Dome of the Rock

Floor plan and section dwg scale 1:100

The Dome of the Rock features an octagonal plan and a large golden dome towering above it. The structure is decorated with mosaics and ornaments that recall Byzantine and Persian styles, with geometric and floral motifs. The central rock, visible inside, is considered sacred: for Muslims, it is the place from which Muhammad ascended to heaven, while for Jews it is traditionally identified as the site of the Holy of Holies of Solomon’s Temple.

Architecture

The Dome of the Rock features an octagonal plan and a large golden dome towering above it. The structure is decorated with mosaics and ornaments that recall Byzantine and Persian styles, with geometric and floral motifs. The central rock, visible inside, is considered sacred: for Muslims, it is the place from which Muhammad ascended to heaven, while for Jews it is traditionally identified as the site of the Holy of Holies of Solomon’s Temple.

History

The site has a long history of religious significance. Prior to the construction of the dome, the Jewish Temple stood here, destroyed in 70 AD by the Romans. Over the centuries, the area has been contested by different religions and cultures.
After the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem, Abd al-Malik decided to build the dome to affirm the Islamic presence in the city. In 1099, during the First Crusade, it was converted into a church, but returned to being a Muslim place of worship with the reconquest by Saladin in 1187.

Cultural Significance

The Dome of the Rock is not only a symbol of the city of Jerusalem, but also an important symbol of Islam. It is part of the Temple Mount complex, which is venerated by both Muslims and Jews, making it a place of great importance and also of political tension.

Today, the Dome of the Rock continues to be an important place of pilgrimage and one of the most visited tourist attractions in Jerusalem, attracting visitors from all over the world because of its beauty and historical significance.