The Al-Aqsa Mosque

Despite its great fame, the Al-Aqsa Mosque is only one of a few mosques and religious centers that are found in Jerusalem’s Temple Mount area. The mosque was first built out of wood and only after years it was rebuilt out of stone. Its original construction date is unknown but the assumption is that it has been there for about 1,500 years or more. The Al-Aqsa Mosque, considered to be one of the most important ones in the Islamic world, has gone through a few changes and the structure as it looks today was probably built in 1035. Many recognize the location of the Al-Aqsa Mosque as that in which the First Jewish Temple stood before. The huge Al-Aqsa Mosque can host thousands of worshipers and it magnificently combines together several architectural styles. However, differently from other mosques, the Al-Aqsa Mosque does not have a minaret. The Al-Aqsa Mosque is located in the southern part of the Temple Mount, next to Solomon's Stables. As this is a politically sensitive area, you should check how things are at the specific time before your arrival. The entrance into the Al-Aqsa Mosque is allowed to Muslims only.