Approach to the Dome of the Rock from entrance to the Temple Mount complex. There are nine gates to enter the Temple Mount, but only one open to non-Muslims.

Many think the Dome of the Rock is a mosque, but it is actually a shrine. The original structure was constructed between AD 688 and 691.

Sacred to both Jewish and Muslim faiths, the shrine covers a slab of rock believed to be where Abraham was about to sacrifice his son, Issac, and also where the prophet Mohammad purportedly made his ascension into Heaven to be with Allah.

The dome is covered with 80kg of gold, which was donated by King Hussein of Jordan at a cost of $8.2M USD.

The Temple Mount complex offers a very serene escape from the mayhem of the Old City crowded streets.

Management of the Temple Mount was restored to Muslim rule by order of Moshe Dayan after the 1967 six-day war.

All areas, arches, and nooks are covered in beautiful tile mosaics.

The octagon-shaped structure is covered in beautiful turquoise, cobalt blue, yellow, and white tiles with scriptures from the Qu'ran around the top.