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Al-Aqsa Mosque
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Landmark
Al-Aqsa Mosque is situated on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem and is considered the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. The original structure was completed in 705 CE by the Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid I, though it has been rebuilt several times following devastating earthquakes in the 8th and 11th centuries. The current mosque largely dates to the Fatimid renovation and subsequent eras, featuring a prominent lead-covered dome and a vast prayer hall supported by massive columns. Historically, Al-Aqsa served as the first qibla, the direction of prayer for Muslims, before it was changed to Mecca. The entire plateau, known in Islam as Haram al-Sharif, covers 14.4 hectares and includes the Dome of the Rock and numerous other religious monuments. The mosque remains a vital center for Islamic worship and a potent symbol of Palestinian heritage and national identity. Its preservation is a matter of significant international and regional concern due to its deep religious and political importance.
- Location: Israel
- Top sights: Al-Marwani Mosque · Bend in wall · Gichon Spring
- Nearby: Modi'in (27 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | 11 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 22 | 25 | 27 | 27 | 26 | 23 | 18 | 14 |
| Rain mm | 88 | 62 | 37 | 21 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 14 | 46 | 83 |
📋 Practical info
Visiting
The Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem is accessible to non-Muslims only during specific hours and after security checks. Entry is exclusively via the Mughrabi Bridge, and the interior of the mosque is typically closed to non-Muslim visitors.
Typical hours
Visiting hours for non-Muslims are heavily restricted, typically following a fixed schedule in the morning and late morning. On Fridays and Islamic holidays, access for non-Muslims is usually completely prohibited.
Photography
Photography is allowed throughout the Temple Mount compound, but not inside the mosque itself. Please respect worshippers and avoid taking photos of security personnel or checkpoints.
Time needed
Allow at least one hour for visiting the Temple Mount and viewing the mosque from the outside. Including waiting time at security checks, expect a total of about two hours.
Combine with
Combine your visit with the Western Wall, located directly below the Temple Mount and accessible at any time. The Via Dolorosa and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre are also just a few minutes' walk away.
Getting there
The nearest Jerusalem Light Rail station is 'Damascus Gate', from where it is about a ten-minute walk to the Mughrabi Gate. Bus lines 1, 2, and 38 also stop near Damascus Gate.
Insider tip
Arrive early in the morning, ideally around 7:30 AM, to avoid long queues at the security checkpoint. Dress modestly - covered shoulders and knees are mandatory for all visitors.
Geography
Facts
- The mosque was originally completed around 705 CE by the Umayyads.
- It is regarded as the third holiest site in the Islamic faith.
- The indoor prayer hall can accommodate approximately 5,000 worshippers.
- It served as the first qibla (direction of prayer) for Muslims.
- The entire Temple Mount site covers roughly 14.4 hectares (35 acres).
- Major reconstructions occurred after earthquakes in 746 and 1033 CE.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
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Sights in the town Al-Aqsa Mosque (6)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
Who can visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque?
The interior is mostly closed to non-Muslims.
Can you visit the compound?
Yes, visitor hours are very limited in the mornings.
Are there security checks?
Yes, strict checks at the entrances.
How should I dress appropriately?
Very conservative, with covered arms and legs.
What is nearby?
The Dome of the Rock and the Old City.
Al-Aqsa Mosque: where is it located?
Al-Aqsa Mosque is located in Israel.
Al-Aqsa Mosque: what is there to see?
Highlights include Al-Marwani Mosque, Bend in wall, Gichon Spring.
Al-Aqsa Mosque: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Oct.
Al-Aqsa Mosque: why is it worth visiting?
Al-Aqsa Mosque is situated on the Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem and is considered the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina.
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