly to ensure access to the site. Visitors may be required to show their passports. Non-Muslim visitors may not be allowed to enter the mosque, though anyone can view the mosque from outside.

Mount Temple is open to visitors for several hours a day, from Monday through Thursday. The site closes to the public during key religious holidays.

Reviews of Al-Aqsa Mosque

4
Top destination
5 - Excellent
21
" "5 - Excellent 42.857142857142854%
4 - Good
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" "4 - Good 30.612244897959183%
3 - Okay
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" "3 - Okay 16.3265306122449%
2 - Disappointing
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1 - Terrible
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" "1 - Terrible 10.204081632653061%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveller
11 Nov 2019

Interesting to see but non Muslims are not allowed in

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
3 Sep 2019

Make sure that you are well covered if you are a woman. If not Muslim you need to go very early in the morning to avoid long queues.

3/5 - Okay

MartinCurley
24 May 2019

If you are not a Muslim you will not be allowed in, so don't go there thinking that you may.

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Sacred spiritual journey to Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem

Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in the Jerusalem District, is a historical and monumental site that showcases the rich culture and heritage of the region. The mosque is surrounded by captivating landmarks such as cathedrals, churches, temples, and museums, offering visitors a diverse range of attractions to explore. Additionally, the area is known for its vibrant shopping scene and ancient ruins, providing a glimpse into the past. While planning your trip, it may be helpful to consider the current situation in the region, such as the Palestine riots and the Arab revolt, as well as other nearby destinations like Cairo on Saturday or the Sinai Peninsula in Egypt.

Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in the Jerusalem District, offers a range of exciting areas and neighborhoods for tourists to explore.

  • Muslim Quarter: This area is rich in history and features numerous historical monuments, cathedrals, churches, temples, museums, and cultural experiences. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours, shopping for unique souvenirs, and exploring ancient ruins. The Muslim Quarter is located just 0.38 km away from Al-Aqsa Mosque.
  • Jewish Quarter: With its historical significance, the Jewish Quarter offers a similar range of attractions as the Muslim Quarter. Visitors can explore historical monuments, cathedrals, churches, temples, museums, and cultural sites. The area also provides opportunities for tours, shopping, and discovering ancient ruins. The Jewish Quarter is located just 0.35 km away from Al-Aqsa Mosque.
  • Old City: The Old City is a must-visit destination, featuring a wealth of historical landmarks, religious sites, and cultural experiences. Visitors can immerse themselves in the rich history of the city through its monuments, cathedrals, churches, temples, museums, and cultural tours. Shopping for unique souvenirs and exploring ancient ruins are also popular activities. The Old City is located just 0.4 km away from Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is a must-visit destination in Jerusalem, offering a rich cultural and historical experience.

  • Western Wall: Explore this historic fort point of interest located just 0.14 km away from Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Western Wall is a mesmerizing site filled with monuments, cathedrals, churches, temples, museums, and ruins.
  • Dome of the Rock: Marvel at this stunning shrine situated 0.19 km away from Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Dome of the Rock is known for its historical significance and features beautiful monuments, cathedrals, churches, temples, museums, and ruins.
  • Western Wall Tunnel: Discover the hidden treasures of this shrine located just 0.16 km away from Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Western Wall Tunnel offers a unique experience, with its historical monuments, cathedrals, churches, temples, museums, and ruins.

Old City boasts a year-around average temperature of 17.7°C, peaking at 24.2°C in August, its warmest month, and dipping to an average low of 9.5°C in January, the coolest. Rainfall averages at 41.0mm annually, with January seeing the heaviest showers and May, June, July, August, September being the driest month.

Monthcalendar iconTemperature (Celcius)temperature iconRainfall (mm)rain icon
January9.5129.0
February10.0105.9
March13.385.1
April16.617.0
May20.50.0
June22.70.0
July24.00.0
August24.20.0
September22.80.0
October20.79.7
November16.562.0
December11.683.1

Top reasons to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque

  • Historical and Monumental Site: Al-Aqsa Mosque is a historical and monumental site in the Jerusalem District, showcasing the rich culture and heritage of the region.
  • Surrounded by Landmarks: The mosque is surrounded by captivating landmarks such as cathedrals, churches, temples, museums, and ruins, offering visitors a diverse range of attractions to explore.
  • Vibrant Shopping Scene: The area is known for its vibrant shopping scene, allowing tourists to indulge in shopping for unique souvenirs and immerse themselves in the local culture.
  • Ancient Ruins: Al-Aqsa Mosque is situated amidst ancient ruins, providing a glimpse into the past and allowing visitors to explore the rich history of the region.
  • Rich Cultural and Historical Experience: Al-Aqsa Mosque is a must-visit destination in Jerusalem, offering a rich cultural and historical experience that allows tourists to learn and appreciate the heritage of the region.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque info point: What you need to know

Category
Details
LocationAl-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem, Jerusalem District
ImportanceOne of the holiest sites in Islam
SignificanceThird holiest site in Islam, after Mecca and Medina
AccessRestricted access for non-Muslims, open to Muslims for prayer
Visiting HoursOpen for visitors during specific times, subject to security measures
Dress CodeModest attire is required, covering shoulders and knees
Prohibited ItemsNo alcohol, weapons, or non-Muslim religious items allowed
Historical SignificanceSite of the Prophet Muhammad's Night Journey, place of numerous historical events
Surrounding AttractionsDome of the Rock, Western Wall, Church of the Holy Sephuchre

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