Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Dome
The dome was originally made
of copper but is now covered
with gold leaf thanks to the
financial support of the late
King Hussein of Jordan.
.
Interior of Dome
The dazzling interior of the cupola has
elaborate floral decoration as well as
various inscriptions. The large text
commemorates Saladin, who spon-
sored restoration work on the building.
Green and gold
mosaics
create a scin-
tillating effect on the
walls below the dome.
Outer
ambulatory
Well of Souls
This staircase leads down to
a chamber under the Rock
known as the Well of Souls.
The dead are said to meet
here twice a month to pray.
Stained-glass
window
The Rock
The Rock is variously
believed to be where
Abraham was asked to
sacrifice Isaac, where
Muhammad left the
Earth on his Night
Journey
(see p27)
,
and the site of the Holy
of Holies of Herod's
Temple
(see pp44-5)
.
Each outer wall
is
20.4 m (67 ft) long.
This exactly matches
the dome's diameter
and its height from
the base of the drum.
South entrance
Geometric tiling and verses from the Quran on the exterior of the Dome of the Rock
